vn412
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2001
- Posts
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After sampling both for a couple days and A-Bing them, there are definite differences and qualities that are good and bad. This review was done using Sennheiser HD-580s, which are supposed to shine on both amps. I listen to pretty much everything, but am not a big fan of country and metal. Since I don't feel like typing much and I'm sure this will open up quite a debate, I'm just going to make this short:
THE GOOD
MG-Head DT
----------------
Wider soundstage...not enough to blow you away, but there is an easy distinction
Mellow highs...sounds great with more contemporary recorded music. Music that uses samples (ie electronica, some r&b and rap) is less harsh
MUCH better bass...It is much deeper and richer
MF X-CAN V2
----------------
Superior instrument separation...you can easily tell the difference. There is a lot of detail that is unlocked with this amp! Jazz and classical are amazing with this amp since you can distinctly hear each instrument and where it is.
Great highs...this is what most ppl have commented on, which is female vocals. While it doesn't seem "right", it sounds really good! I find that classical music benefits as well (listen to any of Antonin Dvorak's works...violins sound amazing)
THE BAD
MG-Head DT
---------------
Volume control weak...I hate how its notched and doesn't allow you to pinpoint the exact volume level you want, whereas the X-can v2( while cheap-feeling) allows you to fully control the volume.
Almost too balanced...perhaps a different set of tubes would fix this up but there was nothing that really stood out and hit you in the face. I guess this is good with some recordings since the amp is accurate, but sometimes it isn't that fun to listen to.
MF X-CAN V2
----------------
Cheap volume control knob...its this cheap-feeling plastic knob that feels like it came from a cheap board game. They should replace it with the knobs JMT uses.
Bass becomes static-y at certain levels...when the bass is really deep (with pop music and r&b for example) it really sounds like crap. Perhaps an ART DI/O or that Corda Accentuator or whatever can fix this up, but for now bass is definitely not a strong point. I don't mean that it totally wrecks the amp, but it could be better.
THE BIG PICTURE
I would say both have their respective types of music. I definitely like classical, jazz, and anything using a SKILLED female vocalist with the X-Can v2. Even some rock and pop sounds better with the X-Can v2 as well, with its unique sound. The instrument separation is definitely something quite unique.
HOWEVER, the overall sound from the MG-Head is much cleaner and natural sounding. It is definitely good with all genres of music.
Its hard to discount either one...if someone were to ask me what I would bring to a desert island, I would not be able to choose since both have their distinct qualities.
THE END!!!!
THE GOOD
MG-Head DT
----------------
Wider soundstage...not enough to blow you away, but there is an easy distinction
Mellow highs...sounds great with more contemporary recorded music. Music that uses samples (ie electronica, some r&b and rap) is less harsh
MUCH better bass...It is much deeper and richer
MF X-CAN V2
----------------
Superior instrument separation...you can easily tell the difference. There is a lot of detail that is unlocked with this amp! Jazz and classical are amazing with this amp since you can distinctly hear each instrument and where it is.
Great highs...this is what most ppl have commented on, which is female vocals. While it doesn't seem "right", it sounds really good! I find that classical music benefits as well (listen to any of Antonin Dvorak's works...violins sound amazing)
THE BAD
MG-Head DT
---------------
Volume control weak...I hate how its notched and doesn't allow you to pinpoint the exact volume level you want, whereas the X-can v2( while cheap-feeling) allows you to fully control the volume.
Almost too balanced...perhaps a different set of tubes would fix this up but there was nothing that really stood out and hit you in the face. I guess this is good with some recordings since the amp is accurate, but sometimes it isn't that fun to listen to.
MF X-CAN V2
----------------
Cheap volume control knob...its this cheap-feeling plastic knob that feels like it came from a cheap board game. They should replace it with the knobs JMT uses.
Bass becomes static-y at certain levels...when the bass is really deep (with pop music and r&b for example) it really sounds like crap. Perhaps an ART DI/O or that Corda Accentuator or whatever can fix this up, but for now bass is definitely not a strong point. I don't mean that it totally wrecks the amp, but it could be better.
THE BIG PICTURE
I would say both have their respective types of music. I definitely like classical, jazz, and anything using a SKILLED female vocalist with the X-Can v2. Even some rock and pop sounds better with the X-Can v2 as well, with its unique sound. The instrument separation is definitely something quite unique.
HOWEVER, the overall sound from the MG-Head is much cleaner and natural sounding. It is definitely good with all genres of music.
Its hard to discount either one...if someone were to ask me what I would bring to a desert island, I would not be able to choose since both have their distinct qualities.
THE END!!!!
