porschemad911
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- May 11, 2005
- Posts
- 385
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- 11
Hi all!
As noted in another thread, my LDII+ has started arcing again, so I'm going to replace it with a new amplifier.
I will be using the amp with my AKG K-501 or an HD-650 (on the way). I'm not too fussed about my MS-1 though, they sound fine straight out of my CDP (can't tell any difference whatsoever between it and my LDII+). Basically I'm going to do lots of testing (and post a comparison, with my HD-280 and MS-1 thrown in) and sell my least favourite of these two.
Initially I was interested in a Musical Fidelity X-Cans V3 ($600 AU), however, I've heard many people say that the Talisman T-3H ($929 AU) walks all over it. And then I've read a great many people say the Graham Slee Solo Monitor (~ $1000 AU) is wonderful, especially with the K-501 and HD-650. But then again, I've heard that of the Talisman T-3H as well.
Although my LDII+ was only $260 AU delivered, I'm prepared to spend around $1000 AU if it means I get an amp I'll love and will last me many years. I am only interested in solid state, commercial amplifiers.
As for my expectations? Before my LDII+ started playing up again, I was very happy with the sound with my K-501, I'm thinking that while I'm young and single, and with change in the air, I may as well aim high, and enjoy many years of top shelf audio. So I want something that will stand the test of time, and work well with a variety of sources and 'phones if I change over the years. Basically I want my amplification needs to be met for quite a while.
And my SQ tastes? I like clarity, I like depth and body and I like balance. I love my K-501, but would be ok with more bass. I like my HD-280 Pro, but enjoy the extra warmth of my K-501. So far I like my MS-1, but the upper mids are a little forward. I'm actually easily pleased though, as long as it doesn't offend with boomy overpowering bass or screeching highs. For example I quite enjoyed my old Samsung YP-U2 'buds, or my Sennheiser HD-201 out of onboard PC audio at work. So, no matter what I buy, I won't be dissatisfied, I'm just searching for what will make me most satisfied if you get what I mean.
And my musical tastes? Classic rock (Beatles, Van Morrison etc), blues (Keb' Mo', Eric Bibb), classical (all kinds), rock (Ben Harper, Switchfoot etc) and Sons of Korah.
I would really appreciate your input, especially from those who have heard both the T-3H and the Solo Monitor. Probably I can't go wrong with either one, but just need to decide which one to go for, as I don't really want to take the loss from buying both and selling one S/H. Unfortunately I can't audition either, only the X-Cans V3.
As noted in another thread, my LDII+ has started arcing again, so I'm going to replace it with a new amplifier.
I will be using the amp with my AKG K-501 or an HD-650 (on the way). I'm not too fussed about my MS-1 though, they sound fine straight out of my CDP (can't tell any difference whatsoever between it and my LDII+). Basically I'm going to do lots of testing (and post a comparison, with my HD-280 and MS-1 thrown in) and sell my least favourite of these two.
Initially I was interested in a Musical Fidelity X-Cans V3 ($600 AU), however, I've heard many people say that the Talisman T-3H ($929 AU) walks all over it. And then I've read a great many people say the Graham Slee Solo Monitor (~ $1000 AU) is wonderful, especially with the K-501 and HD-650. But then again, I've heard that of the Talisman T-3H as well.
Although my LDII+ was only $260 AU delivered, I'm prepared to spend around $1000 AU if it means I get an amp I'll love and will last me many years. I am only interested in solid state, commercial amplifiers.
As for my expectations? Before my LDII+ started playing up again, I was very happy with the sound with my K-501, I'm thinking that while I'm young and single, and with change in the air, I may as well aim high, and enjoy many years of top shelf audio. So I want something that will stand the test of time, and work well with a variety of sources and 'phones if I change over the years. Basically I want my amplification needs to be met for quite a while.
And my SQ tastes? I like clarity, I like depth and body and I like balance. I love my K-501, but would be ok with more bass. I like my HD-280 Pro, but enjoy the extra warmth of my K-501. So far I like my MS-1, but the upper mids are a little forward. I'm actually easily pleased though, as long as it doesn't offend with boomy overpowering bass or screeching highs. For example I quite enjoyed my old Samsung YP-U2 'buds, or my Sennheiser HD-201 out of onboard PC audio at work. So, no matter what I buy, I won't be dissatisfied, I'm just searching for what will make me most satisfied if you get what I mean.
And my musical tastes? Classic rock (Beatles, Van Morrison etc), blues (Keb' Mo', Eric Bibb), classical (all kinds), rock (Ben Harper, Switchfoot etc) and Sons of Korah.
I would really appreciate your input, especially from those who have heard both the T-3H and the Solo Monitor. Probably I can't go wrong with either one, but just need to decide which one to go for, as I don't really want to take the loss from buying both and selling one S/H. Unfortunately I can't audition either, only the X-Cans V3.
