coolfungadget
100+ Head-Fier
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- Aug 6, 2009
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One more reason for the changes on the original model...is that we don't want this product to be thought as a low cost clone of the BCL.
Yup, I kinda agree burn in for vast amounts of hours is bordering on rubbish, but I don't want to come to a conclusion on that. I do believe that drivers need some time to really kick in, but how much is the question and I don't think it takes an absurd amount of hours. Just think of it in the case of a shoe that needs some breaking in.
I'm in total agreement with you on the 702s though and I love 'em; only problem I'm facing at the moment is the headband. lol
oh and a recommendation on a DAC would be most welcome I'm still running stuff out of the D10 but I'd prefer if I didn't use a portable source as the DAC at the end of it all.
I don't know of any good amp that is using a transformer like that. Also, I'm not sure why Lehmann wold not have implemented these changes already if they really improved the sound. My guess is that these are cost cutting measures pure and simple. All the good amps I know are using the large open transformers. This looks cheaper to me.
So do Meier Audio amps
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/meier3/3.jpg
The transformer just steps down your mains voltage to something usable. As long as it supplies proper voltage, keeping those giant capacitors filled and does not introduce noise it should be fine.
Take this for what you will though, I'm not an electrical engineer.
It's a encapsulated torodial like this one:
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=TE2265-ND
http://media.digikey.com/photos/AlfaMag%20Electronics%20Photos/L01-6373.JPG
I think this is being taken way out of proportion. All the transformer does is take the voltage from your wall plug and step it down to a value that is smaller and won't fry the electronics in the amp.
If it's the US model then 110/120V AC from your wall outlet goes in and 15V AC comes out.
All transformers generate some measure of electric field when they operate. Encapsulated transformers are suppose to be less mechanically and electrically noisy than the normal open type so you can mount them close to sensitive electronics.
Most manufacturers put their transformers in the same box but if you go into the DIY forum you will see the most head-fi'ers puts their transformers in a separate box, probably audiophile overkill but it's just double insurance.
From all the reviews here, eletromagnetic interference and noise wasn't a problem at all with this amp even with the old open transformer in the same box.
The physical size of the transformer doesn't matter as much as it's output. The amp itself draws the power it needs from those two big capacitors which act as storage and reserves. What makes the BCL interesting is that those caps are huge, 2 x 4700uF, probably way bigger than any headphone really requires. In fact I bet that if you unplug the amp in the middle of playing a song it will probably keep playing for a few seconds until those caps drain.
I ordered the M stage from coolfungadget a little over a day ago. Haven't heard anything yet. Does anyone know how long it usually takes to ship? Also how does this amp sound with the Grado RS1i and DacMagic?
About a week.
How do you like those ATH M50's? I'm thinking of getting them for some budget closed cans.
About a week.
How do you like those ATH M50's? I'm thinking of getting them for some budget closed cans.
I'm lucky, never found the headband to be uncomfortable at all (I do have a full and thick head of hair though, at least on top--keep my sides/back shorter...actually my hair on top is only 2 to 3 inches long, but it is thick).
Sorry, I can't give you a recommendation on a DAC, I quit researching them once I bought my DAC Magic (I'm not like a lot of others who keep looking to "upgrade" or try new stuff...at least if I'm totally satisfied with a product; I see no reason to try any other DAC, less or more costly, at all at this point).
But from casual looking around it just seems that for $200 to $300 you can get a DAC that a year or two ago would have cost $300 to $500. Prices have come down. There seems to be some good and objective reviews of some DACs here though (including the Matrix Mini--sounds too warm for my taste...it was briefly compared to the DAC Magic):
http://www.headfonia.com/?page_id=3032