pompon
500+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2006
- Posts
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I own those 2 amps ATM.
I am using Apache in balanced with my HD650 (equinox balanced).
I am using MPX3 in single end with my HD650 (equinox single end).
My CD player is a true balanced and have both RCA and XLR output.
Here what I hear:
MPX3:
- More mid-bass
- Far better voices with more body and 1-2 steps away from the orchestra
- More dynamic and impact
- Soundstage is more narrow (music should come mostly front of me ... not too much each side of me ... ). ** Depending what I am listening, can be an advantage or not ...
- On certain recording, can have impression to have a certain veil.
- Musicality ...
Apache:
- Better extention (bass and highs)
- Less mid-bass
- Less dynamic and impact
- Soundstage is much larger (it's a bit annoying because I am loosing the sense of a front performing). ** Depending what I am listening, can be an advantage or not ...
- Vocals lack body and are in the orchestra ..
(normally, the performer should be front of the orchestra).
- Can be a tad bright for my tastes in certain recording...
The music I am listening the most are better with the MPX3.
I am understand why peaple can keep both ...
But for sure, Apache is not good enough to make me sell my MPX3.
Probably have to upgrade with balanced tube SinglePower to have what I am looking it at.
Balanced vs unbalanced on Apache is interesting upgrade.
I am using Virtual Dynamic Master 3.0 powercord on apache. This PowerCord have a very very large soundstage .. I will try a different one to narrow the soundstage and using a different XLR cable to try to raise down a bit the highs.
Different opamp can probably affect the mid range and the dynamic.
BTW, on my MPX3, I am using Sylvianna 6SN7GT and 2 x TungSol D-Getter.
I don't like the Ken-Rad 6SN7GT ... lack speed and definition.
I am using Apache in balanced with my HD650 (equinox balanced).
I am using MPX3 in single end with my HD650 (equinox single end).
My CD player is a true balanced and have both RCA and XLR output.
Here what I hear:
MPX3:
- More mid-bass
- Far better voices with more body and 1-2 steps away from the orchestra
- More dynamic and impact
- Soundstage is more narrow (music should come mostly front of me ... not too much each side of me ... ). ** Depending what I am listening, can be an advantage or not ...
- On certain recording, can have impression to have a certain veil.
- Musicality ...
Apache:
- Better extention (bass and highs)
- Less mid-bass
- Less dynamic and impact
- Soundstage is much larger (it's a bit annoying because I am loosing the sense of a front performing). ** Depending what I am listening, can be an advantage or not ...
- Vocals lack body and are in the orchestra ..
(normally, the performer should be front of the orchestra).
- Can be a tad bright for my tastes in certain recording...
The music I am listening the most are better with the MPX3.
I am understand why peaple can keep both ...
But for sure, Apache is not good enough to make me sell my MPX3.
Probably have to upgrade with balanced tube SinglePower to have what I am looking it at.
Balanced vs unbalanced on Apache is interesting upgrade.
I am using Virtual Dynamic Master 3.0 powercord on apache. This PowerCord have a very very large soundstage .. I will try a different one to narrow the soundstage and using a different XLR cable to try to raise down a bit the highs.
Different opamp can probably affect the mid range and the dynamic.
BTW, on my MPX3, I am using Sylvianna 6SN7GT and 2 x TungSol D-Getter.
I don't like the Ken-Rad 6SN7GT ... lack speed and definition.