Predator or HeadAmp Pico Portable Amp (w/ optional USB DAC)?

[DLeeWebb]

I did a search and I have seen random comments about the Pico and the Predator. However, I haven't seen anything directly comparing the two. I realize that they're both in pre-order status. My problem is that I don't really have the technical knowledge to read the descriptions and make an intelligent comparison/choice. From the stated specifications alone or from those few that have heard one or both of these units, which one would be the better one to purchase. I would be using it mainly for listening to audio from my MacBook Pro. Thanks in advance for an help that you can provide...

PS I have experience with the extremely good quality of Ray Samuels' equipment. I have absolutely no experience with HeadAmp equipment

 

[jp11801]

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f45/it...w-down-265555/

 

[DLeeWebb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jp11801 /img/forum/go_quote.gif http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f45/it...w-down-265555/

JP,
Thanks for the link. I guess that I missed that one because of the "It's Alive!" lead on the title. I went through the twenty-five pages pretty thoroughly, scanning the pictures and reading the more detailed posts comparing the two units. I am, of course, more confused than ever. Of course everything comes down to personal preference. However, I get the impression that most people are giving a slight edge to the HeadAmp unit. Everyone that posted a detailed impression preferred the Pico, and most mentioned the unrivaled quality of the parts used. I'm still undecided but this link sure helps the process...thanks again...

 

[Filburt]

I find Headamp build quality to be top-notch. I think you'd find the same

As far as the technical side goes, between the two, I think the Pico is the more sophisticated and higher performance design. I don't expect people to universally agree with me on this, but I prefer the three-part system the Pico uses (which includes Wolfson's top of the line WM8740, and Analog Devices' excellent filter and ASRC [AD1896]) to the all-in-one chip on the Predator. The analog stage on the Pico is also excellent, and has been very carefully optimised by justin; tedious as such a task may be

It seems like people are treating non-RSA products as some sort of unknown quantity and overestimating the risk involved. Headamp has been around making high quality products for some time now, and the Pico is one of the best devices of its type commercially available. People are not exxagerating; it really does sound great.