[R Giskard]

Quote:

 
Microchip fabrication does not require significant expertise? Not sure if trolling.

You are missing the point completely. To rephrase: it does require expertise but it doesn't require you to have one if you can have it made for you. Do you think there are that many manufacturers that make ICs? 

 

[Gamerzhell]

Quote:

You are missing the point completely. To rephrase: it does require expertise but it doesn't require you to have one if you can have it made for you. Do you think there are that many manufacturers that make ICs? 

opamps are cheap, because the technology is outdated and has paid for itself, however it still costs a fair bit of money just to get the factory to start the process and it takes weeks to get back a sample, if at all. If you tried to go out and pay someone to make an IC, it would cost tens of thousands to get back a sample for debugging.
 
Buying off the shelf ICs is another story. They are cheap because they sell in the thousands and the initial outlay can be repaid pretty quickly. 

 

[.Sup]

Saying Sennheiser uses Lehmann as their 'reference' is a bit over the top.  They use all sorts of amps specific to their particular locale and needs.  Sennheiser had the HD800 hooked up to Headroom amps here for demos.  

They use Lehmann amps on trade fairs to demonstrate their headphones, Sennheiser that is. I don't know what they hook up their headphones in the US but in Europe that's what they use.

 

[RedBull]

In Singapore too, it is Lehmann they are using for demoing HD800.

 

[sn0gl0be]

Hi all, hopefully i can pick your brains a bit. I have the oppurtunity to purchase a burson ha160 or lehmann black cube linear for roughly the same price. I have a sennheiser hd650. I was wondering if you guys had any idea which I should go for. Many thanks.
 

 

[BingCrosby1903]

Definitely the BCL.  Made in Germany vs China for one.  I have seen (but not heard both) and the BCL has much nicer body work.  The BCL is very clean, fast, smooth and neutral, something that the HD650 benefits from.  I believe the Burson is a more rolled off sound.  The BCL with the 650s really gets the best out of them.  I use the BCL with the HD800s, but my old 650s sound great with them too.

 

[garysan]

I can't comment on the HA160 but the BCL (which I own) has been around since 2005 and people still rave about it... Says a lot really It also has the capability to grow with your headphones so if you upgrade to something like HD700 or HD800 you won't have to think about changing your head-amp.

 

[musicman59]

I agree with the other two members. I would go for the BCL too.

 

[.Sup]

If Burson has rolled off treble then its really no match for HD6xx series.

 

[sn0gl0be]

Thank you very much for your responses - the BCL appears to be the winner

 

[HiFiGuy528]

I have a few solid state amps in my collection. I can say that the BCL is still king when it comes to resolution and dynamics. I really really want the Linear SE. Anyone here has it?

 

[sn0gl0be]

Really appreciated your youtube review on the BCL hifiguy

 

[garysan]

Quote:

Really appreciated your youtube review on the BCL hifiguy

I can't seem to find this - can you provide a link?

 

[grokit]

Quote:

If Burson has rolled off treble then its really no match for HD6xx series.

 
That's kind of odd because Burson voiced the HA160 with the HD650:
 
During the design process, the team aimed for proper drive into what were then considered the toughest headphones, Sennheiser's open-backed 300-ohm HD650s.

 

[singh]

Yup brson is a good match for 650/600, but under 600 usd. BcL is a little out of its league.

Moreover BCL may drive the 650/600 satisfactory, but it shines at driving HD800.