Little Dot 2++ or Lunch Box II ???

[Jazic]

They are both around the same price of $200 shipped give or take a few bucks.

Ya I could find better, ya I could find cheaper, ya I could do lots of things.

I'm new to the scene and just trying to find a decent tube amp for around that price range $200ish. NOT $300 Not $100!

The only pair of cans I have are the HD650's that are going unused because they sound weak w/o an amp and I know thats what I need to fix it.

Quick comparison of numbers the LBII puts out 240mW into 300Ohms and the LD2++ puts out 300mW into 300Ohms. Does that matter? Anyone of experiences with both or one or the other?

Thanks for the input and sorry if I sound like a smart ass. Most people never read beyond the first 2 lines anyways.

 

[Jazic]

Err possibly a DarkVoice 336 as well? Ugh idk so many amps out there....

 

[Dept_of_Alchemy]

Never heard the lunchbox but there's probably a reason why the LDII is so popular here while the lunchbox is rarely talked about.

Of course, the reason might very well has less to do with sonics than the fact that the LDII is much better looking than the lunchbox (which looks like a lunchbox for some reason).

Like I said, I haven't heard the lunchbox, but I do own both the LDII+ and the LDII++ and I think HD650 sounds great out of the LD although some might consider the sound too warm or too slow. I've listened to the HeadFive in the same price range and liked its solid state dynamics (the two amps sound very different), although it's more a matter of taste between the two.

 

[lamb]

I haven't heard of Lunch Box II too..... any pics?

 

[creeky]

Have not tried the lunchbox amp myself so I cannot comment on that however I have tried both the LDII and the DV336i. Contrary to popular opinion on this board I didn't really think much of the LDII. The one I had sounded really poor, the sound was muffled and lacked any bite, when the volume was turned up things got worse and the music was lost amongst a mass of noise. It had a lot of other problems also, it was extremely microphonic so much so if I put it on the same table as my computer it picked up the HD seek noise through the headphones, there was a channel imbalance (Left was quieter than the right) and the case got so hot you could fry an egg on top! I cannot comment on the newer revisions of the amp nor will I ever try one as the one I had left a bad taste in my mouth.

Onto the Darkvoice. First listening impressions were good, no hiss or hum. The sound was clear, the bass didn't sound overdone and the highs were smooth. In operation the case gets very warm however never to the point it's too hot to touch and the tubes are no where near as microphonic as the ones that were in my LDII.

With all of the amps you have listed above I would recommend looking into the tubes they use. One of the advantages of a tube amplifier is the ability to customise the sound to your liking by trying out a few different tubes, the LDII I had didn't offer much potential in that department as the tubes it used were fairly uncommon.

 

[blessingx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dept_of_Alchemy /img/forum/go_quote.gif Never heard the lunchbox but there's probably a reason why the LDII is so popular here while the lunchbox is rarely talked about. Of course, the reason might very well has less to do with sonics than the fact that the LDII is much better looking than the lunchbox (which looks like a lunchbox for some reason).

The Lunchbox is talked about pretty often, but it's distribution is much less. You're unlikely to buy a Lunchbox off eBay, etc. As for the Lunchbox II, I doubt many have heard it, but I'm curious. If you end up only using a HD650 you may even be able to get a Lunchbox I on the cheap used as some may upgrade.

 

[vcoheda]

the LD2++ is a solid little tube amp. i think it sounds very good, and most people who listened to my amp were surprised how good it sounded, considering it's low price point. there are a few tube rolling options as well.

if you are in the market for an entry level tube amp, this is one to consider.

 

[John D.]

I agree

Little Dot ll ++ is an excellent amp for it's price point.
I enjoy listening to this amp every day

JD

 

[Petyot]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dept_of_Alchemy /img/forum/go_quote.gif Of course, the reason might very well has less to do with sonics than the fact that the LDII is much better looking than the lunchbox (which looks like a lunchbox for some reason).

I must admit that the look of an amp is a factor that can influence my choice...

 

[Hoppergrass]

i'm surprised you guys haven't heard of the lunchbox. i haven't heard it myself but from lots of reading here i know it has a pretty darn good reputation.

 

[penguindude]

Isnt the lunchbox supposed to be only good with high-impedance headphones?

 

[Jazic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by penguindude /img/forum/go_quote.gif Isnt the lunchbox supposed to be only good with high-impedance headphones?

Yea but the Lunchbox II has a switch between lower ohm headphones like Grado's and between higher ohm rated like HD650's.

I think I may try the Lunchbox II and a DV later on. I do plan on at least trying a handful of amps if nothing but the sub 500 range ones till I find one that suites my ears. I also do plan on grabbing a pair of Grado's down the road.

 

[0V3RC10CK3D]

Where do you order the "LittleDot II ++" and the DarkVoice 336 from? I found Eddie Currents site.

 

[Jazic]

Darkvoice is primarily from Ebay. Shipped overseas from China.

As for the LittleDotII++ I had the site but lost it in the mix. As for a familiar retailer no idea...

 

[dizzyorange]

I'd pick the Lunchbox II.