[scompton]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am happy to report that iBasso has graciously agreed to loan me a D1 for review

My bet is they monitor this thread

 

[tek]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am happy to report that iBasso has graciously agreed to loan me a D1 for review

waiting in eager anticipation heh.

 

[spunkmeyer]

Skylab, that's great. Can't wait to see not only your review, but how it stacks up in your opinion against the others. Thanks in advance.

 

[Asr]

For an alternate take on the Practical Devices XM4, my review of it is now up over at StereoMojo: http://www.stereomojo.com/PracticalD...eamplifier.htm

Sonically, I found the XM4 inferior to the Xenos 1HA-EPC and RSA Hornet M. I'd take it in a heartbeat over the Go-Vibe V6 though. I don't think the V6 is that great-sounding of an amp. In comparison to the iBasso T2, well I can't say anything right now. A review of that will be coming very soon...

 

[mrarroyo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asr /img/forum/go_quote.gif For an alternate take on the Practical Devices XM4, my review of it is now up over at StereoMojo: http://www.stereomojo.com/PracticalD...eamplifier.htm Sonically, I found the XM4 inferior to the Xenos 1HA-EPC and RSA Hornet M. I'd take it in a heartbeat over the Go-Vibe V6 though. I don't think the V6 is that great-sounding of an amp. In comparison to the iBasso T2, well I can't say anything right now. A review of that will be coming very soon...

The XM4 responds well to OP-Amp rolling. The 8620 comes to mind as a better alternative to the 2134 the XM4 arrives with.

 

[ttan98]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif The XM4 responds well to OP-Amp rolling. The 8620 comes to mind as a better alternative to the 2134 the XM4 arrives with.

You must have reviewed many headphones over the years, with regard to op-amp rolling, it there a combination of op-amps for ANY design that works well or it depends on the design. Eg is

1. In case of a single op-amp version what op-amp would be suitable other than 2134 or 2132. Is 823(dual) the most suitable, has any tried 825(single) or even 627 or 637, these may not work well under low voltage battery?
any comments? the 825 or 627 must be biased in class A to work well.

2. In case of buffered version what combination works well. Any comments?

 

[Goh]

Has anyone ordered a Go-Vibe V7? Skylab, have you contacted Norm about it?

 

[Skylab]

Has is been released?

 

[Goh]

According to the website, it is, but only 50 available. Looks to be somewhat of a collector's item!

 

[ttan98]

Skylab,

would like to comment on my response to Mrarroyo? You have lots of experienced with headamp as well.

thanks.

 

[HiFlight]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ttan98 /img/forum/go_quote.gif You must have reviewed many headphones over the years, with regard to op-amp rolling, it there a combination of op-amps for ANY design that works well or it depends on the design. Eg is 1. In case of a single op-amp version what op-amp would be suitable other than 2134 or 2132. Is 823(dual) the most suitable, has any tried 825(single) or even 627 or 637, these may not work well under low voltage battery? any comments? the 825 or 627 must be biased in class A to work well. 2. In case of buffered version what combination works well. Any comments?

I have found, in general, that changes in sound signature as a result of opamp rolling have been subtle, with some sounding better in one amp and some better in another. The "better" part really depends more on listener preference rather than an absolute, measurable change.

I do find that opamps with very low voltage noise levels and accurate square-wave response as depicted on the data sheets invariably sound better to me, so I tend to try those first. Unfortunately, data sheet specifications do not always guarantee how good or bad the device will sound when installed as a part of the whole circuit.

It has been my experience that certain opamps often seem to be synergistic with certain amps, it is, however, sometimes difficult and time-consuming to find that "right" combination!

Often differing technical parameters such as voltage, pin configuration, basing, etc. preclude using an opamp that sounds great in one particular amp to installation in a different amp. The choice of opamp (or tube) is ultimately one of making compromises in one or more of many different areas of performance.

 

[Skylab]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ttan98 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Skylab, would like to comment on my response to Mrarroyo? You have lots of experienced with headamp as well. thanks.

Ttan98:

I don't like op-amp rolling. I don't like second-guessing designers. I prefer to listen to and review amps with the op-amp they come with. In the case of amps that can be ordered with different amps, I ask the maker which op-amp THEY think sounds best, and that is how I evaluate them.

I know it's a little odd that I enjoy tube-rolling and don't enjoy op-amp rolling, but that's the way it is for me. Maybe it's because scoring cool tubes is, well, cool, while op-amps are pretty dull in and of themselves...

 

[kwkarth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab /img/forum/go_quote.gif Ttan98: I don't like op-amp rolling. I don't like second-guessing designers. I prefer to listen to and review amps with the op-amp they come with. In the case of amps that can be ordered with different amps, I ask the maker which op-amp THEY think sounds best, and that is how I evaluate them. I know it's a little odd that I enjoy tube-rolling and don't enjoy op-amp rolling, but that's the way it is for me. Maybe it's because scoring cool tubes is, well, cool, while op-amps are pretty dull in and of themselves...

Wow, that's hot! Well, I suppose you let 'em cool down before the swap eh?

 

[Skylab]

LMAO!

 

[antonyfirst]

Sky, would you find any differene at all between an SR-71 and Tomahawk, using IEMs?