[Comfy]

Hi everybody,

I'm looking for a new amp to replace the Millett in the following setup:
E-MU 0404 -> Zhaolu DAC -> Millett Hybrid -> Grado HF-1, AKG K 701

At the moment my main options are a used PPX3 6SN7 and a new Mapletree Ear+ Purist HD. Both would cost around 600$.
So the amp needs to drive both Grados and AKGs. Any opinions?

Could anyone please tell me the dimensions of the PPX3 case?

 

[Comfy]

If someone could please tell me the dimensions of the PPX3 case, I'd be very thankful. Even the width of the faceplate would be very useful.

Thanks.

 

[Gabe Logan]

Dimentions for my PPX3 are:

Length:12"
Width:9"
Hight"3" (With the rubber on the bottom it is 3.5")

Cannot comment on the others as i have never heared them before but i am having a blast with the tube rollings and more comming in soon

.

 

[Comfy]

Thanks Gabe, that helped a lot.

As you also own the DAC I am going to get, I'd like to ask you another couple questions:

Is it possible to place the PPX3 on top of the Zhaolu DAC? Or is the Zhaolu too small, or the PPX3 too heavy, or would it overheat the DAC or something?

What do you think of the synergy between Zhaolu and PPX3?

 

[sacd lover]

Comfy, if you are getting a PPX3 for low impedence headphones I would recommend the SLAM version .... or adding some 5687 tube socket adapters at some point. The 5687 output tubes drive the low impedence headphones with much more authority. I am especially pleased with the SLAM PPX3 / AKG K 701 combination.

The Mapletree ear+ is also a very good headphone amp for low impedence headphones .... IMO. But, the SLAM PPX3 is more versatile with higher impedence headphones if you ever go that route. I have compared these two amps head to head and I like the SLAM a little better. The SLAM has a richer and warmer sound that takes the edge off of the grados better .... but the SLAM still remains every bit as fast and revealing.

In the end both of these amps are excellent and I dont think you can go wrong with either one.

 

[Comfy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sacd lover if you are getting a PPX3 for low impedence headphones I would recommend the SLAM version

I know that my Grados are low impedance, but what about the K 701s? I haven't really understood if those are low or high impedance. Difficult to drive, is what everyone says.. =)

And another thing: Is a PPX3-6SN7 with 5687 tube adapters technically a SLAM?

Thanks!

 

[blessingx]

For this price point, the new RudiStor NX-01 should be added to your list.

 

[PFKMan23]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Comfy nd another thing: Is a PPX3-6SN7 with 5687 tube adapters technically a SLAM? Thanks!

Yes a PPX3 6SN7 with 5687 outputs is still a PPX3 SLAM. IMO yes I'd consider the 701s low impedence, that said I'd go the tube adapter route rather than having default sockets being the 9 pin mini 5687...

 

[Comfy]

Thanks for all the help guys, appreciate it.

I think I'm going take the PPX3 route. Waiting for Mikhail to respond my e-mail at the moment... =)

Just received the AKG K701s today, btw. Listening to my 4th track or so, and the soundstage is breathtaking. Listening to some M83 and feeling like I was standing on the edge of a mountain cliff...

 

[BrianS]

i love my mpx3 if that counts for anything, btw its 6cg7 version

i will be getting a zhaolu/lavry/storm digital to go along with it too

 

[Gabe Logan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Comfy Thanks Gabe, that helped a lot. As you also own the DAC I am going to get, I'd like to ask you another couple questions: Is it possible to place the PPX3 on top of the Zhaolu DAC? Or is the Zhaolu too small, or the PPX3 too heavy, or would it overheat the DAC or something? What do you think of the synergy between Zhaolu and PPX3?

It probably is not a good idea to place the amp on top of the dac since it will be blocking the vents on the Zhalou.Even though the Zhalou does not get that hot i opted to leave them seperate.It would be awesome if side vents were made instead.

I personally like the Zhaolu,PPX3 combo for rock which is which is what i mainly listen to.The great thing that i only recently have goten used to is tube swaping which is allowing me to get that hard hitting more forward sound that i like but then i can change to another tube and get that more warmer more extended sound.

If you do get the PPX3 don't do what i did and wait forever to get other tubes.

 

[Comfy]

Thanks. I mainly listen to rock too, so that sounds good.

 

[Gabe Logan]

Ya and i agree with sacd that the PPX3 and that dac will more certainly tame those grado highs and can make those long listening sesssions more enjoyable

.

 

[Comfy]

Oh, I just got myself a pair of K 701s to tame those Grado highs.

Not really, I love the way the K 701s and HF-1s complement eachother.

 

[Comfy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sacd lover The Mapletree ear+ is also a very good headphone amp for low impedence headphones .... IMO. But, the SLAM PPX3 is more versatile with higher impedence headphones if you ever go that route. I have compared these two amps head to head and I like the SLAM a little better. The SLAM has a richer and warmer sound that takes the edge off of the grados better .... but the SLAM still remains every bit as fast and revealing.

How does the basic PPX3-6SN7 compare to the Mapletree Ear+ HD Purist with K701s?
Will the tube adapters and tubes suffice to turn a basic PPX3-6SN7 into a SLAM?
Will I spend much more money on tubes with the PPX3 than what I would with a MAD EAR?

Thanks.