So, would the PA2 be a good choice?

[Ziddy]

Assuming iPod -> PA2 -> KSC75 or iPod -> line-out -> PA2 -> KSC75.

If so, where can I buy it?

 

[Dregur]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ziddy Assuming iPod -> PA2 -> KSC75 or iPod -> line-out -> PA2 -> KSC75. If so, where can I buy it?

http://www.electric-avenues.com/purchase.html

-The Grinman

 

[Ziddy]

One more question - which would be better? This, or the Go-Vibe?

 

[atx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ziddy One more question - which would be better? This, or the Go-Vibe?

The go-vibe 3 is more expensive ($90 vs $60), but has better volume knob, bigger case (and probably heavier), and more flexible since you can swap the opamp. For a KSC75, I don't think it's worth the extra $30 (a big difference IMO).

 

[Ziddy]

A few more questions:

1) What are the dimensions of the PA2?
2) Does the AC adapter charge NiMH batteries, or just alkaline?

 

[crea78]

I'm thinking about getting the exact same headphones + either headphone amp to go with my iPod Shuffle. I'm tempted going with the PA2 b/c of its small size and price, and maybe hold off getting the Go-Vibe v3 if I decide to get some 'cans' for home use. For portablity, definetly go with the PA2

Ziddy, the amp's dimensions are 2.6" x 2.6" x 1.1" & I believe you can use NiMh batteries, but I'm not 100% sure.

 

[crea78]

I found a thread showing the actual size of the PA2 amp compared to the Cmoy amp (in Altoids tin box).. very very small!! Just scroll down on the 1st page a short ways...

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ght=PocketAmp2

 

[Dregur]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ziddy A few more questions: 1) What are the dimensions of the PA2? 2) Does the AC adapter charge NiMH batteries, or just alkaline?

2) Alkalines can't be charged, so it can charge NiMH just fine apparently.

-The Grinman

 

[kramer5150]

PA2 ONLY uses 1.2 Volt NIMHs. if you use 1.5V alkalines it will push the OP amp into clipping. So yes the charging jack will charge NIMH cells.

I have the govibe2. IMHO the PA2 has more bass and midrange projection, but a tighter soundstage. While the govibe is more airy and spatious sounding. For jazz I like the govibe, rock and prog-metal I like the PA2.

IMHO the KSC75 is a great match for the PA2. The 75 can be a little loose and sloppy, the PA2s tight focus works well with the Koss.

IMHO of course!!
Garrett

 

[cmirza]

The ultimate budget setup. Definately get a line-out working with your iPod (either with a SiK din (or dim ram) or a sendstation pocketdock. This setup sounds great, is cheap and is soooo compact. And make sure to ONLY use NiMH batteries with it to prevent any noise/distortion.

 

[Ziddy]

Good, I have some NiMH batteries. They're the 15-minute recharge kind, though - would they recharge that quickly in the PA2?

Finally, should I get a Ram Din, or a PocketDock?

 

[kramer5150]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ziddy Good, I have some NiMH batteries. They're the 15-minute recharge kind, though - would they recharge that quickly in the PA2? Finally, should I get a Ram Din, or a PocketDock?

No... the PA2 wall wart is like ~30 mah ( I think.... someone please correct me)... so it takes a few hours depending on the capacity of your NIMH cells. Im using 2350 mah cells and it charges them gently overnight. One things for sure... that little amp hardly draws any current. Ive been running without a recharge for weeks, using it ~4 hours/day!!!

Im starting to think these cells are overkill, and am looking into a AAA 850 mah mod... so I can fit it into a smaller enclosure for even more portability.

Garrett

 

[aseltzer144]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kramer5150 PA2 ONLY uses 1.2 Volt NIMHs. if you use 1.5V alkalines it will push the OP amp into clipping. So yes the charging jack will charge NIMH cells. I have the govibe2. IMHO the PA2 has more bass and midrange projection, but a tighter soundstage. While the govibe is more airy and spatious sounding. For jazz I like the govibe, rock and prog-metal I like the PA2. IMHO the KSC75 is a great match for the PA2. The 75 can be a little loose and sloppy, the PA2s tight focus works well with the Koss. IMHO of course!! Garrett

I have both a PA2 and Go Vibe (ver. 2) and agree with the post above. To underscore those comments, I find the Go Vibe a bit more sophisticated in sound and is extensible via interchangeable opamps, whereas the PA2 is more portable and offers pragmatic features like a built in recharger and very long battery life. The sound quality of the PA2 is very good and will add to your enjoyment.

Depending upon which iPod you have, the effects of any amplifier will vary. If its a newer generation iPod or a Shuffle, the output is alreadyt pretty good. Adding an amp will still bring out details but the effecgt amy not be as audible as with earlier iPods.

The PA2 requires Nimh rechargeables. It runs for days without requiring a recharge and one set of rechargeables should last a couple of years. From a value standpoint, the PA2 offers the most value for the money and rivals the Go Vibe in overall quality.

 

[cmirza]

Personally, I think the SiK ram din is perfect, I use it on my setup (see below). It has a male 1/8" connector so you just connect that to your amp and you're done. I've read there are some sound quality issues with the pocketdock, so you may want to avoid the pocketdock on account of that.

 

[gratefulshrink]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ziddy Good, I have some NiMH batteries. They're the 15-minute recharge kind, though - would they recharge that quickly in the PA2? Finally, should I get a Ram Din, or a PocketDock?

Frist off, I have the PAV2, and am very happy with it.

I have both the sik Ram Dik and the PocketDock. I use the Sik for portable, as it doesn't come loose the way the Pocket dock can if moving around in a bag (it doesn't snap in).

The Sik is a better bargain overall (~ $10 cheaper and you don't have to worry about a separate mini-to-mini cable). On the other hand, the pocket dock can be patched easily into a home stereo, and allows you to experiment with higher quality interconnect cables (although the difference in quality might only become apparent with an overall more expensive rig).

So, I'd vote for PAV2 plus Sik Ram Din first based on overall price and portability.