[conquerator2]

  Maxvla pretty much captured it - that all applies to the HPA-2 as well. It's really a satisfying sound with the LM49720. Keep in mind the regular, non-USB version still comes stock with the same OPA2134. So if you aren't big on opening a case and swapping opamps (really, it's quite simple), the USB version has that added bonus for the small price difference. 
 
 
EDIT btw I'm almost done messing with this loaner and then I'll get it out to you Maxvla. Should be mid week or so. 

Thanks, so you say the DAC is fine? If yes, then the M-Stage USB it is.

 

[conquerator2]

Pulled the trigger on the 2014's M-Stage with the DAC module. The first headphone used with it will be the K612 Pros, among others will be the Sony MA900, Philips X1 and AT W1000Xs.
Will report back :]

 

[elwappo99]

  Pulled the trigger on the 2014's M-Stage with the DAC module. The first headphone used with it will be the K612 Pros, among others will be the Sony MA900, Philips X1 and AT W1000Xs.
Will report back :]

 
Very interested in the K612 impressions. I owned the K601 way back, and the K612 have been in my sights 

 

[conquerator2]

Very interested in the K612 impressions. I owned the K601 way back, and the K612 have been in my sights 

Very preliminary impressions in the AKG K702 (The Classic) vs. K612 Pro (The Upstart) – Review and Comparison thread, page 7.
Though I have a feeling that once the Matrix is here all my headphones will further improve, more so the K612
For what it's worth, the K612 being my first AKG headphone, I am impressed!
I'll report back when I have the Mstage

 

[zting]

Received my mstage hpa2 today, and my impression of it within the first hour can be found here:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/693278/2014-matrix-mstage-hpa2#post_10142051

 

[conquerator2]

Received my mstage hpa2 today, and my impression of it within the first hour can be found here:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/693278/2014-matrix-mstage-hpa2#post_10142051

I am getting the USB version with the better op amp though.
Since the regular hpa 2 has the same op amp as the older M-Stage. The op amp is kinda meh and the LME49720 should be noticeably better.

Looking forward to other impressions (if they precede my own obviously xD)

 

[zting]

I am getting the USB version with the better op amp though.
Since the regular hpa 2 has the same op amp as the older M-Stage. The op amp is kinda meh and the LME49720 should be noticeably better.

Looking forward to other impressions (if they precede my own obviously xD)

does this mean i bought the wrong version of the matrix mstage 0_0....
 
I was pretty disappointed with my hpa2. I thought it would help with the sound but anyway... i asked my friend to tried both and he too found the mdac to sound better   .....

 

[Maxvla]

You can always change the opamp yourself. It's very simple, and the opamps are usually just a few dollars.

 

[Chris J]

  does this mean i bought the wrong version of the matrix mstage 0_0....
 
I was pretty disappointed with my hpa2. I thought it would help with the sound but anyway... i asked my friend to tried both and he too found the mdac to sound better   .....

 
You can try changing the Op Amp.
As Maxvla pointed out, the replacement Op Amp is cheap, but it will not make a huge difference.

 

[chicolom]

   
You can try changing the Op Amp.
As Maxvla pointed out, the replacement Op Amp is cheap, but it will not make a huge difference.

 
x2

 

[Chodi]

It's been pointed out several times in this thread that the Matrix M Stage is a great value as an amp but their dac version is bare bones and not that great. 

 

[project86]

  It's been pointed out several times in this thread that the Matrix M Stage is a great value as an amp but their dac version is bare bones and not that great. 

 
 
I agree about the original model, but I actually think this new DAC is quite respectable. I compared it directly to the Audinst HUD-mx2 ($250) and it was very close, with the M-Stage actually doing some things better. That XMOS solution is cheap and really good. 

 

[BournePerfect]

Isn't the M-dac in a completely different price class, and apple to oranges all around? Also-XMOS rocks-it's the main USB method that my SBT loves.
 
John-from strictly an amp perspective-how does the HPA-2 compare to the original, assuming the same opamp is used?
 
-Daniel

 

[conquerator2]

   
 
I agree about the original model, but I actually think this new DAC is quite respectable. I compared it directly to the Audinst HUD-mx2 ($250) and it was very close, with the M-Stage actually doing some things better. That XMOS solution is cheap and really good. 

But it is noticeably better than the Audinst as a standalone amp, correct?

 

[conquerator2]

  Isn't the M-dac in a completely different price class, and apple to oranges all around? Also-XMOS rocks-it's the main USB method that my SBT loves.
 
John-from strictly an amp perspective-how does the HPA-2 compare to the original, assuming the same opamp is used?
 
-Daniel

I imagine they'd be very similar.
Is it true though that the HPA-2 no longer has a gain switch? That seems kinda like a bummer to me...
Nvm, seems like there is at the bottom [much like with the old one] the guy who posted that impression above probably just missed it...
Can't wait, should arrive by Friday!