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Originally Posted by monsieurguzel /img/forum/go_quote.gif
...the HD650 which to me defeat the purpose of using a portable amp.
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I can see where you're coming from but it depends on how you approach the product.
Just because the unit is small enough to be portable, there is no reason it has to be bought for portable use. Personally I am buying it because it is a (relatively) affordable entry into balanced sound.To say running HD650s from a portable amp defeats it's purpose circumvents the fact that if it does indeed run them to a high standard, it's size is entirely irrelevant to proceedings. I doubt it will ever leave my desk top if I keep it.
My current feeling, after being to a recent meet and hearing a lot of good headphones, is my HD650 are still my favoruite phones and I don't see that changing anytime soon. So, where do I go next in terms of trying to improve my experience?
There are a thousand variables but the two main options are to get a tube amp or to get a balanced set up.
The former is potentially a lot cheaper or easier to achieve; there are some fairly well regarded tube amps out there in the £100-£200 bracket and a lot of information and kits for DIY tube amps as well. The latter, up until now, was ridiculously expensive. Balanced desk top amps cost some serious change, and then you have to add a balanced DAC to the equasion as well, oh and a balanced cable as well. While getting or building a tube amp remains an open option to consider, there are a lot more obstacles in the way of a balanced set up.
What this amp promises (and whether it delivers or not we will see) is a way to get balanced sound in a single, conveniently small device, and it came around at a point where I could afford it whereas in a few months I would not be able to. It is also a very innovative idea of Ray's and I do believe in rewarding innovation with at the very least the benefit of the doubt.
Some have questioned whether balanced sound is better or worth it. Well the only way I will be sure is to spend some time comparing the two and the protector offers a convenient way to do that. It's not like I can't sell it later down the line if I decide it's not a significant enough improvement, and use the funds to go in a different direction. For now I'm happy to give Ray and the reviewers the benefit of the doubt, and look forward to getting to know the product.