SD vs. SR-71? Need your advice

[etys rule]

As it states in the title, I have a SD which I use everyday with my 3G iPod. I use the BB and Imped switches. Occasionally use the xfeed. I am wondering if anyone who has spent serious time with both could offer their opinions. I am considering the SR-71 and would like to hear opinions. Music tastes vary. No one particular favorite. Use etys 4p. I have the s cable as well. I am hoping A) there is a noticeable difference b/w the two amps and B) the additional money spent would IYO, be worth it.

Thanks.
etys

 

[raaj]

Quote:

Originally Posted by etys rule As it states in the title, I have a SD which I use everyday with my 3G iPod. I use the BB and Imped switches. Occasionally use the xfeed. I am wondering if anyone who has spent serious time with both could offer their opinions. I am considering the SR-71 and would like to hear opinions. Music tastes vary. No one particular favorite. Use etys 4p. I have the s cable as well. I am hoping A) there is a noticeable difference b/w the two amps and B) the additional money spent would IYO, be worth it. Thanks. etys

FWIW, I owned the SuperDual for a week before selling it off to get the SR-71. You could send a PM to 'Jester' as he has both the amps, and he is working on a comparison review too. Here is what I said about the two amps in another thread:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raaj Quote: Originally Posted by blessingx On sound quality alone, does this mean the SR71 is substantially better than the SuperDual?? I would say the SR-71 takes the sound quality from the 'portable head-fi' level (as with the SuperDual) to 'home head-fi' level (as with the PPAs, Gilmore V2s, XP-7s etcetera). I hope I gave a good enough comparo. Yes, the SuperDual sure sounds amazing for something of its size, but I doubt if it would hold a candle to the amps in the 'home head-fi' level with their own power supplies and all. Mnd you, I just used the SD for a week before concerns about the build quality forced me to sell it, and I settled with the SR-71. The SR-71 is an amp worthy of being tasked with being the sole headphone amp for a higher-end hi-fidelity home setup. Please note the choice of the word 'higher-end' instead of 'high-end'. Branding the SR-71 as 'high-end' would invite comparisions with the Maestro ZRs, the Angstroms, the Stealths and the Blockheads.. nope, the SR-71 is NOT capable of their refinement. I have only heard the Stealth and the Maestro ZR out of the above mentioned amps, at a head-fi meet, so I have a faint idea of their capability. The SR-71 should be right at home in the company of the PPAs, the Gilmore V2 amps, and pretty much anything you can buy for less than a grand. The SuperDual might have been the king of the portable head-fi amps, but I guess the little compromise to achieve the smaller size has awarded the crown to the SR-71.. at least until the Xin SuperMono (the Blockhead Mini-Me ) comes out. Exciting times ahead for the ears, and times of distress for the wallet..

and

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raaj Quote: Originally Posted by vranswer My question as well - because I already have the terrific Xin SuperDual which resides comfortably on my belt, amping either my Karma or Ipod Mini to sublime and exquisite performance levels. Wondering if the SR71 would take it up several notches....because if not, why would I shell out the $$$? (other than the obvious "you're a head-fier" platitude). vranswer For a purely portable use, the Superdual could do the job well enough.. The SR-71 could be an overkill for someone 'reluctant' to spend twice the money as the SuperDual for improvements bordering on the edges of laws of diminishing returns.. but if you have the spare change lying in the closet below your dirty linens.. then, step up to the next level of sound quality with the SR-71.. Yes, the SR-71 is at a level above the SuperDual, but it is upto you to decide how much you want to pay for the ticket to the next level.. for some people the cost of admittance to the next level is not worth the improvement.. this is purely a decision one has to make after consulting with his ears and the ever-obliging wallet..

 

[etys rule]

Thanks raaj. I searched the board but didn't uncover these threads.

Thanks again,
etys

PS Are you enjoying the 225's?

 

[Jester]

Quote:

Originally Posted by etys rule Thanks raaj. I searched the board but didn't uncover these threads. Thanks again, etys PS Are you enjoying the 225's?

I am still working on the reviews. Just received my SD back from Xin and it cam back not working properly.

So this has delayed things a bit. Now I have to send it back to him. Until than my review is sitting here unfinished.