The "Lovely Cube" Headphone Amp (Lehmann Black Cube Linear Clone)

[BobbyGeneric]

Quote:

With class A biasing, u mean that he's adjusting the bias?

Here's the quote from the seller (note I also got the OPA627 from him):

[size=10pt]I am now making sockets for Class A Bias (3mA & 5mA) .  If you have interest in this Class A Bias with OPA627 , I can give this socket Free of Charge when you buy OPA 627 together.  The method and MOD process will be updated in webpage within a week.
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[Cya|\|]

He just answered me and said that audio gd earth opamp won't fit in, even with extension cable.
What other opamps do you suggest? opa627 may be too warm for the audeze lcd-2. What about a LT1028?

 

[francisdemarte]

Quote:

So, i'm still evaluating if to get this or the audio gd fun, for the same price (can't really spend more than a fun A version). I will get information about the m stage too, but in the meanwhile, here some questions:
How does it work with low impedance cans?
So this sound exactly like the 1000$ original black linear cube?
What's the difference between m stage? This one also seems to have better components.

It works great with low impedance cans due to the fact that the gain is adjustable. I have mine set on 10 and I find that this works with my low impedance W1000x as well as my high impedance HD650's. 
 
I don't believe very many people have heard both the Lehmann and this amp side by side so it's hard to say. Closest review I can find is on headfonia.com where the Lehmann and the M-Stage are both reviewed. They sound a little different due to the choice of components. All 3 amps use high quality components but since they are different components they will sound slightly different.
 
While the Lovely Cube is an exact clone of the Lehmann Black Cube's circuit board the M-Stage is slightly modified version of it. Biggest difference is that the M-Stage has 2 switchable RCA inputs and one headphone out, the Lehmann and the Lovely Cube has 2 headphone outs. The majority of the circuit is identical amongst the three amps. 
 
Between the M-Stage and the Lovely Cube I suggest if your not planning to do major modding and tinkering with the components get the M-Stage. The Lovely Cube is geared more toward people who want to do DIY mods.
 
 
 

 

[francisdemarte]

Quote:

He just answered me and said that audio gd earth opamp won't fit in, even with extension cable.
What other opamps do you suggest? opa627 may be too warm for the audeze lcd-2. What about a LT1028?

 
Try the OPA827 or even try the OPA627. If you don't like it you can easily sell them. 
 
Just try the amp with the included op amp first. Op amps are relatively cheap and easy to swap. 

 

[ninjikiran]

The general design looks the same, I would say the largest difference is parts.  Taking the design and hand picking parts~  I decided to get the M-Stage because I really don't have the experience or real will to make my own.  At the same time it is a solidly constructed amp and I have no real issue with it.  Probably the only thing I would really like to DIY one day is one of those spiffy gamma dacs with a good USB component.  Even with that most of the later dacs are coming with solid USB components/Jitter removal.
 
According to the M-Stage review page, this design does and can sound like it.  From personal experience I couldn't tell you.
Quote:

So, i'm still evaluating if to get this or the audio gd fun, for the same price (can't really spend more than a fun A version). I will get information about the m stage too, but in the meanwhile, here some questions:
How does it work with low impedance cans?
So this sound exactly like the 1000$ original black linear cube?
What's the difference between m stage? This one also seems to have better components.

 

[aspenx]

Quote:

He just answered me and said that audio gd earth opamp won't fit in, even with extension cable.
What other opamps do you suggest? opa627 may be too warm for the audeze lcd-2. What about a LT1028?

My LT1028s are on their way. If it means anything at all, the similar LT1364 I'm using now with the Lovely Cube is less warm than the stock 2134. Also, in the Matrix M-Stage thread, they managed to place the Audio-Gd HDAM to lie in the same space with the RCA hookup wires. From what I see, it looks very possible.

 

[francisdemarte]

Looking at the pictures from the official website I think it maybe because they mount the transformer in the middle of the case. You can probably squeeze it in if the transformer was mounted closer to one side. 

 

[Cya|\|]

I'm very impressed by the seller. He replied to my emails very fast, and here is his new answer:
 

Hi,   Yesterday I said there is no room to fit the earth opamp , but  today after  I made real measurement , I find it is possible to fit it.   I know there has some discussion in the forum , so I have updated my website to give clearer image for MOD. : http://www.alicemagicbox.com/lasercollection/lovelycube.html#8   But I am sorry I cannot do this for you because the effect of this MOD is unknown , e.g. whether it is better than ic  opamp , or is the sound your favorite , or any noise / hum would cause.   Thanks and Regards   Stephen

 
I was feeling a little disappointed that no discrete opamp could fit in, but if they can, this may be my amp for several years. I'm quite probably gonna buy this. I'll try to pay it within the 30th of september, so i get free full assemblage.
Do you guys think the cheap stepped attenuator he sells would be a big AUDIBLE improvement over the alps27?

 

[aspenx]

Wow. Free assembly. I wouldn't have taken the trouble to do mine alone if I had known...
 
About the stepped attenuator maybe you can try asking Stephen or just try it out and let us know?
 
I'm also wondering how you guys will do this step: "relocate the two caps (red circle) towards potentiometer". Do we use longer leads?
 

 

[livewire]

aspenx, that's a cool avi. Who is she? The gal from 2NE1? Sorry for the threadjack.

 

[aspenx]

Quote:

aspenx, that's a cool avi. Who is she? The gal from 2NE1? Sorry for the threadjack.

Minzy, the maknae of 2NE1. Shamelessly ripped from their new Can't Nobody music video cos she's so badass. The style with the doberman is really cool too but I decided that this image was more creative.
 
Are you a 2NE1 fan too? Their new album sounds absolutely fantastic! 

 

[francisdemarte]

Quote:

Wow. Free assembly. I wouldn't have taken the trouble to do mine alone if I had known...
 
About the stepped attenuator maybe you can try asking Stephen or just try it out and let us know?
 
I'm also wondering how you guys will do this step: "relocate the two caps (red circle) towards potentiometer". Do we use longer leads?
 

 
You'll need to remove the ones currently on the board, buy two new caps and bend the longer leads at an angle and solder them in.    

 

[livewire]

Quote:

Minzy, the maknae of 2NE1. Shamelessly ripped from their new Can't Nobody music video cos she's so badass. The style with the doberman is really cool too but I decided that this image was more creative.
 
Are you a 2NE1 fan too? Their new album sounds absolutely fantastic! 

Thanks for the reply. I thought so! Those eyes!.....
Am I a fan? I am now! I have heard of and seen pics of 2NE1.
Havent heard their music, I will soon.
 

 

[sunneebear]

Finally got some time to put the pair of amps together.  Only a mock-up to set the layout for the case.  I am running it with a pair of LM4562 in class A (Purrin

).  This thing sounds sweet.  Balance and SE.  All I have to do now is disassemble it and put the finally touches on the case and maybe some cosmetic work.  Thing is, it sounds so good I can't stop listening.  Next weekend I guess.

 

[dlaloum]

Very cool - where does one look up how to make a balanced amp?