[Monsterzero]

I have never heard any otl amp so I didn't know if a cheaper otl amp could compete with my wa22 and upgraded tubes.

I'm not sure as I have not heard the WA22, but i am inclined to speculate that it's more of a case of personal preferences rather than "competing".
From my limited experience with TC amps they seem to be more linear (clean, clear, crisp, direct) sounding than many OTLs I have heard. That being said I'm willing to guess that like OTL amps, not all TC amps sound the same.

 

[goldwerger]

I'm willing to guess that like OTL amps, not all TC amps sound the same

I can definitely confirm that..

 

[YtseJamer]

Well, looks like the Icon Audio HP8 is feeling a bit left out in this thread. Any chance we could give it some love and attention?

 

[jonathan c]

HP8 has been featured in this thread … scroll back … …

 

[mattiastomas]

After all the reading and considerations I have decided to get the Quicksilver Amp. Called them today and they had 1 left in stock. So it was good timing! Now just waiting for Friday to order the AC!

Thanks to everyone who answered my questions and gave me suggestions on amps!

 

[AnamCeoil]

It is so cool to read about everyone's experience with a wide range of amps and technologies. Many of them are unobtainable for me for now- but it is great to live vicariously through the generous opinions and sharing if far more experienced head-fiers here. Thanks to all for that!

I am currently running a Zen stack (Dac and Can) which powers it surprisingly well, to my ears, as well as a Project Ember Ii. I am looking for a solid state upgrade; while the Violectric V202/222 looks amazing, I was wondering if the Lake People g111 mk Ii would be a worthy pairing? I would struggle to spend more than $600 at present, and would prefer to get an OTL in future for around the $1000 mark.

I also have an LCD-XC, Sundara and HD600, so something that would work with them would be a preference as well.

 

[Pharmaboy]

Well, looks like the Icon Audio HP8 is feeling a bit left out in this thread. Any chance we could give it some love and attention?

Just loan me that gorgeous headphone and I'll post 5X a day about the HP8!

(actually, I post often about it on the HP8 thread)

FWIW, I'm finding the HP8 essential to understanding the sound (and sonic upsides) of various ZMF headphones.

 

[YtseJamer]

Just loan me that gorgeous headphone and I'll post 5X a day about the HP8!

(actually, I post often about it on the HP8 thread)

FWIW, I'm finding the HP8 essential to understanding the sound (and sonic upsides) of various ZMF headphones.

lol

As I only have the Atrium, I cannot speak for the other ZMF headphones. However, I must say that this amp has made me fall in love again with all my dynamic headphones. I never knew that my Sennheisers and Grados could sound this incredible.

 

[erics75]

lol

As I only have the Atrium, I cannot speak for the other ZMF headphones. However, I must say that this amp has made me fall in love again with all my dynamic headphones. I never knew that my Sennheisers and Grados could sound this incredible.

I had the same experience with tubes. it made me completely reevaluate my system and thoughts on my existing headphones. I ended up selling most of my planars and moving heavily towards high impedance dynamics. something about the synergy there with tubes it just undeniable.

 

[Rollnrock]

Hello all, I would like to make a question about amplifiers for a VO, may be a little bit difficult one, but I think this is the best place to make it

After a lot of reading, I have crystal clear the right way for ZMF (and high impedance) hp’s is a tube amp (OTL or TC), but the point is that currently (for some reasons) I feel it’s not my “tube” moment, yet

So, my question might be, would I be losing too much of the benefits of an OTL/TC amp (sweetness, liquidity, 3D soundstage, warmth, etc) if I go for something like a Vioelectric amp? (to be paired with a Bifrost2/64 when it is available)

I thought about the Magny Piety as well (that is available yet), but there are two things here: first I would have to pay almost double its price to bring it to EU (160$ becomes almost 300$ with transport, VAT and Customs fee), and second, I prefer something closer to an “end-game” chain (may be someone called the V222/V226 an “early end-game”?), and my impression (may not be right) is that the Piety is more a very good/casual complement when you already have other good amps at home

Any other suggestion would be more than welcome



Thanks a lot!

 

[jonathan c]

Hello all, I would like to make a question about amplifiers for a VO, may be a little bit difficult one, but I think this is the best place to make it

After a lot of reading, I have crystal clear the right way for ZMF (and high impedance) hp’s is a tube amp (OTL or TC), but the point is that currently (for some reasons) I feel it’s not my “tube” moment, yet

So, my question might be, would I be losing too much of the benefits of an OTL/TC amp (sweetness, liquidity, 3D soundstage, warmth, etc) if I go for something like a Vioelectric amp? (to be paired with a Bifrost2/64 when it is available)

I thought about the Magny Piety as well (that is available yet), but there are two things here: first I would have to pay almost double its price to bring it to EU (160$ becomes almost 300$ with transport, VAT and Customs fee), and second, I prefer something closer to an “end-game” chain (may be someone called the V222/V226 an “early end-game”?), and my impression (may not be right) is that the Piety is more a very good/casual complement when you already have other good amps at home

Any other suggestion would be more than welcome



Thanks a lot!

You are right! Best place to ask your question. Until you are ‘ready’ for OTC/OTL tube headphone amplifier, Violectric is a great place to be for your Verite Open. If you want the slightly warm, slightly tube-y sound from Violectric: from the current lineup, go with V202 or V222. These are direct sonic descendants of the V200 and V280/281. If you can find these older amplifiers (or V220), great! Sonically, you will lose little versus the OTC/OTL sound and will gain ‘fuss-free’ listening. [Note: I own HPA V200, HPA V281, and Verite Open.]

 

[DetroitVinylRob]

Hello all, I would like to make a question about amplifiers for a VO, may be a little bit difficult one, but I think this is the best place to make it

After a lot of reading, I have crystal clear the right way for ZMF (and high impedance) hp’s is a tube amp (OTL or TC), but the point is that currently (for some reasons) I feel it’s not my “tube” moment, yet

So, my question might be, would I be losing too much of the benefits of an OTL/TC amp (sweetness, liquidity, 3D soundstage, warmth, etc) if I go for something like a Vioelectric amp? (to be paired with a Bifrost2/64 when it is available)

I thought about the Magny Piety as well (that is available yet), but there are two things here: first I would have to pay almost double its price to bring it to EU (160$ becomes almost 300$ with transport, VAT and Customs fee), and second, I prefer something closer to an “end-game” chain (may be someone called the V222/V226 an “early end-game”?), and my impression (may not be right) is that the Piety is more a very good/casual complement when you already have other good amps at home

Any other suggestion would be more than welcome



Thanks a lot!

Please don’t be valve shy Rollnrock. You are missing out on some very nice sonic qualities and the ability to roll in a very custom tailored sound to your ears. Plus the glow! (Birthday cake effect). I have had 0TL amplifiers and tubed power supplies in my kit for over 30 years and to the total of some 50+ tubes in between the source and our ears and I can say it’s nothing to be freaked out about. now it’s your choice, I totally respect wherever you’re at. But I’m just trying to give you a little friendly nudge, to jump, in a good direction. My apologies, I can’t speak specifically to your question. I’ll leave that for others with that experience.

 

[Rollnrock]

You are right! Best place to ask your question. Until you are ‘ready’ for OTC/OTL tube headphone amplifier, Violectric is a great place to be for your Verite Open. If you want the slightly warm, slightly tube-y sound from Violectric: from the current lineup, go with V202 or V222. These are direct sonic descendants of the V200 and V280/281. If you can find these older amplifiers (or V220), great! [Disclosure: I own HPA V200, HPA V281, and Verite Open.]

Ok, great. Thanks a LOT!!

In your experience, the difference is too much (i.e. with a good OTL)? (or may be it's better not to know and just enjoy the music...)

 

[Deleeh]

Hello,
Does anyone know if there is an adapter cable with 6.3 mm input & 6.3 mm output jack in the Zmf shop as Lektrik C or do I have to access another manufacturer?

I have one but it's a mix of copper and silver and might be a bit suboptimal if you want to use the Lektrik C in the near future I guess.

Zmf support seems to be a bit behind due to many AC requests.

 

[jonathan c]

Ok, great. Thanks a LOT!!

In your experience, the difference is too much (i.e. with a good OTL)? (or may be it's better not to know and just enjoy the music...)

• It is not too much. I enjoy music through the Violectric h/p/a and through OTC/OTL tube h/p/a. “What do I feel like listening with?”
• I think of any sonic differences between the two choices as akin to different acoustics of different actual venues.