RSA HR-2 vs LISA III vs Arietta

[antonyfirst]

I'm looking for a neutral amp that can provide a lot of current. Right now I'm interested in these three. Which one is more capable (power wise), more detailed, more neutral? Are they all at the same level, or one of them has an edge over the others (the HR-2 should, it's a lot more expensive than the others).
I've searched some info about the three amps, but I haven't been able to find any comparisons between them.

 

[kool bubba ice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by antonyfirst /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm looking for a neutral amp that can provide a lot of current. Right now I'm interested in these three. Which one is more capable (power wise), more detailed, more neutral? Are they all at the same level, or one of them has an edge over the others (the HR-2 should, it's a lot more expensive than the others). I've searched some info about the three amps, but I haven't been able to find any comparisons between them.

I really wouldn't call the HR-2 Neutral..Colored. Warm, tube like, lush mid range. The Lisa III is arguably the best portable out now..But again it's a portable amp.. The Arietta would probably be a distant 3rd. I'm sure the HR-2 is more capable with more detail.. They can drive my 400 ohm 340's pretty well.. & my 600 ohm 240's even better.. But the HR2 cost 875.00. The lisa III about 600 or so with all the fixings..

 

[antonyfirst]

Thanks. Any other replies?

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by antonyfirst /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks. Any other replies?

Check out the Headamp GS-1. The amp is a neutral, powerful, discrete transistor design (no op amps) with more features.

SPECIFICATIONS

Device Type Solid State (JFET, Bi-Polar Transistors)
Class of Operation Pure Class A
Frequency Response 5Hz-50KHz +/-0.1dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio >100dB
Total Harmonic Distortion <0.006%
Stereo Crosstalk >85dB @ 1KHz
Gain 3x / 9dB and 8x / 18dB
Input Impedance 50K ohms
Input Sensitivity 200mV to 3.0Vrms
Output Impedance less than 1 ohm
Output Voltage 15 Volts peak-to-peak
Output Power 1 Watt
Inputs/Outputs 2 RCA inputs, 1 RCA loop out, 1 RCA pre-out,
2 1/4" headphone outputs
Operating Voltage 100-120VAC or 220-240VAC
Power Consumption 15 Watts
Chassis Dimensions 10.0 (L) x 8.5 (W) x 2.0 (H) inches
Weight 6lb / 2.7kg


HeadAmp - Audio Electronics

 

[mrarroyo]

Tony, you being in the EU wouldn't a Rudistor Amp make sense? I mean if you have a warranty issue you would not have have to ship it across the pond. Plus there would be high taxes on a product coming from outside the EU, right?

 

[antonyfirst]

It makes sense, but I don't know how the lesser (900+$) Rudistor amp performs. And there are no chances to find one used, which is what I'm looking for.

The GS1 seems interesting but, from what I read, can present some metallic highs with less warm sources.

What do you guys think about the M^3? Being DIY, it could be a very nice value if it can compete with the GS1 and friends.

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by antonyfirst /img/forum/go_quote.gif It makes sense, but I don't know how the lesser (900+$) Rudistor amp performs. And there are no chances to find one used, which is what I'm looking for. What do you guys think about the M^3?

I have an Amb Mini 3 portable that is quite good. The home version should be even better.

 

[antonyfirst]

If you read my message (edited), I've added a question about it. You read my mind.

Would you say it's up where the GS1 and HR-2 lie? Talking with Markl, he told me he was able to power his previous R10 with the HR-2, without clipping, and with good results. Would the M^3 be up to the job? That would make it one of the most interesting alternatives, as it's more affordable.

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by antonyfirst /img/forum/go_quote.gif If you read my message (edited), I've added a question about it. You read my mind. Would you say it's up where the GS1 and HR-2 lie? Talking with Markl, he told me he was able to power his previous R10 with the HR-2, without clipping, and with good results. Would the M^3 be up to the job? That would make it one of the most interesting alternatives, as it's more affordable.

That darn Vulcan mind link of mine .... no wonder I never get any sleep.

I dont really know all the parts quality specifics of the two home M3's I have auditioned. But, I liked the sound better than the HR-2; probably not quite as well as the GS-1. You might also look at the Gilmore Lite wih the DPS power supply. I dont hear a whole lot of difference between the upgraded Lite and the GS-1. The main difference between the two is all the added features of the GS-1. But, back to your question .... the M3's are nice SS amps.

 

[antonyfirst]

Is the GLite an all transistor/no opamps design, just like its bigger brother? Did you detect any harshness/metallic feeling in the highs? I read a couple sparse comment about it, so I wouldn't take them for granted.
Have you ever heard a Lisa III? Would you consider it a contender if I could have one for cheap? What I want to power (and I want to make it shine) is a Markl modded Denon D5000 (but I'm also interested in other low imp cans, like AD2000, W5000 and L3000).

 

[dallan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kool bubba ice /img/forum/go_quote.gif I really wouldn't call the HR-2 Neutral..Colored. Warm, tube like, lush mid range. The Lisa III is arguably the best portable out now..But again it's a portable amp.. The Arietta would probably be a distant 3rd. I'm sure the HR-2 is more capable with more detail.. They can drive my 400 ohm 340's pretty well.. & my 600 ohm 240's even better.. But the HR2 cost 875.00. The lisa III about 600 or so with all the fixings..

Don't forget, the Lisa lll as a home amp setup costs $900. because the power supply is $300. It is borderline too detailed for me(if possible) separating instruments so much, and not as warm as my tube hybrid-maybe a bit more analytical. I have not heard the others to compare.

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by antonyfirst /img/forum/go_quote.gif Is the GLite an all transistor/no opamps design, just like its bigger brother? Did you detect any harshness/metallic feeling in the highs? I read a couple sparse comment about it, so I wouldn't take them for granted. Have you ever heard a Lisa III? Would you consider it a contender if I could have one for cheap? What I want to power (and I want to make it shine) is a Markl modded Denon D5000 (but I'm also interested in other low imp cans, like AD2000, W5000 and L3000).

Sure is; same power too.

I used Senns in my last Lite/ DPS audition and I remember no metallic aftertaste.

Lisa III .... I have no experience with.

The GS-1 has a max 1 watt output @ 32 ohms. The amp with 25 ohm Denons would potentially give you even more power .... certainly MORE THAN ENOUGH volume than you could ever stand. The GS-1 drove the low impedence/ low sensitivity AKG 701's well.


The Gilmore Lites specs look the same as the GS-1 ....

GILMORE LITE HEADPHONE AMP Our Gilmore Lite Headphone Amplifier is a compact version of Dr. Kevin Gilmore's discrete dynamic headphone amplifier circuit.

Features and components include an external wall-wart power supply, a RCA input, a RCA line output, and a 1/4" stereo headphone output.

The Gilmore Lite builds on the success of the original and incorporates several upgrades to improve both the sound quality and usability of the amplifier. Capacitors have been upgraded, and a new circuit board design with a full ground plane lowers the noise floor and improves stability. The addition of a RCA line output pass-through is useful for those who require a connection for an external audio system. All jacks are now board mounted for a clean, professional build inside and out.

The amplifier is housed in a single-piece brushed aluminum enclosure with a custom 1/4" thick front panel as well as a custom-machined volume knob. The amp easily fits into a backpack or carrying bag.

Included is a high quality regulated dual voltage (+/- 15V) wall-wart power supply manufactured by Elpac.

A great way to enjoy high quality sound in a small, affordable package.

SPECIFICATIONS

Device Type Solid State (JFET, Bi-Polar Transistors)
Class of Operation Class A
Frequency Response 5Hz-50KHz +/-0.1dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio >100dB
Total Harmonic Distortion <0.006%
Stereo Crosstalk >85dB @ 1KHz
Gain 6x / 15dB
Input Impedance 50K ohms
Input Sensitivity 200mV to 3.0Vrms
Output Impedance less than 1 ohm
Output Voltage 15 Volts peak-to-peak
Output Power 1 Watt
Inputs/Outputs 1 RCA input and loop out, 1 1/4" headphone out
Operating Voltage 100-120VAC
Power Consumption 7.5 Watts
Chassis Dimensions 5.75 (L) x 4.5 (W) x 1.2 (H) inches
Weight 3lb / 1.35kg

 

[antonyfirst]

Sounds like a winner to me. How comes that the dedicated power supply make it sound closer to the GS1? I have not much experience with home audio, so everything I can learn is well accepted.
You are going to have a pm regarding another question.

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by antonyfirst /img/forum/go_quote.gif Sounds like a winner to me. How comes that the dedicated power supply make it sound closer to the GS1? I have not much experience with home audio, so everything I can learn is well accepted. You are going to have a pm regarding another question.

The base Gilmore Lite uses an off the shelf +/- 15 volt Elpac. The DPS is a custom power supply. You will LIKELY need the DPS anyway because your countries voltage will not be 115~120 volts @ 60hz .... correct? The Elpac only comes in the US voltage. The DPS can be set to the European operating voltage.

How come the DPS sounds closer to the GS-1?

This power supply replaces the standard wall-wart supply and improves the performance of your Gilmore Lite with superior filtering, better voltage regulation, high quality components, and an increased supply voltage.

The Gilmore Lite Dedicated Power Supply is compatible with any Gilmore Lite, and is available in either a 100-120V or 220-240V version - we will configure the voltage for your location unless you specify otherwise.

 

[antonyfirst]

So I suppose that the DPS gives the amp a lot more swing (and more stable) power to work and exploit its potential, other than being compatible with Europe. Am I right?