[Killercrush]

I only tried the smaller amp with the recabled K501 and the stock K-501, the modded version was a bit more fuller sounding. What kind of circuit is in the amp ? Mosfets ?

It was just quite detailed, punchy, warm, natural and organic with nice mids and great imaging, I slightly preferred the recabled K501 to the K701,DT880,HD580 and SR-325i. Excellent for jazz IMO.

 

[rasonho]

Its of split element circuit.
Same to you, I like to use this amp for jazz and vocal and the other amp for symthony.

 

[swt61]

Quote:

Originally Posted by looser101 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Steve - do you have an extra pair of velours? (hint - check my sig) ~Renato

I'm trying to obtain some more. Patience will be needed for sure though. I can't believe you aquired some K340s, are they modded or stock?

 

[Pixel Pusher]

I just wanted to say THANKS TO EVERYONE who made it out to the Toronto meet! It was a pleasure and I'm sure we're all in agreement that it was fabulous time.

Much like Jay (philodox), I tend to do far more socializing at these larger meets than actual listening. Fortunately for me, I got to take home the McAlister EA-6 and SR-Gamma earspeakers!

Now for some pics of all the terrific people and their gear:

With all the Grado fanboys present, it's nice to see an AKG lovin' gal!

Ray eyeing Joe (Chesebert) with his beloved Sony R10

Mr. Samuels does not appear all too impressed with the Sennheiser HD600.

The other half of Ray Samuels Audio, the lovely Grace Samuels

A show stopper combo no doubt

The most photographed piece of gear present?

French-Canadian connection Grado's out in force!

Grado + Melos goodness

Something's going on here, Julien (Killercrush) sporting bagel pads on a pair of SR100?

While Oriel (omendelovitz) with flats on a pair of GS1000?

 

[Pixel Pusher]

Hey, whatcha reading Christine?

The happy couple, Jacob (soloz2) and his wife Christine

Jacob's (soloz2) SinglePower PPX3 rig

A lonely Thorens TD166 turntable

Oriel's (omendelovitz) KICAS prototype headphone rig

Do I even need to say who's rig this is?

I'm not sure what's more impressive, the gorgeous woodwork or the fancy-pants SinglePower stepper?

Jay, the reason why you don't get much listening done at these meets is because you're too busy enjoying your own rig!

Renato's (looser101) modified Aikido amplifier, it's the “bomb”!

The McAlister EA-6 electrostatic amplifier with Peter's personal favourite STAX, the SR-Gamma

Laurent's (Larryminator), excuse me, I mean Jacob's (soloz2) newly acquired Ariston RD11E turntable!

My Stax AIRBOW SR-SC1 with matching AIRBOW SRM-222P amplifier

Renato (looser101), not yet convinced on the 'stats

Finally our meet organizer, Ryan (GlendaleViper) sporting his new Canon D30 SLR

 

[GlendaleViper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pixel Pusher /img/forum/go_quote.gif Finally our meet organizer, Ryan (GlendaleViper) sporting his new Nikon digital SLR

Oh no you di'int! That's a Canon!

 

[philodox]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Killercrush /img/forum/go_quote.gif It was my pair that I lend you. Do you have further comments about how you liked them ? It would have been so nice to A/B them with some HP-2 but we didn't have the pleasure to do so, maybe next time.

They reminded me of the HP-2's a lot. I would say, based on memory, that they may be a bit more up front sounding and when I last heard the HP-2's, I remember them having more soundstage. The whole setup was well matched and very smooth sounding, without sacrificing much detail. I was thoroughly impressed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chesebert /img/forum/go_quote.gif The mid was about 85% transparent, and high was excellent, the problem with the combo is IMO clearly in its bass presentation.

I agree that the bass definitely needs a bit more definition. I have some ideas on how to achieve this, and we will see what happens.

What did you think of the R10 bass? I thought it was nice and smooth, but something about it did not sound quite right. There was also a bit too much of it, but that could be great for some music.

I'm not sure what you mean by the mids being '85% transparent'... the mids have always been the strong point to the K340 in my mind.

Not that I am trying to make excuses for my headphones, but one thing I noticed is that I really DO have a big head. As I and others have found, the K340 really does rely on a good fit for optimal sound. When I put on my K340's they fit perfectly and hug my head nicely. Many people were commenting that they were too loose or too heavy. I may have to re tension the elastics for the next meet. To give you an idea of the immense nature of my head... the R10's were overly tight on me and seemed to be stretched to their maximum size.

 

[GlendaleViper]

Don't worry Jay, we can be members of the Giant Noggin Club together. When I had the R10s on I was afraid I'd scuff the cups on the pizza boxes...

[Ahem, for those that weren't there, the pizza was on the opposite side of the room]

 

[Pixel Pusher]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlendaleViper /img/forum/go_quote.gif Oh no you di'int! That's a Canon!

Sorry Ry! The OP was like ~ 4am. I do remember now, you have a D30!

 

[chesebert]

Quote:

Originally Posted by philodox /img/forum/go_quote.gif They reminded me of the HP-2's a lot. I would say, based on memory, that they may be a bit more up front sounding and when I last heard the HP-2's, I remember them having more soundstage. The whole setup was well matched and very smooth sounding, without sacrificing much detail. I was thoroughly impressed. I agree that the bass definitely needs a bit more definition. I have some ideas on how to achieve this, and we will see what happens. What did you think of the R10 bass? I thought it was nice and smooth, but something about it did not sound quite right. There was also a bit too much of it, but that could be great for some music. I'm not sure what you mean by the mids being '85% transparent'... the mids have always been the strong point to the K340 in my mind. Not that I am trying to make excuses for my headphones, but one thing I noticed is that I really DO have a big head. As I and others have found, the K340 really does rely on a good fit for optimal sound. When I put on my K340's they fit perfectly and hug my head nicely. Many people were commenting that they were too loose or too heavy. I may have to re tension the elastics for the next meet. To give you an idea of the immense nature of my head... the R10's were overly tight on me and seemed to be stretched to their maximum size.

Your K340 was really loose and pretty heavy so that could be the problem. I equate midrange transparency with how much I believe there is a person standing in front of me when I close my eyes. A real person would be 100%. One of the best systems I have heard with that kind of transparency on the SF Amati

You know what they say, you get the midrange right and you are 85% of the way there.

I think R10's bass out of Apache was too much, B52 had a better balance with R10, although I think if B52 was a little forgiving, it would be even better with R10. I drove R10 single ended with my DV332 (with bad tubes), and I heard alot of potentials. With the right setup it could be the ultimate, well, right next to the L3000

 

[agile_one]

Looks like a fantastic meet, hosers.

Sure is some impressive looking gear strewn about, and lots of smiling faces. Very nice room, too - lots of space to set up and get comfortable in.

Thanks for the great pics and impressions.

What, exactly, is this beast? Is that yours, Jay?

 

[Pixel Pusher]

LOST & FOUND:

If anyone is missing a 15V wallwart, please PM me here on Head-Fi. It was found at the end of the meet over by Ray's table.

 

[philodox]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chesebert /img/forum/go_quote.gif Your K340 was really loose and pretty heavy so that could be the problem. I equate midrange transparency with how much I believe there is a person standing in front of me when I close my eyes. A real person would be 100%. One of the best systems I have heard with that kind of transparency on the SF Amati You know what they say, you get the midrange right and you are 85% of the way there.

Ah, I see what you are saying. In most cases I find myself disappearing into the music, but I really doubt any headphone is 100% believable. The SF Amati is a speaker I take it? Quote:

Originally Posted by chesebert /img/forum/go_quote.gif With the right setup it could be the ultimate, well, right next to the L3000

I've yet to hear the L3000. From memory you would pick it over the R10? I suppose that is a good thing in the end, as it should save you some money.

You should have heard the R10's out of my amp, that was where I liked them the best.

Quote:

Originally Posted by agile_one /img/forum/go_quote.gif What, exactly, is this beast? Is that yours, Jay?

Hey Gene,

Yeah, that is the McAlister Audio Massive Attack.

You can see its new faceplate and stepped attenuator in some of the other pics. It will be a while yet before I get them installed though...

 

[RedLeader]

Quote:

Originally Posted by philodox /img/forum/go_quote.gif Not that I am trying to make excuses for my headphones, but one thing I noticed is that I really DO have a big head. As I and others have found, the K340 really does rely on a good fit for optimal sound. When I put on my K340's they fit perfectly and hug my head nicely. Many people were commenting that they were too loose or too heavy. I may have to re tension the elastics for the next meet. To give you an idea of the immense nature of my head... the R10's were overly tight on me and seemed to be stretched to their maximum size.

See, I've noticed that with my K340 as well. I have them tensioned perfectly for my head, but when my girlfriend puts them on, she asks why they don't have any bass. I of course have to correct her and hold the cups in the right spot, and then it reappears with the correct seal. I think the K340 are the most finniky full-size can I have ever heard in terms of placement. But once you get them there

 

[RedLeader]

As for some actual impressions, I'll post a couple. The R10/B52 combo was awesome as everyone has been saying. A little too heavy on the bass for my tastes, but overall a very nice can, easy to get lost in the music for sure. That's something I usually only do with K340 or UM2 (The precise reason I own both of those cans)

The SR-100 were smooth, smooth, smooth. $138 had to be the best deal I have heard of in a heck of along time for those cans, simply phenominal. All you hear is the source, and the music coming out.

The UM3 were nice, I found them very similar to my UM2 but fuller-bodied and perhaps a tad better on the extension end of things.

The PK2 I was very familiar with already from the last meet, but the PK3 surprised me once again. Of the 3 products I've heard from yuin I've been pleasantly surprised by all 3. Don't like IEM or clips and want to spend under $50? Get the PK3. I don't like J-cord, but these are great little performers for their price point. And as always, the PK2 are a nice step up in definition and extension.

I think my favourite part of the meet was when I busted out my weller and fixed up a couple of tub amps on the floor. I'm pretty sure that broke a couple firecodes, but everything was just fine!

Jays K340 were awesome, and seemed to have just a tad more bass than mine. Not much at all when you got them sitting right, but a little more. All in all I'm very happy with how mine turned out, and how well the MP5 is driving them. Time for a new dac Jay, that lessloss was nice.

Q-jays were incredibly impressive, in size if nothing else. They had a nice sound sig, though not as refined or detailed as I'm used to with my UM2. Probably the easiest to insert and the lightest of any IEM I've ever used, and at a $179 pricepoint, that's VERY nice. Also,the S-jays have to be heard to be believed. 80% of the soundstage of a full-size can in an IEM. Not the greatest sound, but very cool to listen to, and only $50!

More to come when I'm not at work!