[Shaker]

 

Well aware of the inputs/outputs. What is not clear nor specified by SPL, is if the signal remains split within the Phonitor 2 -- unlikely due to all of its processing options, though I could be wrong since I have not seen their circuit.  As an example, the Mjolnir is unusual in that it remains balanced throughout.

Anyone?
[/quote

I talked with the US Phonitor Rep at SPL and he recommended balanced in, and either balanced or single ended out. He thought balanced was always better. However he was demoing the Phonitor 2 with the LCX single ended, and it sounded superb. I'm using mine by connecting the balanced out on my Sony SACD player directly to the Phonitor 2, and single ended phone connection using the K812 or HD800. Both sound better than I have ever heard them based on the equipment I have owned in the past.

thanks -- my question is about what happens to the signal after it is fed into the P2? does it remain separate/balanced or not? the answer to that question is not answered by its inputs and outputs. I am doubtful that it is a fully balanced circuitry. was hoping someone here or from SPL would know and answer. 

 

[murrays]

  thanks -- my question is about what happens to the signal after it is fed into the P2? does it remain separate/balanced or not? the answer to that question is not answered by its inputs and outputs. I am doubtful that it is a fully balanced circuitry. was hoping someone here or from SPL would know and answer. 

Did you email SPL?  They happily answered a technical question I had a while back.

 

[saitoh]

  thanks -- my question is about what happens to the signal after it is fed into the P2? does it remain separate/balanced or not? the answer to that question is not answered by its inputs and outputs. I am doubtful that it is a fully balanced circuitry. was hoping someone here or from SPL would know and answer. 

 
There has to be some point where it mixes channel signal together, you wouldn't be able to do the speaker simulation if you didn't.

 

[plakat]

The matrix mixes certain amounts of left/right together, and with intent. But thats no definitive sign that the layout might not be fully balanced (though I doubt it as I guess the matrix would be extremely difficult to do while retaining a fully balanced design).
I think they use XLR balanced in/outputs as its a piece of studio equipment where those connectors (and associated properties) are mandatory. Its main headphone output is single ended... the XLR output at the back is primarily intended to drive active speakers (which is why its male XLR I guess).
Nevertheless final word should come from someone at SPL... If I remember to ask next time I see the folks I'll report back.

 

[Shaker]

  The matrix mixes certain amounts of left/right together, and with intent. But thats no definitive sign that the layout might not be fully balanced (though I doubt it as I guess the matrix would be extremely difficult to do while retaining a fully balanced design).
I think they use XLR balanced in/outputs as its a piece of studio equipment where those connectors (and associated properties) are mandatory. Its main headphone output is single ended... the XLR output at the back is primarily intended to drive active speakers (which is why its male XLR I guess).
Nevertheless final word should come from someone at SPL... If I remember to ask next time I see the folks I'll report back.

agreed. thanks

 

[plakat]

I just came across another review of the Phonitor 2:
http://www.hdphonic.com/en/headphones/spl-phonitor-2/
 
Still waiting for the Phonitor Mini though...

 

[mrscotchguy]

What are people here using as their dac/source?

 

[MickeS]

I have a Benchmark DAC2 as input.

 

[plakat]

I'm currently considering my options but have not decided as of yet. Right now I'm using the DAC part of the Fostex HP-A8c, which unfortunately does not offer balanced out (coming from a pro audio background I prefer that even on equipment used at home).
 
My short list:
*) Benchmark DAC2
*) NAD M51
*) Violectric V800
*) Firestone Audio Tobby
 
One restriction is that it should be readily available in the EU, another that I want balanced out.
I still hope for some kind of DAC made by SPL... or maybe a Phonitor 3 that has digital inputs.

 

[mrscotchguy]

I'm currently considering my options but have not decided as of yet. Right now I'm using the DAC part of the Fostex HP-A8c, which unfortunately does not offer balanced out (coming from a pro audio background I prefer that even on equipment used at home).

My short list:
*) Benchmark DAC2
*) NAD M51
*) Violectric V800
*) Firestone Audio Tobby

One restriction is that it should be readily available in the EU, another that I want balanced out.
I still hope for some kind of DAC made by SPL... or maybe a Phonitor 3 that has digital inputs.

I am personally hoping to hear an impression of the Ph2 paired with the Oppo HA-1.

I had the chance to briefly listen to the Ph1 fed from the V800, and I just felt it was too smooth. That something wasn't quite right. Now the guy who brought it to the meet had just got it, so it could have been a setting. We thought we had it in the bit-for-bit mode. But, please take my thoughts with a heaping scoop of salt.

 

[plakat]

I am personally hoping to hear an impression of the Ph2 paired with the Oppo HA-1.

I had the chance to briefly listen to the Ph1 fed from the V800, and I just felt it was too smooth. That something wasn't quite right. Now the guy who brought it to the meet had just got it, so it could have been a setting. We thought we had it in the bit-for-bit mode. But, please take my thoughts with a heaping scoop of salt.

 
Thanks for your impressions. Quite similar to my own feelings: Lake People seem to prefer a sound signature a bit warmer then I like. I've heard the V800 only at a fair, but that was my impression as well (at that time I thought it was more due to the V200 that was used as an amp, which is known to be a tad warm).
 
Actually I'm quite satisfied with the performance of the A8 DAC and may indeed wait if SPL offers something in the future. Or get the M51 -- I always had a hang for NAD equipment. Lets see... I'm not in a hurry to decide on that matter.

 

[plakat]

While the question for a DAC is still unsolved (not that urgent anyways)... the Phonitor Mini seems to be available at last: my dealer marked them as "available within one week", so I guess SPL now has some units in stock.

 

[wberghofer]

I guess the 'Laterality' knob is a balance knob.  I am not sure why one would want that.

You may not believe it, but I can assure you that there are a lot of people in the world which hear different with the right and the left ear. For these folks the “Laterality” knob is a highly appreciated and important feature.

Werner.

 

[macbob713]

You may not believe it, but I can assure you that there are a lot of people in the world which hear different with the right and the left ear. For these folks the “Laterality” knob is a highly appreciated and important feature.

Werner.

So true. Hearing can worsen on one ear much worse than the other. This feature is great for people who need to boost one side for balance.

 

[wberghofer]

Hearing can worsen on one ear much worse than the other.

My left ear canal is bent slightly different than the right one. I was born with this “hardware defect”. Luckily my hearing didn’t worsen as I reached my current age of 58 years. According to my ear specialist, my right channel is still working at full blown 98 percent

Werner.