[MASantos]

This information is not only for DIYers. I what it means is that for the price, you'll get really good components!!!

The The capacitators is the signal path are normally only used in much more expensive amps. The alps pot only costs around 16$ if bought individualy.
Toroidal transformers are normally known for having less noise than normal ones. Etc.. Etc.. If we add in the cripe for those RCA's, jacks etc... and those beautiful front and back panels this amp is just a bargain!

Thanks again Jan!!!!!


Quote:

Originally Posted by granodemostasa reserved! yey.... question: will it retain the silver color or will it be black when it goes into production? (i like black better btw). also "It has a built-in regulated power-supply with toroidal transformer and Nichicon capacitors, all bypassed with film-capacitors. It uses four LM6171 opamps and two BUF634 output buffers to provide adequate output currents. Volume is controlled by an ALPS potentiometer. All capacitors in the signal path are polypropylen or polystyrol (!)." Could someone explain what this means for us non DIYers?

 

[MASantos]

Quote:

Originally Posted by warpdriver 99.9% of the time, when something says "Designed and Engineered in XYZ", it means "Made in China"

Well, the toroidal transformer is from an Asian company, so it is probably made in china

 

[MegaMusicNut]

Is there any reason to believe that this amp would not be a good match for a DT880?

I'm using them now directly connected to the headphone output of my Sim Audio preamp and it sounds fantastic, but I've never used them any other way and really have no idea how much better (or worse) adding a headphone amp of this caliber would drive the 880's.

 

[fewtch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MegaMusicNut Is there any reason to believe that this amp would not be a good match for a DT880?

Low output impedance, plenty of voltage/current output... should be fine. Unless it's bright/thin sounding for some reason, which seems doubtful.

P.S. Jan -- just out of curiosity, is there any concern about that transformer being so close to the opamps etc.?

 

[sgrossklass]

Can you hear that? Sounds like a wallet screaming...

Oh boy... Add the HD650, and this year may get kinda spendy. Definitely interested, but still have to think about it (would need to take some of my saved funds). Would payment by oldschool banking transfer (Überweisung) also be possible?

 

[Zorander]

I don't suppose I need another amp, but should I take it up anyway?

 

[Head Creep]

The payment is sent and my amp is reserved. Now I get used to the agonizing wait...

 

[wirbeltier]

...no. 55 reserved

edit: ...and paid!

 

[Kassem]

#10 reserved however.. will my spot be taken if I dont pay immediately? It seems that most of you are planning on paying already.

Just wondering..

Jeremy

 

[MASantos]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kassem #10 reserved however.. will my spot be taken if I dont pay immediately? It seems that most of you are planning on paying already. Just wondering.. Jeremy

I was told by DrMeier that we do not need to pay now and the amp will be reserved. They will only be ready in the begining of July!

 

[kevin1592]

Do you guys think this amp will fare well with Grado's? The SR-225's in perticular. Thanks!

 

[afbug]

#11 reserved

I don't mind black casing though.

 

[fierce_freak]

Hope Jan doesn't mind me putting this here. I asked Jan how the Headfive compared to the Aria sonically, and he said it was close to the Aria with perhaps a bit less refinement and a bit less bass. I've seen some liking the pairing of Aria with Grado, so I'd say the Headfive would be a good choice

 

[Skylab]

SIGN ME UP!

I need another amp like I need a hole in the head, but what the heck.

 

[Jan Meier]

Dear Headfellows,

> is there any concern about that transformer being so close to the opamps etc.?

No, toroidal transformers have a very low magnetic field. Moreover, the amp doesn't use the classical concept of a fixed high gain (hum-sensitive!) with a signal attenuator at the front but has a variable gain-factor.

The amp is very quiet, even when using low impedance headphones.

> I was told by DrMeier that we do not need to pay now and the amp will be reserved.

It's true, there's no need to pay right away. However, be warned that amps will be send in order of paying, not of reservation! I expect a large order list and the number of amps that can be checked/shipped daily is limited. Therefore the sooner you pay, the sooner will you be able to enjoy your new toy.

Various people have asked me to compare the sound quality of the HEADFIVE with that of the ARIA. First let me make clear that the HEADFIVE is not an ARIA without USB-DAC. Some more simplifications were made to the circuitry, especially with respect to the class-A biasing of the opamps. It has to be, considering price and space inside. The difference is most noticable in the treble. The ARIA shows a little bit more details and sounds more fluently. The HEADFIVE has a slightly warmer sound, some probably would say a more tubey sound. Not a bad thing really, since the HEADFIVE is a low-budget amp and is more likely to be paired with a low-budget source than the ARIA. The HEADFIVE is more forgiving in sound.

Let there be no doubt. I personally feel the HEADFIVE is a very good value for money.

Cheers

Jan