naamanf
500+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2007
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I wouldn't by any stretch consider myself a technical expert or a golden ear but I figured I might as well weight in on this.
I have both listened to and seen the inside of the Amphora. The first thing I thought was CMOY when I looked inside. Single DIP-8 chip with assorted resistors and caps powered by a 9V fed into a voltage regulator. The DIP-8 is either an opamp or similar device, possibly a single chip "headphone amp". Still nothing revolutionary. Other than the V-caps the rest of the parts selection looked to be pretty ordinary. Parts used for the headphone jacks, switches and knobs did seem to be a bit on the cheap side, especially at this price point. I would say the most expensive thing on this amp is the CNC/Laser engraved case or the Goldpoint. Depending on OEM pricing I do think this could be made for $300 or a good deal under. As mentioned before in this thread you do have to take into consideration a businesses operating costs so using just parts cost isn't always a fair assessment on price. It also seems if your not going to be using this with an iMod the V-caps are a waste, and if anything detracting from the sound.
How do I think it sounded? I didn't have a whole lot of time to spend with it but I do think it sounded good, but not amazing. During the same session I also compared it to a P-51 and a maxed Woo 6. It seemed more on par with the P-51, and under classed by the Woo 6. Seeing as the Woo is in the same price class it seemed to me to be the no brainer between the two and a far better value.
I think people also need to keep in mind that sound is subjective and go with reviewers opinions who have similar sonic tastes. If Skylab's (or any other reviewers) opinion is that it is a great sounding amp and your taste matches his then more than likely you will love it regardless what's inside.
I have both listened to and seen the inside of the Amphora. The first thing I thought was CMOY when I looked inside. Single DIP-8 chip with assorted resistors and caps powered by a 9V fed into a voltage regulator. The DIP-8 is either an opamp or similar device, possibly a single chip "headphone amp". Still nothing revolutionary. Other than the V-caps the rest of the parts selection looked to be pretty ordinary. Parts used for the headphone jacks, switches and knobs did seem to be a bit on the cheap side, especially at this price point. I would say the most expensive thing on this amp is the CNC/Laser engraved case or the Goldpoint. Depending on OEM pricing I do think this could be made for $300 or a good deal under. As mentioned before in this thread you do have to take into consideration a businesses operating costs so using just parts cost isn't always a fair assessment on price. It also seems if your not going to be using this with an iMod the V-caps are a waste, and if anything detracting from the sound.
How do I think it sounded? I didn't have a whole lot of time to spend with it but I do think it sounded good, but not amazing. During the same session I also compared it to a P-51 and a maxed Woo 6. It seemed more on par with the P-51, and under classed by the Woo 6. Seeing as the Woo is in the same price class it seemed to me to be the no brainer between the two and a far better value.
I think people also need to keep in mind that sound is subjective and go with reviewers opinions who have similar sonic tastes. If Skylab's (or any other reviewers) opinion is that it is a great sounding amp and your taste matches his then more than likely you will love it regardless what's inside.