[betula]

How does the Burson amp compare to RME?

The RME punches above its price as a DAC. The amp section is not bad, but only mediocre.
The 3XP in 'headphone power amp mode' with balanced output is just much more dynamic, detailed, spacious, clear. With some exaggeration it is like switching from an old radio to a proper hi-fi system. Flat versus spacious, blurred versus detailed, soft versus dynamic.

 

[nordkapp]

The RME punches above its price as a DAC. The amp section is not bad, but only mediocre.
The 3XP in 'headphone power amp mode' with balanced output is just much more dynamic, detailed, spacious, clear. With some exaggeration it is like switching from an old radio to a proper hi-fi system. Flat versus spacious, blurred versus detailed, soft versus dynamic.

Wow. Now I am tempted......

 

[Crowbar44]

 

[lugnut]

So please tell us about the McIntosh MHA 200, not a lot of info out there. What tubes, how does it sound, how does it compare to other amps, just any information you can share with us ? Oh yeah, what does it cost ?

 

[Crowbar44]

So please tell us about the McIntosh MHA 200, not a lot of info out there. What tubes, how does it sound, how does it compare to other amps, just any information you can share with us ? Oh yeah, what does it cost ?

So it just hit dealers on Tuesday. A few of us early owners have a thread going...

Posting to the dedicated thread is probably best - but I gotta say, I love this thing, really fast and musical. I loved my Asgard 3 - but this is in a different league. At $2,500 it better be!

A pair of 12AT7 and 12BH7A dual triode tubes. Push/pull SET, with a load switch that goes from 30 - 600 Ohms to match different headphone impedances...

 

[MSA1133]

 

[judomaniak57]

New Cardas Parsec cable

 

[UntilThen]

 

[RobertSM]

 

[mammal]

 

[betula]

How is the TC with this combo?

 

[mammal]

How is the TC with this combo?

Really liking it if you ask me. Still undecided if I wanna keep HMS (as it is a loaner) and if XLR over SE makes a difference. But HTT2 + TC is a no brainer, haven't heard anything better yet.

 

[betula]

Really liking it if you ask me. Still undecided if I wanna keep HMS (as it is a loaner) and if XLR over SE makes a difference. But HTT2 + TC is a no brainer, haven't heard anything better yet.

I used to own the TT2 and it is not completely out of reach now, but it is definitely out of reach with the MScaler as a combo.
I am interested in the 1266, but a bit worried if the superior technicalities over the Empyrean would turn into a colder musical experience over time which I would not want.
Anyhow, my life won't feel complete unless trying 1266 bass at some point.

 

[mammal]

I used to own the TT2 and it is not completely out of reach now, but it is definitely out of reach with the MScaler as a combo.

I know what you mean, I am having issues justifying MScaler as an addition to TT2 myself.

I am interested in the 1266, but a bit worried if the superior technicalities over the Empyrean would turn into a colder musical experience over time which I would not want.

I compared (in a shop setting) AB-1266, LCD-4 and Empyrean and found AB-1266 the most resolving out of them. As far as bass goes, I felt that AB-1266 has more controlled bass, but as you said yourself, this is one of the technicalities it has over other headphones. I asked the shop owner and he told me he personally likes Empyrean more, exactly for that coloration. I think the best way forward is for you to try to audition them somewhere.

 

[betula]

I know what you mean, I am having issues justifying MScaler as an addition to TT2 myself.


I compared (in a shop setting) AB-1266, LCD-4 and Empyrean and found AB-1266 the most resolving out of them. As far as bass goes, I felt that AB-1266 has more controlled bass, but as you said yourself, this is one of the technicalities it has over other headphones. I asked the shop owner and he told me he personally likes Empyrean more, exactly for that coloration. I think the best way forward is for you to try to audition them somewhere.

I know, I must try at some point. I tried the LCD4 but haven't heard any Abyss.
I love the Empyrean for its musicality over some other more expensive flagship headphones.