MG Head and the HD 600 combo

[Kieran Comito]

I received my MG Head DT OTL and am using it with the HD 600s. However, I don't think they sound that special. My source is a marantz 5 changer cd player (I don't know the model, but its from 1994), RCA Interconnects, and a Clou Blue cable. After all of this, I still feel something is not right. They do not have the "wow" factor that other people on this forumn claim with this combination. Another thing. I keep the volume at 9 o'clock or 1/4 way up. It seems to low. If I turn it on click or notch on the dial it gets to loud. Anyone else notice the difference in volume between the clicks on the dial?

 

[MirandaX]

I'm sure others (Nick?) will comment about the tubes. Are you using the Headphone jack with the OTL switch in the up position? This will give you the most balanced sound, especially with the stock tubes. I know others will disagree, but using the other jack (the one marked OTL) gives a boosted bass and treble at the expense of an unbalanced and recessed midrange.

 

[Kieran Comito]

I have tried the OTL jack, but most of the time I just use the regular jack with the OTL switch in the up position. I might consider trying a different source, a new cd player perhaps. I invested to much to give up on the combo so I can't quit yet. New tubes will be antother option I guess. It just seems strange that a 220 dollar headphone with an upgraded cable and a 330 dollar amp can't sound as good as my SR 60s out the Sony D 25s. Thanks for the imput.

 

[MirandaX]

This is the same issue Matt had a while back in his thread about the HD600. If you listen primarly to rock/hiphop/metal/country, you might never be satisfied with the HD600 as compared to the Grado SR-60; the HD600 just don't have the same bass slam, even though they go lower, and the midrange is not as direct. Classical is another story; the HD600 with the MG Head should have a much nicer and realistic tonal balance than the SR-60, plus a better soundstage.

 

[Kieran Comito]

I have some sony stock headphones that sound pretty too. You know, the yellow ones.

 

[Born2bwire]

If anything, replace the Sovtek EL84's with JJ's or EI's. I found that the soundstage definitely improved and that will help to separate it from the SR60's.

 

[lextek]

Get rid of those Sovteks. Stick with the "Headphone Jack" switch up.

It'll come around.

Lextek

 

[joelongwood]

Quote:

Originally posted by Kieran Comito It just seems strange that a 220 dollar headphone with an upgraded cable and a 330 dollar amp can't sound as good as my SR 60s out the Sony D 25s.

Kieran, it may be simply that you prefer the more forward, Grado sound to the laid back, more reserved sound of the Senns. For most of the music I listen to (acoustic, vocal, some rock) I prefer the Grados, plugged into just about anything. The Senns out of the Earmax Pro sound great........but still not what my ears are looking for most of the time. I don't believe that any amp or specific tube is going to change the basic sonic signature of any particular headphone. And one either likes that sonic signature or one doesn't. Just my opinion, of course.

 

[Nick Dangerous]

Hrmph. Unless the basic character of the Sennheiser 600 is not to your liking, this combo *should* be very nice!

If we can eliminate power, interconnect, and source issues for the moment... I'd recommend that a tube swap be your first upgrade. It's certainly the cheapest. The stock Sovtek EL84's and the JJ 12ax7 that are supplied with the unit are truly mediocre! Kelly even sold his amp in disgust after owning it for a day or two.

Seek ye a 5751 signal tube (check eBay for GE, Sylvania, Raytheon, and RCA branded tubes) and a matched pair of JJ EL84 power tubes. The combo should be about an extra $35. Also be sure to try different outlets and CD sources... just to make sure.

 

[Nick Dangerous]

One other thing... and this can be MUCHO IMPORTANTE:

DO NOT PLUG THE MG HEAD INTO A POWERSTRIP OR SURGE SUPPRESSOR WITHOUT FIRST TRYING THE WALL SOCKET!!!

Amps usually sound best when plugged directly into a wall socket. Any amp. Always connect them straight into the wall unless you have a fancy line conditioner which can truly deliver clean high current loads. Beware false advertising.

Powerstrips can invert line polarity or suck the life right out of the midrange octaves. Check out the power forum on AA for some examples.

 

[Kieran Comito]

Thankyou. The MG Head is plugged into a powerstrip. I will try from the wall. I will let you know the results.