[warp08]

Quote:

Hi Warp, 
 
Thanks for your early impressions. Like many, I've been anxious to hear what it sounded like. Quick question: from your post it seemed like the most dramatic improvements over the Protector came from the balanced input. Is that right? Would you suspect that it would not be worthwhile to upgrade from the Protector without a balanced source? Thanks!
 
Edward

 
The strength of this amp--assuming no major changes between now and production affecting SQ--is operating in balanced mode.  I believe there will be balanced LODs available by the time this amp is released to choose from turning your WhipMod/iMod/iPhone into a balanced source.  IMHO, I would anticipate that the vast majority of customers who opt to buy this will spend the extra money to change their regular LOD to a balanced one and get the full benefits of their investment.
 
Since this is not a finished product yet, any detailed comparison between any existing product on the market, including Ray's own amps would be premature and that any rate, I did not have enough time or the right conditions to conduct one beyond my initial impressions above.  And they are just that--initial impressions. I'm sure will post additional information once he finalizes the design specs.
 

 

[jamato8]

Quote:

Anyone know if this has optical in, the conn by the LOD in the above pictures may be??

It is an amp so there won't be an optical in, that would be for a dac, which this isn't. 

 

[Jalo]

I am sure Warp08 isn't the only person that attended the Can Fest last Saturday. I am also sure that Warp08 is not the only person that auditioned the SR71B prototype. But why is his the only impression on the SR71b is beyond me. Not that Warp08's impression is no good, its just that if there is concensus among a few observers it's that much better

 

[jamato8]

Quote:

I am sure Warp08 isn't the only person that attended the Can Fest last Saturday. I am also sure that Warp08 is not the only person that auditioned the SR71B prototype. But why is his the only impression on the SR71b is beyond me. Not that Warp08's impression is no good, its just that if there is concensus among a few observers it's that much better

I know what you mean. I have seen other new amps that I knew had been auditioned but no mention was made here on HeadFi. It is nice to read people's opinions. 
 
The posted images are a nice addition. 

 

[edwardsean]

Hi, 
 
Is the only thing necessary to change a source into balanced souce a balanced LOD?
 
Edward

 

[jamato8]

You have to have a balanced source, dac, preamp etc, in order to have a balanced input signal to the amplifier. 

 

[warp08]

Quote:

You have to have a balanced source, dac, preamp etc, in order to have a balanced input signal to the amplifier. 

From a purist sense, John, you are absolutely correct.  I am hoping, however, that even a "partially" balanced solution achievable from a portable source would produce at least some of the benefits the Meridian/B-52 combo fully balanced input has achieved.  Similar to the Protector benefiting in splitting the output stage into balanced mode vs. s/e mode, only at the input stage.

 

[IPodPJ]

Quote:

How do we get portable balanced sources?  One solution would be to persuade Craig@Whiplash audio to build custom iPod/iMod/WhipMOD LODs terminating into a 4-pin balanced male Protector plug and, there, we would have a fully balanced portable solution.

Terminating an iPod LOD with a 4-pin cable does not make the iPod a balanced source.  I'm not sure how you figure that.

 

[edwardsean]

I am still very interested in the SR71B. However, given these posts I'm becoming uncertain about the application. If a balanced source is needed to properly use the SR71B won't that negate the portability of its design? Is there a balanced source that is also portable to match the SR71B?

 

[jamato8]

There will be a portable balanced dac so that gives you a source. 

 

[abyrvalg]

Quote:

 Is there a balanced source that is also portable to match the SR71B?

Sonosax SX-DA2 portable DAC\AMP has XLR balanced line output.

 

[jamato8]

I don't think it is really portable and from what I have read, has been out of production for a long time. 

 

[abyrvalg]

Well, it is not much less portable than Headroom Microamp. As for being out of production - it doesn't really matter, because if you want it, you can find it. 

 

[adktitan]

Quote:

There will be a portable balanced dac so that gives you a source. 

Can you link, or speak of, the dac spoken about above please? I'm not sure which one you mean...thanks...

 

[Icenine2]

Hook this up to an Ayre QB-9 at your desktop and boom!
 
K