Massdrop x THX AAA™ 789 Linear Amplifier - Impressions Thread

[tyk103]

Anyone notice a difference in headphone output power between the XLR balanced inputs and the singled ended RCAs?

 

[geoffalter11]

Anyone notice a difference in headphone output power between the XLR balanced inputs and the singled ended RCAs?

No. But a huge difference between headphone outputs.

 

[NickT23]

My 789 quit working and I jumped on the $150 THX One on drop immediately. I absolutely love the One. The compact size makes it feel more substantial in the hand and it doesn't have the lame power brick of the 789. In my estimation it's a better looking unit too. It's a win all the way around unless you absolutely need balanced/more power.

Hello, I have my own 789 and dint work after a year of not using because using other expensive amp. I immediately bought another Massdrop variant 789 just for the sake of aesthetic and nostalgia. Paid $300 for everything.

 

[NickT23]

I’m sorry that has happened to you. Honestly, no idea. I never found the 789 to be shouty, but I did always find it to be dry and lifeless. It is a pretty simple and well built design. I doubt anything has happened to the amp. Other than perhaps your tastes are changing.

Yes could be and especially could be the headphone itself. Linear amp reveal brightness tone of the headphone.

 

[tyk103]

Hello, I have my own 789 and dint work after a year of not using because using other expensive amp. I immediately bought another Massdrop variant 789 just for the sake of aesthetic and nostalgia. Paid $300 for everything.

Would have sold you mine haha.

 

[NickT23]

Would have sold you mine haha.

What do you mean ? Either way, am only interested in "Massdrop"

 

[tyk103]

What do you mean ? Either way, am only interested in "Massdrop"

What I meant was that I have a Massdrop (now Drop so I have the newer logo).

 

[NickT23]

What I meant was that I have a Massdrop (now Drop so I have the newer logo).

Right past tense. Why sell Massdrop ones again ? I forgot ...

 

[NickT23]

Hi, question below ? Just wondering if THX 789 can use aftermarket lpsu.

Does the THX 789 current power supply unit of the Massdrop 24Volt with 3A or less?
Does the THX 789 have a 2.5mm DC barrel plug?
Does the THX 789 have a centre-positive polarity?

 

[bcaulf17]

This might be a dumb question, but I'm getting a Topping E50 and plan on hooking it up to the balanced outputs of the THX 789, so I can run both the amp and DAC balanced. I also want to leave the SE RCA outputs plugged in if I ever want to use single ended headphones. My question is, should I be using the E50 to toggle between balanced and SE RCA outputs from the 789? I want to ensure that it's running primarily off of the XLR on the 789, not the single ended. What does the Input button do on the 789?

Also, let's say I have only the XLR/balanced outputs connected, but try to use a single ended headphone out of the 789. Does that work? Or would only the XLR/balanced input (using balanced headphones) work in that case?

 

[Povell42]

This might be a dumb question, but I'm getting a Topping E50 and plan on hooking it up to the balanced outputs of the THX 789, so I can run both the amp and DAC balanced. I also want to leave the SE RCA outputs plugged in if I ever want to use single ended headphones. My question is, should I be using the E50 to toggle between balanced and SE RCA outputs from the 789? I want to ensure that it's running primarily off of the XLR on the 789, not the single ended. What does the Input button do on the 789?

Also, let's say I have only the XLR/balanced outputs connected, but try to use a single ended headphone out of the 789. Does that work? Or would only the XLR/balanced input (using balanced headphones) work in that case?

I think you meant to say that you want to use the the balanced output of the E50 to the balanced input on the 789, correct?
You are able to use all the headphone outputs - balanced and SE - with just the balanced inputs being the source. No need to have 2 inputs on the 789, unless you have a second SE DAC source you want hooked up as well.
The input button will swap between the two inputs, balance and SE.

 

[bcaulf17]

I think you meant to say that you want to use the the balanced output of the E50 to the balanced input on the 789, correct?
You are able to use all the headphone outputs - balanced and SE - with just the balanced inputs being the source. No need to have 2 inputs on the 789, unless you have a second SE DAC source you want hooked up as well.
The input button will swap between the two inputs, balance and SE.

Oh I see what you're saying. So I have no need to keep the SE RCA cords plugged in between the 789 and E50, and can still run a headphone into the SE input of the 789?

Basically, I want to use the Balanced headphone plug of the THX 789 for my Focal Clear, because I can use an XLR cable with it. But I have an EMU Ebony that is more sensitive and has a fixed 3.5mm cable, so if I ever want to drive that with the 789 I can only use the SE input. At the same time with the E50 I have the ability to pair the E50 with the 789 using TRS to XLR connectors. I thought I wouldn't be able to run a headphone single ended when the 789/E50 were connected balanced.

 

[Zbell]

Oh I see what you're saying. So I have no need to keep the SE RCA cords plugged in between the 789 and E50, and can still run a headphone into the SE input of the 789?

Basically, I want to use the Balanced headphone plug of the THX 789 for my Focal Clear, because I can use an XLR cable with it. But I have an EMU Ebony that is more sensitive and has a fixed 3.5mm cable, so if I ever want to drive that with the 789 I can only use the SE input. At the same time with the E50 I have the ability to pair the E50 with the 789 using TRS to XLR connectors. I thought I wouldn't be able to run a headphone single ended when the 789/E50 were connected balanced.

You can use the balanced out from e50 to balanced input on 789 and still use the EMU with the SE output on the 789. The 789 will turn that balanced signal to unbalanced automatically when using the SE jack. You don't need any rca cables, just a balanced xlr connection between dac and amp and you can still use both the output headphone jacks.

 

[bcaulf17]

You can use the balanced out from e50 to balanced input on 789 and still use the EMU with the SE output on the 789. The 789 will turn that balanced signal to unbalanced automatically when using the SE jack. You don't need any rca cables, just a balanced xlr connection between dac and amp and you can still use both the output headphone jacks.

Appreciate the help!

 

[NickT23]

Hi, question below ? Just wondering if THX 789 can use aftermarket lpsu.

Does the THX 789 current power supply unit of the Massdrop 24Volt with 3A or less?
Does the THX 789 have a 2.5mm DC barrel plug?
Does the THX 789 have a centre-positive polarity?

Hi, anyone ???