Canman
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- May 13, 2003
- Posts
- 3,667
- Likes
- 14
Quote:
The Ack is also an excellent DAC. I would think any portable DAC would have a tough time competing with it.
The M3 is a great amp and seems to be very competitive to other solid state offerings, particularly for its price. I preferred the Headamp GS-1 and the Singlepower solid state amp to the M3, but honestly there wasn't that much difference with a short listen.
Headroom:
I didn't listen to the Headroom Coda/Overture, but I did check out the Max with the new reference module. Very smooth, this is one of the best solid state amps and continuously underrated.
Qualia:
I found out that the strange soundstage is improved by moving the headphone around and finding the correct position on your ear. Still, the Qualia still hasn't grabbed me. Considering how long it took for the R10 to take its effect on me, I am not discounting the Qualia. Someone just needs to send me theirs so I can listen at home. Size small please.
Hirsch's Singlepower SDS:
This beast continues to improve and is a champ with the R10. It grabs the R10 by the balls and shakes some serious bass out of it.
Singlepower Solid State amp and PPX3 SLAM:
The solid state amp shows some serious promise. Looking forward to another listen. The PPX3 SLAM is another amp that grabs your headphone by the balls. It is a higher power version of the PPX3 with an interesting feedback dial. This is the
basshead's amplifier.
Headamp AE-1:
Finally a portable that has what I am looking for. Internal Li-Ion rechargeables in a stylish machined case with both RCA and mini jack inputs. The sound is promising but not quite as full in the bottom end as the GS-1:
Headamp GS-1:
Justin's designs continue to get more and more professional as witnessed by the GS-1 and the AE-1. The GS-1 looks like a larger Gilmore Lite. The GS-1 is essentially an update to the V2 with a redesigned regulated power supply and modular dynalo boards. It has a warmer sound than the V2 and happens to be an excellent amp all around. Definitely my choice in the under $1,000 solid state category.
Sennheiser HE-60/KGSS:
The 'baby orpheus' is always a crowd pleaser due to it's clarity and airiness while maintaining a natural sound. This headphone rocks too but not quite as smooth or three dimensional as the Omega 2. It's too bad the HEV-70 amp sucks but this headphone competes with the best on a Stax amp or KGSS.
Stevieo's speakers:
The Klipsch's woke up the neighbors - I forgot why speakers kick ass when it comes to bass. These things were sweet with some Dream Theater. Steve, how old is your daughter?
| Originally Posted by immtbiker I was comparing the Coda/Overture to the M3/Ack Dac combos, using the same source (I believe it was a Sony DVD/CD middle of the line source. This was the M3 with an external power supply. At first I thought the Coda/Overture combo sounded better, but then I learned a lesson about volume being a deceiving player in head to head combos. When I lowered the volume on the Coda, I saw the M3 was a clear winner. Lot's of resolution in the midrange. However, this M3/Ack Dac combo is more money, so it might not be a fair comparison. |
The Ack is also an excellent DAC. I would think any portable DAC would have a tough time competing with it.
The M3 is a great amp and seems to be very competitive to other solid state offerings, particularly for its price. I preferred the Headamp GS-1 and the Singlepower solid state amp to the M3, but honestly there wasn't that much difference with a short listen.
Headroom:
I didn't listen to the Headroom Coda/Overture, but I did check out the Max with the new reference module. Very smooth, this is one of the best solid state amps and continuously underrated.
Qualia:
I found out that the strange soundstage is improved by moving the headphone around and finding the correct position on your ear. Still, the Qualia still hasn't grabbed me. Considering how long it took for the R10 to take its effect on me, I am not discounting the Qualia. Someone just needs to send me theirs so I can listen at home. Size small please.
Hirsch's Singlepower SDS:
This beast continues to improve and is a champ with the R10. It grabs the R10 by the balls and shakes some serious bass out of it.
Singlepower Solid State amp and PPX3 SLAM:
The solid state amp shows some serious promise. Looking forward to another listen. The PPX3 SLAM is another amp that grabs your headphone by the balls. It is a higher power version of the PPX3 with an interesting feedback dial. This is the
Headamp AE-1:
Finally a portable that has what I am looking for. Internal Li-Ion rechargeables in a stylish machined case with both RCA and mini jack inputs. The sound is promising but not quite as full in the bottom end as the GS-1:
Headamp GS-1:
Justin's designs continue to get more and more professional as witnessed by the GS-1 and the AE-1. The GS-1 looks like a larger Gilmore Lite. The GS-1 is essentially an update to the V2 with a redesigned regulated power supply and modular dynalo boards. It has a warmer sound than the V2 and happens to be an excellent amp all around. Definitely my choice in the under $1,000 solid state category.
Sennheiser HE-60/KGSS:
The 'baby orpheus' is always a crowd pleaser due to it's clarity and airiness while maintaining a natural sound. This headphone rocks too but not quite as smooth or three dimensional as the Omega 2. It's too bad the HEV-70 amp sucks but this headphone competes with the best on a Stax amp or KGSS.
Stevieo's speakers:
The Klipsch's woke up the neighbors - I forgot why speakers kick ass when it comes to bass. These things were sweet with some Dream Theater. Steve, how old is your daughter?
