Neumann NDH 30

[erics75]

Curious what amps everyone is using for their NDH 30. I've found for my preferences I like a moderate output impedance (OI) like out of my Stratus OTC tube amp. 8 to 32 OI is my sweet spot. For example I LOVE the low OI setting on my Stratus, it's 8ohm OI. It gives the 30 just a hint more body and warmth vs my solid state Jot 2. But if I switch the OI switch to high (120ohm), the 30 gets soft and slow, and quite bloated in the middle. On my Kenzie OTC it's the same story, low OI (32ohm here) rocks, high OI gets too slow and bloated. I find the 30 just a touch too neutral on solid state for my tastes. I would like the try the 30 on the Cayin iHA-6 solid state amp. It's unique in that it has selectable output impedance and output current options. Anyone here have that amp that can give it a try? Been watching the classifieds for awhile now but it's not an amp that shows up often. that doesn't surprise me though, it's a misunderstood amp. I've read too many reviews from users who don't understand the interaction of output and driver impedance, and the sonic effects. They also don't understand the type of power dynamic and planar drivers need to sound their best. One review i read had the user trying to run a Sundara planer headphone with the output impedance on the highest setting and the current setting on the lowest. He didn't understand he had the settings in the worst possible combination for the Sundara, then railed against the amp for the poor sound quality. wow did i get off topic....

 

[jamesjames]

Curious what amps everyone is using for their NDH 30. I've found for my preferences I like a moderate output impedance (OI) like out of my Stratus OTC tube amp. 8 to 32 OI is my sweet spot. For example I LOVE the low OI setting on my Stratus, it's 8ohm OI. It gives the 30 just a hint more body and warmth vs my solid state Jot 2. But if I switch the OI switch to high (120ohm), the 30 gets soft and slow, and quite bloated in the middle. On my Kenzie OTC it's the same story, low OI (32ohm here) rocks, high OI gets too slow and bloated. I find the 30 just a touch too neutral on solid state for my tastes. I would like the try the 30 on the Cayin iHA-6 solid state amp. It's unique in that it has selectable output impedance and output current options. Anyone here have that amp that can give it a try? Been watching the classifieds for awhile now but it's not an amp that shows up often. that doesn't surprise me though, it's a misunderstood amp. I've read too many reviews from users who don't understand the interaction of output and driver impedance, and the sonic effects. They also don't understand the type of power dynamic and planar drivers need to sound their best. One review i read had the user trying to run a Sundara planer headphone with the output impedance on the highest setting and the current setting on the lowest. He didn't understand he had the settings in the worst possible combination for the Sundara, then railed against the amp for the poor sound quality. wow did i get off topic....

I have two amps: Moon 430HA; and SPL Phonitor xe. Moon output impedance ~1ohm; Phonitor said to be about ~0.5ohm. Moon output about 15V; Phonitor about 45V (!!). I find the Phonitor's at it's best with high impedance phones, so the Neumann works well - a lovely powerful sound, without sacrificing delicacy. That said, I prefer the Moon with the Neumann - as I do with all my phones - it's the most effortless amp I've encountered. It has remarkable low-end heft and an uncanny ability to present a three-dimensional performance space with good recordings.

Edit: Both amps incorporate excellent switchable analogue crossfeed circuits - levels are adjustable on the Phonitor, not on the Moon.

Edit: Both also have balanced analogue inputs - important if you have an external balanced source (as I do). They also both have 4-pin XLR and phono outputs for phones.

 

[BobG55]

Curious what amps everyone is using for their NDH 30. I've found for my preferences I like a moderate output impedance (OI) like out of my Stratus OTC tube amp. 8 to 32 OI is my sweet spot. For example I LOVE the low OI setting on my Stratus, it's 8ohm OI. It gives the 30 just a hint more body and warmth vs my solid state Jot 2. But if I switch the OI switch to high (120ohm), the 30 gets soft and slow, and quite bloated in the middle. On my Kenzie OTC it's the same story, low OI (32ohm here) rocks, high OI gets too slow and bloated. I find the 30 just a touch too neutral on solid state for my tastes. I would like the try the 30 on the Cayin iHA-6 solid state amp. It's unique in that it has selectable output impedance and output current options. Anyone here have that amp that can give it a try? Been watching the classifieds for awhile now but it's not an amp that shows up often. that doesn't surprise me though, it's a misunderstood amp. I've read too many reviews from users who don't understand the interaction of output and driver impedance, and the sonic effects. They also don't understand the type of power dynamic and planar drivers need to sound their best. One review i read had the user trying to run a Sundara planer headphone with the output impedance on the highest setting and the current setting on the lowest. He didn't understand he had the settings in the worst possible combination for the Sundara, then railed against the amp for the poor sound quality. wow did i get off topic....

Bryston BHA-1, XLR & SE = superb.

 

[chesebert]

Beta 22 and GSX2

 

[Mike F]

Sennheiser HDVD800 straight from the computer and Lehmann Audio Linear SE direct from a Marantz SA-10. The Lehmann sounds way better, but that’s mostly due to the source and DAC rather than the amp, I’m sure.

 

[jamesjames]

Sennheiser HDVD800 straight from the computer and Lehmann Audio Linear SE direct from a Marantz SA-10. The Lehmann sounds way better, but that’s mostly due to the source and DAC rather than the amp, I’m sure.

I also use a Marantz SA10 - directly into the Moon. A great player I think!

 

[Mike F]

I also use a Marantz SA10 - directly into the Moon. A great player I think!

Wow. There can’t be too many of us who have one! And I wonder how many people in the world have a Marantz SA-10 and the Neumann NDH 30? Probably two! It’s supposed to have a really good headphone amplifier built-in, but I’ve honestly never tried it! Have you?

 

[jamesjames]

Wow. There can’t be too many of us who have one! And I wonder how many people in the world have a Marantz SA-10 and the Neumann NDH 30? Probably two! It’s supposed to have a really good headphone amplifier built-in, but I’ve honestly never tried it! Have you?

I have - and it really is very good! I've got to say I used it for quite some time between finding outboard amps that were clearly better - swings and roundabouts with additional cables, etc. Interestingly (I think), I also liked the headphone amp in my PM11 100w integrated - the separate HDAM modules were running with higher output impedances in that case, which worked very well with my HD800. Also, the power supply was quite massive - and I think this was a factor. In fact, I think it is probably only the power supply that holds back the SA10 as an amp. I understand Marantz HDAM modules utilize current-feedback - effectively a kind of transconductance amp. I'm persuaded current drive is particularly well suited to headphone amps. Many Pass amps use this (you may well know), and so does my Moon. I think the Moon's appeal for me is due in no small part to this.

 

[Arcamera]

Hi All, Newbie question: when inserting the cable, one needs to do the right turn lock-in click for correct sound? Just a straight plug-in sounds kind of mono. Thanks.

 

[Vitaliy Belz]

Hi All, Newbie question: when inserting the cable, one needs to do the right turn lock-in click for correct sound? Just a straight plug-in sounds kind of mono. Thanks.

 

[Mike F]

Hi All, Newbie question: when inserting the cable, one needs to do the right turn lock-in click for correct sound? Just a straight plug-in sounds kind of mono. Thanks.

Why wouldn’t you?

 

[John Buchanan]

The twist is how the cable is inserted and locked down.

 

[Arcamera]

Thanks. Just wanted to make sure that the twist lock was expected for proper sound.

 

[headstef]

Hi All, Newbie question: when inserting the cable, one needs to do the right turn lock-in click for correct sound? Just a straight plug-in sounds kind of mono. Thanks.

The twist doesn't connect anything more, just secures the cable in place. Full connection is already achieved with full insertion.
And ..once again (for new readers): Cable always on the Right side for Neumann headphones. Opposite wearing of the headphones affects the sound negatively because the drivers are off-centered and inclined.

 

[Arcamera]

A fine-sounding headphone. I appreciate its tuning-- neutral and detailed without being overly bright. So far, it's a keeper. Will be joining a few other headphones I've been most happy with lately, forming a German quartet: the T+A Solitaire P, the HEDD headphone, the Sennheiser HD660S2, and now the NDH30.