[jfalford]

Has anyone out there had the opportunity to do a comparison between the pre 2001 version of the max and the most recent model ? I would be interested in any sonic differences especially as they relate to the senn 650s. In addition, what would be the reasons for differences if they occur and are there parts differences that could be upgraded to bring the lesser unit up to snuff? I know this is a lot of questions but as far as I know that is the only way to get answers. Thanks, John

 

[bifcake]

This doesn't quite address your question, but I heard the post 2001 version of the Max with Senns 600's and didn't like it at all. I wasn't crazy about the Blockhead either. I find there's no synergy with this combo. So, unless you heard how either version of the max sounds with the Senn's and you like the combo, don't buy it blindly. Listen for yourself and decide.

 

[jfalford]

I have the pre 2001 max and the 650s already. I was just wondering if there were any differences that might warrent a parts upgrade, tune-up or the like or even if this was possible. Thanks, John

 

[bifcake]

I really don't know. However, you can probably shoot a PM to Tyll at Headroom. Or give them a call. I'm sure they'll be more than happy to answer your questions. They're really good in that regard.

 

[jfalford]

Thanks bifcake, that's good advice.

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

I'm not 100% sure of this, but I think the OLD MAX is the same as the current MOHR, I.E. the NEW MAX W/O Axel/Lindberg dual torodial power supply.

 

[jfalford]

Is that power supply a significant upgrade over the one in the old max.

 

[tortie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfalford Is that power supply a significant upgrade over the one in the old max.

According to Headroom, No. I asked them the difference between an MOH-R and the new Max and they said, "The difference between the two is the Max has custom wound Avel Lindberg transformer and machined aluminum front and rear panels. Pretty hard to hear the difference."

 

[Alex Altorfer]

Bifcake,

Quote:

Originally Posted by bifcake This doesn't quite address your question, but I heard the post 2001 version of the Max with Senns 600's and didn't like it at all. I wasn't crazy about the Blockhead either. I find there's no synergy with this combo. So, unless you heard how either version of the max sounds with the Senn's and you like the combo, don't buy it blindly. Listen for yourself and decide.

Huh? This is puzzling. Aren't those top of range headroom amps built especially for the HD 600s? Weren't they voiced with the HD 600s at Headroom labs during development phase?

Cheers,
Alex

 

[CD44hi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Altorfer Bifcake, Huh? This is puzzling. Aren't those top of range headroom amps built especially for the HD 600s? Weren't they voiced with the HD 600s at Headroom labs during development phase? Cheers, Alex

I personally like the sound of the Headroom amps with the Senns(HD-600). Not only the high, reference, models, but also the intermediate ones, like the old "Premium." Incidentally, the MOH(R) is quite a fine amplifier, very refined sound. I haven't heard The Max though (Will at the NYC meet). Ultimatedly, it is up to the listener's impressions (short or long-term), musical preferences and (IMHO very importantly) source, whether a specific amp hits the spot.... I have found that the MOH(R) really puts out whatever the source brings to the table. I wonder if the reluctant listerners have experienced a bad synergistic source

.

 

[bifcake]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Altorfer Bifcake, Huh? This is puzzling. Aren't those top of range headroom amps built especially for the HD 600s? Weren't they voiced with the HD 600s at Headroom labs during development phase? Cheers, Alex

I'm sure they have been voiced and there are quite a few people who like the combo. I just happen to be one of those people who doesn't like the combo. I was very disappointed when I heard it. I expected to be enthralled and I wasn't. It didn't sound musical to me at all. Hence, my suggestion to listen to the amp with the headphones before buying to make sure that you like the combo.

 

[gpalmer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Altorfer Huh? This is puzzling. Aren't those top of range headroom amps built especially for the HD 600s? Weren't they voiced with the HD 600s at Headroom labs during development phase?

Not according to Tyell, he said the HeadRoom gear is voiced to be flat not for any one headphone.

 

[elrod-tom]

I owned an older version MAX, and have heard several newer models. I find the older MAX to be warmer/darker than the newer version. The older models don't have brightness control, which is a nice feature with crossfeed engaged (it impacts the high-end somewhat). That said, both are nice amps. I liked my MAX a lot. Like most things (especially without the brightness control), it is better with certain cans. I thought it an excellent match with the AKG K501, but not so much so with the Sennheiser HD600.

Just my $0.02...