SuperMicro-IV /Tomahawk or Hornet with iMod?
Jul 25, 2007 at 7:31 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 39
yourtoys7

yourtoys7

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I'm in not shure what to get for the amp.
rolleyes.gif

I love how EFNs system looks and in process of getting iMod. I like to use IEMs and full size, but not shure what will be my better option for the amp.
I do like how portable EFNs system is.
Help...
 
Jul 25, 2007 at 8:34 PM Post #2 of 39
lol
ive been asking the same question for a while
but i never got good answers

i ordered my supermicro back in march but im still
waiting for xin's reply. if it wasnt for the wait, i would recommend it.
if i could start over i would just get the tomahawk cuz i dont think
the supermicro is worth the extra wait.
 
Jul 25, 2007 at 9:27 PM Post #3 of 39
I'd get the Supermicro, between those three. I really haven't been impressed by the Hornet when I've used it, and I just used one about a week and a half ago. I haven't tried the Tomahawk, but the use of a micropower op-amp and a supply of around ~3v is a recipe I wouldn't want to invest in, personally. 6V supply is about the bare minimum I would recommend to someone looking to have a real amplification device, otherwise you have no headroom and very limited drive capability. 1vRMS is around 2.828vp-p, which nears the 3V supply limit (and your supply is lower as the batteries discharge). 1vRMS is roughly the output from your iMod, according to the iMod site. Therefore, you can't gain over the output and what you have is either an attenuator or a unity gain buffer in practical terms, and risk clipping problems due to the very limited headroom. Additionally, micropower op-amps tend to have substantially more distortion than more power-hungry chips (I can't think of one that performs well, offhand).
 
Jul 25, 2007 at 9:37 PM Post #4 of 39
thanks, I have ordered Supermicro IV 2weeks ago, but it might be a while till I get it, but my iMod should be here shortly. I'm just hoping that someone who tested them could pass any info.
I believe EFN has mentioned that he has tryed DT770, and was supprized how well it performed.

any one else?
 
Jul 25, 2007 at 9:50 PM Post #5 of 39
Quote:

Originally Posted by Filburt /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I'd get the Supermicro, between those three. I really haven't been impressed by the Hornet when I've used it, and I just used one about a week and a half ago. I haven't tried the Tomahawk, but the use of a micropower op-amp and a supply of around ~3v is a recipe I wouldn't want to invest in, personally. 6V supply is about the bare minimum I would recommend to someone looking to have a real amplification device, otherwise you have no headroom and very limited drive capability. 1vRMS is around 2.828vp-p, which nears the 3V supply limit (and your supply is lower as the batteries discharge). 1vRMS is roughly the output from your iMod, according to the iMod site. Therefore, you can't gain over the output and what you have is either an attenuator or a unity gain buffer in practical terms, and risk clipping problems due to the very limited headroom. Additionally, micropower op-amps tend to have substantially more distortion than more power-hungry chips (I can't think of one that performs well, offhand).


It really does depend on what you're driving. My HD600's run wonderfully on the Hornet, but the Tomahawk does struggle with them. But really, with the Denon D2000's and Ultrasone Edition 9's, the difference between the two amps is very subtle, if noticeable at all.

So I would say that the mighty Tomahawk, while it is only running on 2 AA's, certainly does pack some unexpected punch!

I don't have any experience with proper, class A amps, though...
 
Jul 25, 2007 at 10:18 PM Post #6 of 39
Quote:

Originally Posted by thread /img/forum/go_quote.gif
It really does depend on what you're driving. My HD600's run wonderfully on the Hornet, but the Tomahawk does struggle with them. But really, with the Denon D2000's and Ultrasone Edition 9's, the difference between the two amps is very subtle, if noticeable at all.

So I would say that the mighty Tomahawk, while it is only running on 2 AA's, certainly does pack some unexpected punch!

I don't have any experience with proper, class A amps, though...


Well, I'm not saying you won't get audio out of it. However, these are the sorts of differences that people allude to in less technical terms when they are distinguishing 'high end' from 'low end' in their repetoire of gear. There is no magic to lift the limitations of a 3V supply from the amp. I didn't think the Hornet sounded outright bad; rather, I just wasn't very impressed compared to the new Mini^3 or the AE-2 (or my PINT).
 
Jul 25, 2007 at 10:44 PM Post #7 of 39
I have compared side by side all three models the OP listed. IMO there is not doubt and my choice would be the Supermicro IV, Hornet "M", and then the Tomahawk. The Supermicro IV has no problem driving higher impedence cans like the HD600 or the 250 ohm Beyer DT990.

As far as sound it has the best soundstage and depth of any portable amp I have ever heard. It also has the lushest and most tube sound out of an SS amp. Well worth the money and the 3+ month wait.
 
Jul 26, 2007 at 12:14 AM Post #8 of 39
Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I have compared side by side all three models the OP listed. IMO there is not doubt and my choice would be the Supermicro IV, Hornet "M", and then the Tomahawk. The Supermicro IV has no problem driving higher impedence cans like the HD600 or the 250 ohm Beyer DT990.

As far as sound it has the best soundstage and depth of any portable amp I have ever heard. It also has the lushest and most tube sound out of an SS amp. Well worth the money and the 3+ month wait.


thanks, main goal for me is the size and I always felt that supermicro IV was the best bet. It's nice to hear the confermation
icon10.gif
.
 
Jul 26, 2007 at 12:19 AM Post #9 of 39
Or go with the Xin Reference, when it becomes available, as it builds on the Micro and would have to be one of the best portables available and will defeat many home amps in all areas of sound reprodcution.
 
Jul 26, 2007 at 6:26 AM Post #11 of 39
It is the same case as the SuperMacro series. Someone here can compare it to the V5, as I have not seen or used the V5.
 
Jul 26, 2007 at 4:37 PM Post #13 of 39
Quote:

Originally Posted by jamato8 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Or go with the Xin Reference, when it becomes available, as it builds on the Micro and would have to be one of the best portables available and will defeat many home amps in all areas of sound reprodcution.


is there any word on price or date of availability on these yet? is he taking orders for 'em (got a link?)?
 
Jul 26, 2007 at 8:42 PM Post #15 of 39
Quote:

Originally Posted by yourtoys7 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
thanks, I have ordered Supermicro IV 2weeks ago, but it might be a while till I get it, but my iMod should be here shortly. I'm just hoping that someone who tested them could pass any info.
I believe EFN has mentioned that he has tryed DT770, and was supprized how well it performed.

any one else?


I use the C&C Box+ with my iMod and to me it sounds amazing. This is my first portable amp though. It works great together with the SR-225s.

Please let us know how the Supermicro IV sounds toghether with the iMod when you get it!
 
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