[scottder]

I'd love to hear peoples first, second and third impressions of the SuperDual so far, what sources and cans you're all using the SD and what features on the amp you are and aren't using. I'm espeically keen to hear your thoughts on the crossfeed.

My usual sources:

15gb G3 Ipod
Sony D-33
Sony D-232 (Just found this recently)
My laptop using Transit USB

Cans:

Etymotics ER-4P is my primary "can" at the moment

Scott

 

[penbat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottder I'd love to hear peoples first, second and third impressions of the SuperDual so far, what sources and cans you're all using the SD and what features on the amp you are and aren't using. I'm espeically keen to hear your thoughts on the crossfeed. My usual sources: 15gb G3 Ipod Sony D-33 Sony D-232 (Just found this recently) My laptop using Transit USB Cans: Etymotics ER-4P is my primary "can" at the moment Scott

Xin says allow a good week for SD burn-in. I am particularly interested to know how they are with UE-10 earphones. With my prototype, none of the features are much use with my E5 but the sound is good but apparently better still with Etys.

 

[kiwirugby]

There are some initial impressions on the thread about the arrival of the superdual, a coupel of which are mine.

I have listened with the SD on two setups for about 6 hours now:

Powerbook G4 -> Echo Indigo -> JMT-built silver mini-mini -> SD -> AKG501

Optimus CD3400 -> silver mini-mini -> SD -> AKG501

I have used the bass boost because the AKGs are somewhat bass shy. The SD provides a really clear, open sound, and really complements the sounstage of the AKG501. It's quite amazing what power this little can amp can provide with no distortion or clipping. Now granted I have listened exclusively to clasical music, but there are passages that can really tests a setup.

(The Optimus is a better source than the G4 with Echo Indigo soundcard IMO.)

I'm sure the SD will open up more, but so far, as an initial impression, really very fine.

 

[scottder]

kiwirugby,

Do you think the mini->mini cable you have makes a signifigant difference?

Scott

 

[goto2003]

Has anyone used SD to drive HD600? How well is it going?

 

[kiwirugby]

Scott,

In all honesty, I haven't compared it with the one that was sent with the SD or any other mini-mini (you need one, of course). When I was sucked into this whole business (!!), I just followed the crowd and decided to get what were considered to be "good" min-mini ICs (I have a Silver Dragon mini-RCA IC for my Grado RA1, as an example of a high end mini-mini). All I can say is that I find what I am listening to to be really excellent and gratifying to my ears (which could be sorely lacking in the perceptiveness of some audiophiles who post on here).

You can pay a little or a lot for ICs (I have Pivot Zu mini-RCA and a Markertec mini-mini here in the office, as well as a custom Pivot Zu mini-mini and the Silver Dragon at home). These span quite a price range, but I use them in different setups, and in all cases I am pleased with what I hear (with same ear caveat as before!)

JMT built me the silver mini-mini to go with the PIMETA he built for me and they complement each other well.

Hope this helps.

 

[guido]

> I have owned quite a few Xin amps over the past year and have
> progressed form a Supermini V5 to V6 , V6.2D, Supermicro V6 and
> Supermicro V7. Dr Xin kindly sent me a SUperdual for appaisal and all
> I can say is....how much better can these amps get! The biggest leap
> for me was between the Supermini and the Supermicro...there was just
> so much more control , especially in the bass regions. Sound was
> warmer and more tube-like, more holographic and realistic.
> The Superdual has a signifiant edge over the Supermicro V6 in all the
> above areas [although not as marked as the difference between the
> Supermicro and Supermini.]
> With respect to the Supermicro V7 I would say the sound is remarkably
> similar...I actually struggle to hear a difference between the SD and
> the V7.
> My main reservation is in the area of the Xfeed.
> On the SD it just sounds like a mono switch whereas on all the other
> Xfeed implementations the soundstage just narrowed slightly and moved
> forward.
> Perhaps this particular SD Xfeed has a problem but I remember reading
> from another post that another user had a similar experience with the
> Xfeed.
> I am not really a fan of the Xfeed and find it only useful on old jazz
> recordings with extreme separation between L and R tracks.
>
> I will report back once this SD is fully burnt-in if there is any
> significant improvement although I am very sceptical when I hear
> people noticing large differences while an amp burns in. The only real
> way to compare would be to listen to a brand new amp and a burnt-in
> one side by side. Over time musical memory fades significantly and the
> power of suggestion takes over...as well as familiarity with the
> product. Why does no one ever report any audio equipment sounding
> worse over time after burn-in?? Surely that can also be possible?
>
>
>
> Well done Xin...you have a winner with the SD...
> Let's see some more comparisons now against the really expensive
> portables out there.
>
> BTW I feel I am fairly qualified to judge and compare equipment. You
> can read about my high-end audio endeavours at www.delgi.com
Guido

 

[scottder]

Quote:

Originally Posted by guido > I have owned quite a few Xin amps over the past year and have > progressed form a Supermini V5 to V6 , V6.2D, Supermicro V6 and > Supermicro V7. Dr Xin kindly sent me a SUperdual for appaisal and all > I can say is....how much better can these amps get! The biggest leap > for me was between the Supermini and the Supermicro...there was just > so much more control , especially in the bass regions. Sound was > warmer and more tube-like, more holographic and realistic. > The Superdual has a signifiant edge over the Supermicro V6 in all the > above areas [although not as marked as the difference between the > Supermicro and Supermini.] > With respect to the Supermicro V7 I would say the sound is remarkably > similar...I actually struggle to hear a difference between the SD and > the V7. > My main reservation is in the area of the Xfeed. > On the SD it just sounds like a mono switch whereas on all the other > Xfeed implementations the soundstage just narrowed slightly and moved > forward. > Perhaps this particular SD Xfeed has a problem but I remember reading > from another post that another user had a similar experience with the > Xfeed. > I am not really a fan of the Xfeed and find it only useful on old jazz > recordings with extreme separation between L and R tracks. > I will report back once this SD is fully burnt-in if there is any > significant improvement although I am very sceptical when I hear > people noticing large differences while an amp burns in. The only real > way to compare would be to listen to a brand new amp and a burnt-in > one side by side. Over time musical memory fades significantly and the > power of suggestion takes over...as well as familiarity with the > product. Why does no one ever report any audio equipment sounding > worse over time after burn-in?? Surely that can also be possible? > > > > Well done Xin...you have a winner with the SD... > Let's see some more comparisons now against the really expensive > portables out there. > > BTW I feel I am fairly qualified to judge and compare equipment. You > can read about my high-end audio endeavours at www.delgi.com Guido

I agree here, it is very dependent on the source recoding how effective Xfeed is and how good it sounds. When I use the amp with my Transit and lapotop, I use the crossfeed in foobar2000, it has a much cubtler effect, but still sounds quite nice.

The bass boost also is very source-material dependent, sometimes I like it sometimes it's WAY too much (yes even on the etys!). I think i will be leaving the imped switch on for most listening, it gives my etys a much more refined sound. I like...

Overall this amp is weel worth looking into if you are looking a trully portable amp. Mine will see lots of use both on the go, and at work/home.

Scott

 

[lifeinabox]

I'm not sure about "more tube-like." I have a decent amount of experience with tubes, and my superdual is far from "tubey" sounding. I'd say it's fairly neutral based on my week or so of ownership. Does what an amp should do and doesn't attempt to color the sound out of my Mini. Perhaps the enhanced bass is mistaken for warmth?

I don't find xfeed particularly useful and I agree that the bass boost is bit overdone. Goes from decent to overwhelming with a flick of a switch and could be dialed back a bit.

All in all I'm very impressed with the SQ from such a diminutive amp. Seems like the perfect solution for those on the go.

 

[realworld]

I've been anxiously watching this thread to see what the initial impressions for the SD would be.

From my initial read - it's a nice, really portable amp but no "blown away" sound.

It will be interesting to see further takes once these amps are fully burned in.

 

[scottder]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lifeinabox I'm not sure about "more tube-like." I have a decent amount of experience with tubes, and my superdual is far from "tubey" sounding. I'd say it's fairly neutral based on my week or so of ownership. Does what an amp should do and doesn't attempt to color the sound out of my Mini. Perhaps the enhanced bass is mistaken for warmth? I don't find xfeed particularly useful and I agree that the bass boost is bit overdone. Goes from decent to overwhelming with a flick of a switch and could be dialed back a bit. All in all I'm very impressed with the SQ from such a diminutive amp. Seems like the perfect solution for those on the go.

Exactly, the bass boost works for some stuff and noth others...but hey, it's just a flick of switch away....nice.

Scott

 

[Xoton]

Quote:

Originally Posted by realworld I've been anxiously watching this thread to see what the initial impressions for the SD would be. From my initial read - it's a nice, really portable amp but no "blown away" sound. It will be interesting to see further takes once these amps are fully burned in.

Me too...I've been checking back to see some reviews. (sorry, this isn't one!) I'm wondering which is the best Ety4 amp; SD or Vibe, or something I haven't yet explored?

And the Imp Switch...what's the deal with that? Should I not buy the 4P to S cable and just use the switch on SD???

What are you guys finding out?

 

[scottder]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xoton Me too...I've been checking back to see some reviews. (sorry, this isn't one!) I'm wondering which is the best Ety4 amp; SD or Vibe, or something I haven't yet explored? And the Imp Switch...what's the deal with that? Should I not buy the 4P to S cable and just use the switch on SD??? What are you guys finding out?

I can't comment on the vibe, but the etys seem to have pretty good synergy with the SD so far. Yes if you have the SD you won't need the P to S cable, since the imped switch serves the same function.

Scott

 

[md01]

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottder etys seem to have pretty goo synergy with the SD so far. Scott

I concur with this. Etys sound good with this amp. I've tried all of my cans: CD3k, A900, DT250 with this amp. Etys yielded the most pleasing combination.

 

[furiousgeorge]

how is the SD with the a900s? ive been looking at an amp for them and now im torn between the SD and the headsave classic. at the moment im waiting for more impressions on both amps.