Please help me choose a new portable amp

Sep 6, 2007 at 4:50 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 17
DavidMahler

DavidMahler

Headphoneus Supremus
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Hey Head-fiers. I sure could use your help on this one

Here's my story

I currently am using three portable amps. The corda Move, the RSA Hornet and the RSA Tomahawk. They are all wonderful. I think the Hornet has a special synergy with the HD650s, but I use the corda Move for most other headphones. I use the Tomahawk with my UE10s.

I listen mostly to classical music and because of this, I like to have a lot of volume for my headphones because sometimes the music can be whisper quiet. None of these three amps quite meet my volume needs.

The Hornet has the capability to get quite loud yes, but it does distort with my HD650s and K701s once I go past 9 O'Clock with the volume control knob.

I ordered the PRII Mkii from Larocco audio 2 months ago. I was told I'd have it 10 days. Well of course I don't and I'm truly fed up with this company. Anyway, I was hoping to get this amp so that I could have something to give me the volume necessary with the hard to drive headphones I use.

I would get a Lisa III but I'm always on the go and I fear that it may just be to big to walk around with, please tell me if I'm wrong.

I'm also considering the RSA SR-71. Is this a step up from the Hornet? If so, how? Also is it capable of being louder without distorting. Don't get me wrong, when I listen to Zeppelin or Steely Dan or anything non classical where the music is more consistantly loud, the Hornet has more than enough volume. It's mainly for classical that I have this problem.

Please tell me what you think. Your opinion will be heavily considered and appreciated.

Dave
280smile.gif
 
Sep 6, 2007 at 6:58 PM Post #2 of 17
Read the 24 amps reviewed thread, first few pages and last few pages. It seems like the SR-71 is a good one.

But, if you have optical, coax or usb out of your portable source, the iBasso D1 has a quite a bit of volume for the HD600 (the DAC has a much higher input into the amp section than the audio line in from source.)
 
Sep 6, 2007 at 7:08 PM Post #3 of 17
IMO the SR-71 is indeed an step above the Hornet "M" or the Tomahawk. I personally prefer the sound of the Xin Supermicro IV (post 4/11 mods) or the LaRocco PRII MkII. These two amps are my number 1 and 2 ranked.

I have not listen to the Lisa III but hope to do so in a few days. However I agree it is to large for true portability. You may find the following thread useful: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=252667

Over the next 4 weeks we will be adding 3 more amps to the referenced 26 portable amp review. These will be:

- iBasso D1 amp/dac
- Lisa III
- UHA-3 USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier (by Leckerton Audio)

Good luck.
 
Sep 6, 2007 at 9:39 PM Post #7 of 17
Quote:

Originally Posted by edwardsean /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Hi,

Mrarroyo, is there a reason why the Xin Reference is not in your #1 or #2 spot? I just ordered one and am wondering if I should switch my order to a Micro.


from what i understand the reference surpasses the SQ of the micro and macro. However, to me its in a different ballfield than the micro. The micro is like super super small... and even though the reference SQ might be better, I want the micro for its size. If you ordered a macro... I probably would have said cancel for the reference. but thats just me
smily_headphones1.gif
 
Sep 6, 2007 at 10:05 PM Post #8 of 17
If mostly for classical the SR-71 has no equal IMO and you can have Ray make one for you with a higher gain.

The Lisa can compete with anything in the sub $1k category but to get any type of battery life you have to get the XP which is a brick.
 
Sep 7, 2007 at 1:39 AM Post #12 of 17
Quote:

Originally Posted by edwardsean /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Hi,

Mrarroyo, is there a reason why the Xin Reference is not in your #1 or #2 spot? I just ordered one and am wondering if I should switch my order to a Micro.


The Xin Reference I have is an early Beta Test Version from late May. Too many changes have been done to it. Once I receive the production version I will burn it in and post the impressions.
 
Sep 7, 2007 at 1:53 AM Post #13 of 17
Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidMahler /img/forum/go_quote.gif
...
The Hornet has the capability to get quite loud yes, but it does distort with my HD650s and K701s once I go past 9 O'Clock with the volume control knob.
...



This doesn't sound right. Are you sure that your battery is charged? Did you switch the gain to high? I get clean sound when I turn up the volume on my Hornet M. Even with the K1000.
 
Sep 7, 2007 at 2:01 AM Post #14 of 17
Quote:

Originally Posted by Canman /img/forum/go_quote.gif
This doesn't sound right. Are you sure that your battery is charged? Did you switch the gain to high? I get clean sound when I turn up the volume on my Hornet M. Even with the K1000.


Yeah, either there's something wrong with your Hornet, or you might be damaging your hearing. I actually listen to my K701's on low gain with the pot just past 9 o'clock. I use a CD player as source though.
 
Sep 7, 2007 at 3:07 AM Post #15 of 17
Quote:

Originally Posted by Canman /img/forum/go_quote.gif
This doesn't sound right. Are you sure that your battery is charged? Did you switch the gain to high? I get clean sound when I turn up the volume on my Hornet M. Even with the K1000.


Even with a brand new alkaline battery it clips when it gets to the volume i like. I don't listen to my music too loud, if i'm listening to a really dynimic piece such as the Rite of SPring and it starts out quiet its fine but when gets to the loud sections it distorts and peaks. You're telling me this shouldn't happen?

My K701s have to be listened to on High Gain otherwise I can barely hear the soft parts. I recently had my hearing check and I have abnormally good hearing sensitivity from 8 HZ all the way to 24 Khz
 
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