[dryvadeum]

Quote:

^^ agreed. I have got one brief audition with the violectric. The lyr is still my go to amp though.

What sound signature do both amps have? I like a clean, neutral transparent sound with good bass impact.

 

[M-13]

Hmm... so it may be that you haven't heard the HE-500 close to full potential? Assuming the Glacier isn't the best pairing. Or maybe it is I don't know. I had the Lyr when I had the HE-500, so if the MD can come to even 90% of that sound quality I'll be blown off my feet. My Darth Dogs come in on Wednesday, so I'm looking forward to it.
 
I'm thinking about rebuying the HE-500 + Emotiva Mini-X, and also getting the Concero as the Dac. I guess the MD will let me know whether I need to do this or not.
 
Quote:

For me it's the fact I haven't heard a good desktop amp so I'm happy with what I have.

 

[dryvadeum]

Quote:

Hmm... so it may be that you haven't heard the HE-500 close to full potential? Assuming the Glacier isn't the best pairing. Or maybe it is I don't know. I had the Lyr when I had the HE-500, so if the MD can come to even 90% of that sound quality I'll be blown off my feet. My Darth Dogs come in on Wednesday, so I'm looking forward to it.
 
I'm thinking about rebuying the HE-500 + Emotiva Mini-X, and also getting the Concero as the Dac. I guess the MD will let me know whether I need to do this or not.
 

Yeah, I guess I haven't heard the HE 500's at their full potential but even so I didn't warm to their sound signature as it lacked the energy required by some of my music. For vocals they're awesome. I prefer the bass on the MD's - it seems to respond well to EQ boosting. 
 
I'm looking at buying a desktop amp to drive the MD's but not sure which will have the best synergy.

 

[Kamakahah]

So a while back we were discussing stands for the MDs, and 6 weeks ago I joined the Massdrop for the Omega style zebra wood stands. Here it is.





Fits perfectly and doesn't squish the alpha pads as I had worried this style might. Very happy with it for the 35$ it cost me.

 

[Impulse]

Damn nice for $35, it doesn't stretch them too much? I guess any stretch that's lesser than what they'll stretch to over your head wouldn't matter anyway... The acrylic one Brainwavz sells for $25 might be a bit narrower but it doesn't look nearly as cool.

 

[jibzilla]

if you have the time to look for a used just audio aha-120 you will have a portable amp that can compete with desktop offerings otherwise just go desktop.

 

[MattTCG]

Quote:

What sound signature do both amps have? I like a clean, neutral transparent sound with good bass impact.

 
The Violectric seemed more neutral while the lyr bass more body and bass impact. I think that you're looking for the lyr. You can often find them used for about $350 which is an outstanding bargain for an amp of this quality. 

 

[dryvadeum]

The Violectric seemed more neutral while the lyr bass more body and bass impact. I think that you're looking for the lyr. You can often find them used for about $350 which is an outstanding bargain for an amp of this quality. 

Is the Lyr warm sounding? I want something neutral and transparent to drive the MD's.

 

[MattTCG]

At stock, I'd call the lyr slightly warm. Of course, the flavor will come from the tubes installed. The lyr can sound significantly different based on the tubes you're using. The stock GE's for instance have a bit of sparkle on the top and a touch more bass slam with the MD's. 

 

[sonitus mirus]

This is the reason I stay away from tube amps. I want something that increases the volume level, but is audibly transparent. In my opininion, if you hear differences with an amp, the amp is coloring the sound.

 

[dryvadeum]

if you have the time to look for a used just audio aha-120 you will have a portable amp that can compete with desktop offerings otherwise just go desktop.

The Just Audio looks very appealing. Can it compete with the Lyr or Violectric V90 though?

 

[bluemonkeyflyer]

Quote:

Thanks! Definitely what I was looking for. Yeah, the tube-rolling business is a bit intimidating to me. $100 tubes! I didn't know tubes went that high! But that's a subject for the other thread, I suppose. 
 
I basically agree with your judgment. As a college student, I'm pretty damn spoiled with the setup I have (my dad loves gadgets, so it's a mutual infatuation), and so I think I'll be happy for a while. The allure of an open headphone is just hovering over my head, but I'll get over it. 

 
Take a look at Project Sunrise II Amps. They perform far above their price point and sound amazing, IMO. There are many low cost tubes ranging from $25 to $50 that sound great in this amp. PM me if you want some recommendations and go HERE for detailed Project Sunrise II tube rolling posts. Pair the Project Sunrise II Amp with an ODAC or Modi for an excellent low cost combo for around $350.

 

[preproman]

Quote:

The Just Audio looks very appealing. Can it compete with the Lyr or Violectric V90 though?

 
 
Also available is a really great deal.  Check my for sale sig.  
 
With that I'm giving away a free DacMagic and a Free V-Link if needed.  With USB / Coax / and a pair of XLR cables.

 

[jazzerdave]

Quote:

This is the reason I stay away from tube amps. I want something that increases the volume level, but is audibly transparent. In my opininion, if you hear differences with an amp, the amp is coloring the sound.

 
The most transparent amps I've ever heard in my life have been tube amps (in speaker systems).  While ultimate transparency isn't really my ultimate goal, it's quite possible to achieve it with tube amps.  That being said, I don't for one minute believe that it's easier for the consumer to get good transparency with tube amps.

 

[wolfetan44]

Quote:

This is the reason I stay away from tube amps. I want something that increases the volume level, but is audibly transparent. In my opininion, if you hear differences with an amp, the amp is coloring the sound.

What if you like the amps coloring?