[tonyl59]

As a new "boy" (!) to this excellent site (and it's reassuring to know there are other people in the world who share my interest), I was hoping to get some opinions on a change of portable amp. I find amps generally aren't so easy to come by in the UK.

I have an 80gb iPod 5.5, ALO Cotton dock, Headroom Total Airhead (recent) and UE Triple.Fi 10s (SE). I recently started reripping my music to ALAC (previously EAC + Lame extreme), so I suspect I'll be looking at 160gb Classic soon. In the mean time, with increased enthusiasm fuelled mainly by Head-Fi, I would like to replace my portable amp.

One that appeals is the Corda Move. Based on various reviews (esp. Skylab's - thanks) and price to the UK this seems attractive, although at the moment I can't foresee any need for the DAC. I'm not overly concerned about size, but would like something with enough juice to power my Beyer DT990s as well.

Do you think I'll notice an improvement from the Airhead?

I appreciate any views/recommendations etc.

Thanks.

Tony

 

[rxc]

Just a sidenote, have you seen the HeadSix...it's the Move's little brother.

 

[tonyl59]

Yes, and it looks interesting, but wondered whether the lack of high-current mode would be a compromise, especially for the DT990s?

Also, will it likely sound better than the Airhead?

Thanks

 

[tonyl59]

Just on the verge of ordering the Corda Move (after much Head-fi reading!).

Any reason not to with my setup (Triple-fis etc)? Most of all, is it likely to be a clear improvement over my Total Airhead?

Many thanks for your opinions!

Tony

 

[Mulo]

Minibox-E and C&C BOX+ and Little Dot Mk I

 

[tonyl59]

Just ordered the Move (after much research into alternatives) so I hope it sounds good!

Once I spend a little time with it I'll post early impressions and comparison to my Total Airhead.

 

[tk3]

Why didn't you go with Meier's new amp if you don't need the DAC?
Smaller and 100 hours battery life.

 

[tonyl59]

Went for the move over the Headsix mainly because I was unsure about whether the lack of high current capability would be a compromise (albeit potentially small). Anyway, I didn't want to be constantly wondering whether it would have made an improvement! Battery life and size are not the main drivers for me.

 

[minimus]

You will be happy with the Move. I have not been a fan of portable amps I have heard in the past, including Headroom's offerings, mainly because of the poor price/performance tradeoff relative to home amps. However, the Move really is something special in the portable arena -- it has terrific SQ at a great price. For IEMs you may want to fiddle between high and low gain on the Move (per Dr. Meier's instructions that come with the amp). It should even power your DT990s nicely (although a good home amp with dedicated power supply would be better suited to the 990s.)

 

[tonyl59]

minimus, thanks for your reply. Your comments are encouraging, especially regarding Headroom amps, over which I'm hoping to to hear a noticeable improvement!

 

[tonyl59]

Well, I got my Move yesterday. It must have been one of the last ones, as Jan Meier said a new one would be out in 4 - 5 months. I've absolutely no regrets, as this is a major improvement on my Total Airhead!

I am absolutely delighted with this amp; it sounds wonderful. It's superbly detailed, expansive sounding, and everything I listen to really draws me in. I keep my iPod on 'shuffle all', and now I find I'm listening to every track from start to finish, rather than skipping through constantly, trying to find something to give me that 'wow' factor.

Superb service and correspondence from Dr Meier, and a beautifully made and packaged product - thanks!

Tony