[dreamwhisper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaizada /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am using the B22 as a preamp for the most part....it really blew me away with its transparency and dynamic approach. A totally different beast compared to the RSA B52 I love so much. More to come. Thanks all. ~G

Agreed, it's as thought the Beta 22 isn't even there. But you can tell that it has oodles of power.
This thing could run any headphone with ease.

 

[naamanf]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaizada /img/forum/go_quote.gif I JUST noticed this thread. I am the lucky new owner of this amp. Thanks ASR!

Let me know if you have any questions/issues.

 

[vcoheda]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaizada /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am using the B22 as a preamp for the most part....it really blew me away with its transparency and dynamic approach. A totally different beast compared to the RSA B52 I love so much.

which do you prefer for headphone listening?

 

[shaizada]

For now, they are BOTH excellent at what they do. They are different enough that they make sense to own at the same time.

Originally, I was thinking that my next purchase would be electrostatic, but along came the opportunity and I pounced on it.

The Beta22 is being used a preamp right now in my setup.

At the same time, when I am looking for extreme textures and harmonic colors, I tend to go to the B52. When I want the last iota of transparency and detail, I plug into the Beta22. They both do these things well, but its really just a matter of mood and taste at that moment.

 

[Skylab]

I am fortunate enough to currently have a Beta22 on loan for review. I've only spent a few days with it, but I can say that it is a stunningly good headphone amplifier. I mean STUNNING.

I will have a full review later. For now, these:

 

[MrMajestic2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am fortunate enough to currently have a Beta22 on loan for review. I've only spent a few days with it, but I can say that it is a stunningly good headphone amplifier. I mean STUNNING. I will have a full review later. For now, these: http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i4...b/DSC01729.jpg http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i4...b/DSC01730.jpg

Looking forward to reading it. I have a balanced B22 already, but its always nice to read other peoples impressions. Nice panels on that one, but why 2 knobs?

 

[Skylab]

One for volume, one for source selection.

 

[MrMajestic2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab /img/forum/go_quote.gif One for volume, one for source selection.

Ah, yes of course.

 

[digger945]

WoW, Skylab, I really look forward to your review. Sharp case BTW.

 

[Skylab]

I have posted my review: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/rev...us-dac-344299/

 

[KevM2]

Does anyone know how the B22 compares to the Zana Deux? Right now I'm more in Zana territory, but the fact that I don't have to deal with tubes and I can go balanced for the same price sounds very appealing.

 

[shaizada]

Apples and oranges my friend

Tubes are lusty, velvety, tweak-able and inviting.
Solid State is authoritative, clear, transparent and powerful (at least in terms of the B22)

Pick your sonic window.

 

[Skin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevM2 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Does anyone know how the B22 compares to the Zana Deux? Right now I'm more in Zana territory, but the fact that I don't have to deal with tubes and I can go balanced for the same price sounds very appealing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaizada /img/forum/go_quote.gif Apples and oranges my friend Tubes are lusty, velvety, tweak-able and inviting. Solid State is authoritative, clear, transparent and powerful (at least in terms of the B22) Pick your sonic window.

x2 ^

If you're after a clear sound without any tube coloring the B22 is the way to go. Its probably worth mentioning as well people commonly seek said transparency even in tube amps.

The other plus with the B22 is its power. Low Imp/High Imp all the way to the K1000, single ended, balanced, even stax headphones provided you have the energizer, plus a number of speakers, it drives most anything.

The absolute best thing you can do is get to a meet before you drop lots of cash on anything though.

Either way you wont be dissapointed.

 

[krmathis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaizada /img/forum/go_quote.gif Apples and oranges my friend Tubes are lusty, velvety, tweak-able and inviting. Solid State is authoritative, clear, transparent and powerful (at least in terms of the B22) Pick your sonic window.

^ What he say!

 

[dreamwhisper]

well put, well put

I see tubes as breathing life into the music
and solid state as being neutral and passing on information.

It depends on the other gear in your rig.
If you have a warm DAC you may want to go SS and not tube, etc.