MF X-Can v3 or Channel Island VHP-1 or ???

[Michael Jennings]

Friends,

I'm a recent convert to the joys of headphones, and I would like to replicate, as closely as I can, the sound I get from my main system (described below). I listen almost exclusively to small-group jazz, chamber music, jazz (mostly femaie) vocals, and classical vocal music (Bach cantatas, say).

I bought a pair of Beyer DT 880's from B&H, and so far, I'm very happy with them (I'm forced to listen to music on my 20" iMac so far; and the 'phones aren't broken in). I would now like to add a headphone amp to my main system. The source is a good-quality Sony SACD player.

I'd like to stay below $400, so I'm looking at either the Musical Fidelity X-Can v3 or the Channel Island VHP-1...although I'm by no means locked in to those choices.

Any advice regarding a good match for my source and headphones much appreciated!

Mike

Main System: Sony SACD--Straightwire Silver interconnects--Rogue Audio Tempest II Integrated Amp--AudioQuest CV-4 speaker cables---Revel M 20 monitors. The only very slightly tubey sound of the Rogue is a beautiful balance to the ultra-detailed, super accurate Revels, at least to my ears...and that's what I'd like to hear through my headphones.

 

[Gradofan2]

Haven't heard the VHP-1... but, with the right set up, the XCAN v3 is simply outstanding (especially with the PinkFloyd mods)... and... you can tune the sound to your preferences by swapping the tubes - hard to beat in that price range.

 

[hentai]

though i never heard the channels, both of them seem to be on par. I will give the edge to xcans as you can roll the tube.

 

[Andrea]

I've always been somewhat intrigued by the VHP-1. Can't say the same about the X-CAN.

 

[Jeff]

If you want a transparent sound from your amp, go for the VHP. If you would rather have a warmer sound which you can roll out tubes, go for the XCAN.

 

[mrarroyo]

Can you attend a local meet? I mean there is no substitute for your own ears listening to an specific piece of gear.

Last night I went to a Mini Meet and took my X-Can V3 to compare with various amps. It has been heavily modified by PinkFloyd and it even has an upgraded power supply (Little Pinkie). To my surprise it sounded like crap!

Got home and opened it up, installed a set of tubes BennyBoy sent me and KABOON! What a difference, the sound is almost as good as that of my beloved Mapletree Ear Purist + HD100. By the way very few amps IMO sound as good as the Mapletree specially at its price range.

Good luck.

 

[MayorSimpleton]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo Can you attend a local meet? I mean there is no substitute for your own ears listening to an specific piece of gear. Last night I went to a Mini Meet and took my X-Can V3 to compare with various amps. It has been heavily modified by PinkFloyd and it even has an upgraded power supply (Little Pinkie). To my surprise it sounded like crap! Got home and opened it up, installed a set of tubes BennyBoy sent me and KABOON! What a difference, the sound is almost as good as that of my beloved Mapletree Ear Purist + HD100. By the way very few amps IMO sound as good as the Mapletree specially at its price range. Good luck.

May I be so bold as to hazard a guess. Did you pop some 6N1P's in?

Edit. Sorry, don't want to hijack the thread.

 

[kool bubba ice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Jennings Friends, I'm a recent convert to the joys of headphones, and I would like to replicate, as closely as I can, the sound I get from my main system (described below). I listen almost exclusively to small-group jazz, chamber music, jazz (mostly femaie) vocals, and classical vocal music (Bach cantatas, say). I bought a pair of Beyer DT 880's from B&H, and so far, I'm very happy with them (I'm forced to listen to music on my 20" iMac so far; and the 'phones aren't broken in). I would now like to add a headphone amp to my main system. The source is a good-quality Sony SACD player. I'd like to stay below $400, so I'm looking at either the Musical Fidelity X-Can v3 or the Channel Island VHP-1...although I'm by no means locked in to those choices. Any advice regarding a good match for my source and headphones much appreciated! Mike Main System: Sony SACD--Straightwire Silver interconnects--Rogue Audio Tempest II Integrated Amp--AudioQuest CV-4 speaker cables---Revel M 20 monitors. The only very slightly tubey sound of the Rogue is a beautiful balance to the ultra-detailed, super accurate Revels, at least to my ears...and that's what I'd like to hear through my headphones.

With just stock components, & no interst in modding I'd go with the VHP-1. I enjoy mine. I'd really recommend the VAC-1 too... But if you are looking to mod get the XCANV3.. Benny & Pink can transform the Xcans into a beast on a whole new level.. Surpassing the VHP-1 IMO.. Ofcourse the HEED is only 340.00 for us Head Fiers, & seems to be the FOTM in terms of price to performance ratio..

 

[PinkFloyd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo Can you attend a local meet? I mean there is no substitute for your own ears listening to an specific piece of gear. Last night I went to a Mini Meet and took my X-Can V3 to compare with various amps. It has been heavily modified by PinkFloyd and it even has an upgraded power supply (Little Pinkie). To my surprise it sounded like crap! Got home and opened it up, installed a set of tubes BennyBoy sent me and KABOON! What a difference, the sound is almost as good as that of my beloved Mapletree Ear Purist + HD100. By the way very few amps IMO sound as good as the Mapletree specially at its price range. Good luck.

I think those valves you got off ebay must have been a bit stale Miguel, these amps just sound lifeless if the valves are on their way out and, yes, KABOOM!, when you fit a good pair in

What valves are you using now I was going to send you some 6H1P-EB (1980s stock) to try in your V3 but if these are the ones you've already got onboard then no point.

Mike.

 

[Gradofan2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PinkFloyd I think those valves you got off ebay must have been a bit stale Miguel, these amps just sound lifeless if the valves are on their way out and, yes, KABOOM!, when you fit a good pair in What valves are you using now I was going to send you some 6H1P-EB (1980s stock) to try in your V3 but if these are the ones you've already got onboard then no point. Mike.

I think he told me they were 6H1N's. Are those the same as 6N1P's (allowing for variations in Russian characters...). I couldn't find them on Duncan's Amps to confirm.

Regardless... the 6N1P-EB's do really improve the XCAN v3, over even the 6H23N-EB's.

 

[mrarroyo]

I am using a pair of 6H1N, I do not know if they are the same ones as the 6H1P-EB. But the V3 is sounding so much better today!

 

[PinkFloyd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo I am using a pair of 6H1N, I do not know if they are the same ones as the 6H1P-EB. But the V3 is sounding so much better today!

OK Miguel I'll send you over a pair of my special reserve 26 year old 6H1P-EB as a present, along with dampers...... enjoy

These buggers are built like brick ****houses and are genuine unused military stock, got them from a Nuclear scientist a few years back.... let me know what you think.

PS: Don't use them in the V2, they hum like mad.... 6N1P for use in the V3 only.

 

[Gradofan2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo I am using a pair of 6H1N, I do not know if they are the same ones as the 6H1P-EB. But the V3 is sounding so much better today!

Yes... Duncan's Amps identifies the 6H1N is the "cryillic" lettering for 6H1P - so they're the same tubes.

http://tdsl.duncanamps.com/tubesearc...tnSubmit=Query

However, they still may be made in different factories, and they may not be the "millitary grade" tubes (EB, etc. suffix).

What logos are on your tubes (Mike, Miguel) - Rocket or Bomb logo (Voskhod factory), or Oval with Ears logo (Saratov factory), or other logo?

 

[hentai]

you go read the stereophile article about the stock xcan v3 and channel , they have their pro and cons