[uberburger101]

 
Quote:

$30-40 seems about right for a GE TMBP. The Sylvania Black Plates are the best I heard for the Mapletree but they're almost twice as expensive and only slightly better.

 
I have to agree. The Sylvanias I had were more refined but the GE TMBP had more punch to it. I preferred the dynamic range of the GE and that's why I sold off the Sylvania. Luckily the Ear+ HD only needs one tube. Pretty inexpensive to tube roll. 

 

[MacedonianHero]

 
Quote:

 
 
I have to agree. The Sylvanias I had were more refined but the GE TMBP had more punch to it. I preferred the dynamic range of the GE and that's why I sold off the Sylvania. Luckily the Ear+ HD only needs one tube. Pretty inexpensive to tube roll. 

 
My favourite tubes with my (now sold) Ear+HD was the Sylvania black plate triple mica. Simply an outstanding tube.

 

[uberburger101]

 
Quote:

 
 
My favourite tubes with my (now sold) Ear+HD was the Sylvania black plate triple mica. Simply an outstanding tube.

 
Glad they weren't my thing at the time. A little too pricey for a 5751. 

 

[goohsm]

whats the difference between HD and purist HD?
is one better than the other one?

 

[tme110]

the amp has had several names as it improved through the years.  The current version is the Ear + HD.  Purest is just an older model.
 

 

[goohsm]

Quote:

the amp has had several names as it improved through the years.  The current version is the Ear + HD.  Purest is just an older model.
 

thank

 

[francoamerican]

I received my new  Ear+ HD Super 2.  Sounds awesome, of course.  
 
Here is the amp chassis
 

 
Here is a picture of the guts of the actual amp chassis.  
 

 

[tme110]

nice
 

 

[francoamerican]

Power Supply
 

 

[francoamerican]

I have an idea (perhaps is well trod.. ) as to why the mapletree ear seems to be considered the best all tube (excluding rectification) headphone amp for grado.  
 
Of the non-hybrid tube amps I am aware of, the mapletree has by far the lowest output impedance:
 

1. 1.3 ohms for the Super 2.   
2. 7 ohms for the Ear+HD 
3. 28 ohm out for the DNA sonett 
4.  ~15 ohm (per ken rockwell's measurements) perhaps 32 ohm per other interactions people have had with Woo ( http://www.head-fi.org/t/428570/woo-audio-amp-owner-unite/15540#post_7881302 )

 
Per the discussion of headphone impedance on head-fi http://www.head-fi.org/a/headphone-impedance you want at least a 10 to 1 ratio between headphone and amp.
 
Now I know by sound all of those other amps are supposed to sound great (haven't heard them,) but anyway this is my observation of the circumstances on paper.
 
Am I way off base here?
 
thanks

 

[jtinto]

The blue looks great

 

[goohsm]

so i have rs-1 and just received a mad ear+ hd used
i notice that the sound quality is only good before 11 oclock volume
the punchy bass doesnt seem to increase after 9~10 oclock volume
is this normal? or do i have to upgrade the tubes?

 

[diego]

The tubes might not have enough life left. In any case, it's a good idea to have an extra set of tubes, it helps you troubleshoot and sooner or later you will need them anyway.
 
Diego

 

[tme110]

I don't remember ever having that issue.  But I don't think I'd ever go past 9 or 10 with RS-1's installed anyway - but it still doesn't sound right...???
 

 

[goohsm]

Quote:

I don't remember ever having that issue.  But I don't think I'd ever go past 9 or 10 with RS-1's installed anyway - but it still doesn't sound right...???
 

it sounds excellent
i think my rs1 sounds more clear and fast on schiit asgard
and it sounds more watery or airy and comfortable
everyone says mad ear+ hd is the best amp for rs1 but sometimes i like asgard better
i want to try woo audio 2 sometime
wa2 seems like a better function as preamp than mad ear as well