[TheMaestro335]

Hello all,
I am a Happy Playmate owner! Question, when using the playmate as a pre Amp with my Schiit Valhalla 2 what volume should the Playmate be set to? Or does the Valhalla need to be set to the proper level? Witch is the slave and witch is the master?

Regards
Jeff

 

[raoultrifan]

@TheMaestro335, really good question. I had updated my review to reflect your question as well: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/burson-playmate.23567/reviews#review-21676. On the High-Gain setting, Pre-Out, you need to set the rotary knob (volume) to 82% to get a perfect 2V RMS for both channels with 0dB sinewave. At 83% you get 2.1V RMS, if your amplifier can accept a RMS voltage higher than 2V RMS. I guess Valhalla accepts a max. input voltage of 2V RMS, like most single-ended amplifiers, but I couldn't find specs on this matter on Schiit's website.

BTW, who has an external amplifier able to accept 4V RMS or even 5V RMS on the single ended RCA inputs, will benefit of an incredible dynamic range. If you're unsure what's your max. input voltage for your amplifier, I suggest you to not pass over the 82% volume from your PLAYMATE, to not damage the input stage of your amplifier and to prevent clippings.

Hope this helps,
Raul.

 

[Mij-Van]

I have posted my review of the Playmate here: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/burson-playmate.23567/reviews#review-21705

 

[DarKu]

Hey, my Playmate review just went live as well

 

[DjBobby]

Hey, my Playmate review just went live as well

Excellent review, thanks for sharing it.

 

[Renfield1217]

Hello all,
I am a Happy Playmate owner! Question, when using the playmate as a pre Amp with my Schiit Valhalla 2 what volume should the Playmate be set to? Or does the Valhalla need to be set to the proper level? Witch is the slave and witch is the master?

Regards
Jeff

Hi Jeff,

Am using the Playmate as a preamp...always check your amplifier's input sensitivity which is the voltage required for full output at it's specs.
I am going from Playmate to an Adcom GFA545 which is rated with an input sensitivity of 1.25v and the Adcom has no volume control. No way
I could run the Playmate at 80% volume with it.

Ren

 

[TheMaestro335]

Hello Ren,
Thanks for the reply. I hope this isnt a stupid question, but when you say 80% do you mean the volume at 80?

 

[Renfield1217]

Hello Ren,
Thanks for the reply. I hope this isnt a stupid question, but when you say 80% do you mean the volume at 80?

Yes
Ren

 

[Gradius]

Anyone here got the Everest config?

It's really good, or should just go for Vivid config?

I wonder why the difference on price ($100 bucks more expensive).

 

[raoultrifan]

@Gradius, my PLAYMATE Everest has been reviews already here: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/burson-playmate.23567/reviews#review-21676. From a measurements perspective I wasn't noticed much difference between the Basic and Everest, but sonically...soundstage is bigger when using SS V6 Classic/Vivid (Everest) than NE5532 (Basic). In my specific case, Vivid was not an option for the I/V, so I don't recommend it.

For I/V I recommend either SS V6 Classic, either LME49720, either NE5532, either OPA1612 or AD8599 (w SO-DIP8 adapters).
For LPF and VAS (headamp gain) choose your flavor, maybe SS V6 vivid will be better, in respect with soundstage and musicality.

The 100 USD diff. is probably a marketing gimmick, but I must confess that my PLAYMATE Everest came with different SS V6 opamps: the new 2019 version! They look similar, but the outer shell is different on the bottom, so...maybe this is where the $100 difference comes from...I don't know. The best price/perf. still remains LME49720/NE5532, but also OPA1612/AD8599 too.

 

[Renfield1217]

@Gradius, my PLAYMATE Everest has been reviews already here: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/burson-playmate.23567/reviews#review-21676. From a measurements perspective I wasn't noticed much difference between the Basic and Everest, but sonically...soundstage is bigger when using SS V6 Classic/Vivid (Everest) than NE5532 (Basic). In my specific case, Vivid was not an option for the I/V, so I don't recommend it.

For I/V I recommend either SS V6 Classic, either LME49720, either NE5532, either OPA1612 or AD8599 (w SO-DIP8 adapters).
For LPF and VAS (headamp gain) choose your flavor, maybe SS V6 vivid will be better, in respect with soundstage and musicality.

The 100 USD diff. is probably a marketing gimmick, but I must confess that my PLAYMATE Everest came with different SS V6 opamps: the new 2019 version! They look similar, but the outer shell is different on the bottom, so...maybe this is where the $100 difference comes from...I don't know. The best price/perf. still remains LME49720/NE5532, but also OPA1612/AD8599 too.

Hi Raoul,

Found a nice combo with the op amps I have using V5's in the I/V and the stock NE5532 in the other two....really sounds nice as the Preamp in my main system.
Also gonna try the Sparkos instead of the NE5532 to see how that sounds.

And I thought the extra $100 for the Everest was due to the case :{)

Ren

 

[raoultrifan]

[...]

And I thought the extra $100 for the Everest was due to the case :{) [...]

I wasn't thinking to the case...hmmm, you might be right actually. The look & feel to this bright silver shiny Everest case is indeed luxurious-looking and might cost extra after all.

 

[Fasterball]

Am I doing this right? I wanted the Muses 8920 in I/V and v6 vivid in gain. Just not sure I'm reading the diagram right on the lid of the Playmate.

 

[Gradius]

Am I doing this right? I wanted the Muses 8920 in I/V and v6 vivid in gain. Just not sure I'm reading the diagram right on the lid of the Playmate.

Your image is completely mess up, plz fix it.

Use something like tinypic

 

[Fasterball]