[sxr71]

Has anyone listened to both amps? If so, can you offer any comparisons?

 

[Pete7]

I had an M^3 for 3 weeks, and I'd definitely preferred it as a home amp to my Larocco PR II. The M^3 was very smooth and took away the edge to bright cans like RS-1's and CD-3000's, which the PR II didn't seem capable of. Then again, my PR II has to go in for repair for a defective buffer. It didn't exhibit symptoms(low battery life), but was incompatible with certain op-amps that it should've been compatible with( OPA 627/637, LT1028) and PPL concluded that the buffer must've been defective, like some of the others in the "Christmas" batch. Not sure if this affected the sound, but in all likelihood it had to, so it's probably not a fair comparison.

 

[sxr71]

Thanks for your impressions. Maybe some other op-amps may bring you the smoothness you need for your RS-1s and CD3000.

I hope it sounds up to the M^3 after it comes back from repair.

I wonder if mine has the same problem as I got mine in early January.

 

[Pete7]

Check the battery life. It's supposed to get 15-18 hours from a full charge. When I tested mine, it got 12. Supposedly, if it gets less than 10 that's a symptom, so I hoped mine was okay. It wasn't.

 

[fkclo]

I just completed the 300 hours burn-in of my PRII (with Black Gate caps upgrade). Upon serious listening, I would say the PRII is so far the smoothest portable amp I have, more so that SM3v6 (with SA5534+Buffers). It is also very detailed and I would rank it as my best portable / transportable amp in my collection (at least until my SM3v6 Max Out module arrives).

FWIW, with fully charged 200mAHr 9V batteries, I get 12 - 15 hours - depending on volume setting.

F Lo

 

[Lsportline43]

I too would want to see a comparison between the two amps.

 

[Pete7]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lsportline43 I too would want to see a comparison between the two amps.

Yeah, but the Larocco PR II has to have OPA627's installed, in the interest of fairness.

 

[Lsportline43]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete7 Yeah, but the Larocco PR II has to have OPA627's installed, in the interest of fairness.

Does the LaRocco sound different with battery power and wall outlet power?

 

[Echopac]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lsportline43 Does the LaRocco sound different with battery power and wall outlet power?

Mine does not, I'm using the reccomended Elpac adapter. Phones ER-4P w/S adapter and HD555's

 

[Lsportline43]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Echopac Mine does not, I'm using the reccomended Elpac adapter. Phones ER-4P w/S adapter and HD555's

Does this Elpac adapter come with the LaRocco? How much is it if it doesn't come with the Pocket Reference II?

 

[Echopac]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lsportline43 Does this Elpac adapter come with the LaRocco? How much is it if it doesn't come with the Pocket Reference II?

No, does not come with the amp, I purchased from Allied Electronics, here is the part number, cost+tax+freight. Phil and Larry have been talking about a dedicated power supply to match with the amp, but other projects have taken a priority for now, maybe some time in the not too distant future.

879-0011 WM1024-760 (EA) 25.680 25.68

Tax: 1.31
Freight: 6.32

Shipment Total: 33.31

 

[Lsportline43]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Echopac No, does not come with the amp, I purchased from Allied Electronics, here is the part number, cost+tax+freight. Phil and Larry have been talking about a dedicated power supply to match with the amp, but other projects have taken a priority for now, maybe some time in the not too distant future. 879-0011 WM1024-760 (EA) 25.680 25.68 Tax: 1.31 Freight: 6.32 Shipment Total: 33.31

Thanks for the info.

 

[fkclo]

Actually, I am considering using PSU1 from Graham Slee, which is the dedicated power supply to upgrade the Solo Intro to Solo Monitor Class as a power source for PRII.

The specification seems to fit nicely. It is pretty expensive (almost US$300). Wonders if this will bring the same quantum jump in sonic qualities as to other Graham's highly acclaimed products ?

Any one can shed some light ?

F. Lo

 

[sxr71]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fkclo Actually, I am considering using PSU1 from Graham Slee, which is the dedicated power supply to upgrade the Solo Intro to Solo Monitor Class as a power source for PRII. The specification seems to fit nicely. It is pretty expensive (almost US$300). Wonders if this will bring the same quantum jump in sonic qualities as to other Graham's highly acclaimed products ? Any one can shed some light ? F. Lo

At that price, I'd rather go for: http://www.dact.com/html/ct102_vs_batteries.html

http://www.diycable.com/main/product...roducts_id=463

However I think you can do batteries for cheaper and get similar performance, even they claim that batteries are the ultimate in quietness. They were using alkalines for their comparison, if you use low impedence Ni-Cds, then you can get that kind of performance from batteries for cheaper.

Also read this: http://tangentsoft.net/audio/opamp-ps.html

 

[fkclo]

Thanks for the very interesting (and educational for me) information. Does the CT102 comes with a casing ? It looks very sexy and professional, although the design is only up to 20V DC.

Will be contacting DACT for my information.

Thanks for the good lead.

F . Lo