Request: Supermono options and pricing

[sygyzy]

I understand Xin took down his Supermono information page. I am thinking about ordering one but can't since I don't know what the available models, options, or pricing are. If anyone could post them here, it'd be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[bahamaman]

I just got a bit of a break at work to jot down what I remember the various options to be . . .

1. Simplified ($199.99) - stock OPA134 op amp, user can't roll op amps, no front switches (see #3 below).

2. Intermediate ($249.99) - still the 134, but user can roll op amps, no front switches.

3. Top model (299.99) - just like intermediate, except with the four front switches: gain, ety 4p to 4s switch (I'm not an ety guy so I don't know if I expressed this correctly), cross-feed, bass boost.

With versions two and three, you can add the following:

1. For $50, you can add the 627s or 637s. To save money, some have reported success in getting samples from www.ti.com and installing the op amps themselves.

2. For $40, you can add triple stacked buffers.

These are just my recollections. I don't work for Xin (though given the number of pms I've responded to, I sometimes feel as if I do!), so I'd advise getting in touch with him. In that regard, I get the feeling that he's been extremely busy with the impending release of the SM and so he might not be able to get immediately back to you.

Also, other head-fi'ers, please correct any errors you see in the foregoing.

 

[Jahn]

so let's say we're lazy and dont get the TI samples, and have xin pump everything in there for a total of $390. Now we have an amp that is exactly in the price range of the SR-71. So a head to head comparo wouldn't be out of place - a maxxed out supermono with all the bells and whistles against the military-grade SR-71 (

) man i can't wait for a in-depth review!

 

[bahamaman]

I don't mean to speak for him, but you may have read that Zanth will soon post a review of the Supermono and I would anticipate that some brief comparison with the SR-71 might be a part of it.

As vranswer said earlier, the SR-71 will likely get the nod in terms of the look and feel (he's owned both). I think it will be very interesting to hear how their sonic qualities compare. If I could hazard a guess, I suspect that the two amps will be judged nearly equal in this latter regard, with the purchase decision dependent on whether one wants ease of portability (SM) or asthetic appeal (SR-71). This last comment is not intended to suggest either that the SM isn't attractive (it is!) or that the SR isn't portable (which it is!).

 

[sygyzy]

Thanks bahaman.

Jahn - I love the military grade, mil-spec, mil-sim, terminology thrown around by a few of Ray Sammuels most die hard fans.

 

[Jahn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sygyzy Thanks bahaman. Jahn - I love the military grade, mil-spec, mil-sim, terminology thrown around by a few of Ray Sammuels most die hard fans.

Yeah, not that I don't love my SR71 of course lol! It really is built like a tank! But hey if the supermono is a match for the SR71, without losing any ground due to its flexibility (all those lil switches) then it could get very interesting.

 

[TTC]

Quote:

So a head to head comparo wouldn't be out of place - a maxxed out supermono with all the bells and whistles against the military-grade SR-71 ( ) man i can't wait for a in-depth review!

yup, same goes for me! Been wanting to buy a amp, but held out to hear how the supermono compares to the sr-71. Can't wait for the first comparative review!

 

[KenW]

bahamaman...appreciate your info given to me earlier through PM. Much appreciated. Here's another buyer with an itch wanting to hear about this head to head matchup. I've sent another email to xin with more questions and hope to hear back soon. Zanth...come on down brother!!

 

[widds2v]

Does anyone with the 4 switch version have a pic of the front? I want to see if the holes are still misaligned as I saw in old pictures of the supermono (wondering if that was just a prototype thing). I know its nothing big but personally when I'm spending $300+ I expect at least for stuff to be presentable

 

[KenW]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jahn so let's say we're lazy and dont get the TI samples, and have xin pump everything in there for a total of $390. Now we have an amp that is exactly in the price range of the SR-71. So a head to head comparo wouldn't be out of place - a maxxed out supermono with all the bells and whistles against the military-grade SR-71 ( ) man i can't wait for a in-depth review!

If they're that close in price and performance, I'd have to think the choice would come down to fit/finish of the product(Ray's known for attention to detail...which I like A LOT!) and service. I've spoken to Ray and he impresses me as someone who's dedicated to his customers. Not saying xin isn't but Ray's always been quick with the phone or email. His unit comes with a 2 year warranty if I'm not mistaken. Does xin offer a similar warranty? Anyone dealt with xin and repairs? How was the experience? I'm torn down the middle on this one. Looking for anything to cement a decision.

 

[Mr.Radar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bahamaman I just got a bit of a break at work to jot down what I remember the various options to be . . . [SNIP]

I believe the Intermediate and Top models also let you install buffers.

 

[crazyfrenchman27]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenW If they're that close in price and performance, I'd have to think the choice would come down to fit/finish of the product(Ray's known for attention to detail...which I like A LOT!) and service. I've spoken to Ray and he impresses me as someone who's dedicated to his customers. Not saying xin isn't but Ray's always been quick with the phone or email. His unit comes with a 2 year warranty if I'm not mistaken. Does xin offer a similar warranty? Anyone dealt with xin and repairs? How was the experience? I'm torn down the middle on this one. Looking for anything to cement a decision.

Xin provides a one-year warranty with all of his amps, I believe.

Currently Listening to: "It takes Two" by Rob Base and D.J. Easy Rock on my MDR-CD180s.

 

[bahamaman]

Thanks Mr Radar, yes, I believe that's correct - stacked buffers are an option with the top two models.

Regarding Xin's warranty, my impression (though it's only an impression) is that he is quite diligent in taking care of his customers, regardless of whether the warranty is still in effect or not.

 

[blessingx]

They're both great guys to deal with. Just got my SR71 back from Ray (gain boost) and Xin was nice enough to lend me a beta SM. Can't recommend either more highly.

 

[rab10]

First off. I know that XIN has a good reputation about backing up his products. Investing in a $300 portable amp, with limited official product information, and lack of detailed official warranty information has me cautious.
(This will be my first XIN AMP hopefully.)

I e-mailed XIN about the sale of his SuperMono Portable AMP, requesting model information and different configuration options and this is what he responded with...

"Standard version: $250, on-auto-off power switch, 2x buffer, OPA134,
opamp sockets, AC adapter.

Featured version: $300, added with 4 switches for impedance, amp gain,
bass boost and crossfeed.

Black or silver colors.

OPA627AP is $40/pair, or you can get from TI for free.

You may order some items on my web (www.fixup.net) to make up the total
amount and specify your configuration in the message field or via email.

Thanks,
Xin"

No mention of the Simplified ($199.99) SuperMono Portable Amp.

Probably he assumed that I had already read all the information about the
SuperMono previously. I would like to know what batteries will be included, and the SuperMono recharges the batteries in their battery compartment right? And the AC adapter should be included. And shipping charges are the same as listed on his website www.fixup.net?

Paying with PayPal there is the "PayPal Buyer Protection" option
https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_pbp-info
and the "Money Back Guarantee" to safeguard your online purchase
https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/we...warranty-about
insures the purchase a little bit more. But like I said I have only heard good things about XIN products and support. (You will probably have to login to your PayPal accounts to view the links posted above.)

Waiting for the Supermono AMP reviews that are currently working on.

Post more information to help us all out.

Thanks!