Trafomatic Experience Head One

[saisunil]

I am thinking of getting one ...
Are there any more experiences with this amp ... I am thinking of hooking them up with HE-5

Thanks
Sunil.

 

[Kees]

Quote:

Originally Posted by saisunil /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am thinking of getting one ... Are there any more experiences with this amp ... I am thinking of hooking them up with HE-5 Thanks Sunil.

I can say that this amp is a very good combination with the HE-5. It drives them to full potential (as far as I can judge their full potential of course) without breaking a sweat. The combination gives a nice full bodied sound that is still very dynamic. I like it a lot.

 

[Seamaster]

They look very attractive, nice wood work and color. It is very funny to see they put "do not put in the trash" sign in the back. Who would do that?

 

[h.rav]

^ Lol...

 

[gungwalsky]

An opinion for a combination with a low impedance can, like the denon d5000?

Thanks

 

[Kees]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gungwalsky /img/forum/go_quote.gif An opinion for a combination with a low impedance can, like the denon d5000? Thanks

The impedance switch on this amp is very effective, high impedance and low impedance headphones are handled equally well.

 

[gungwalsky]

Thanks for your fast answer.

 

[shawn_low]

A friend loaned me his Trafomatic Head One last night. YAY!

I didn't have all my gear with me and will post more impression with the GS1ki and RS2 soon.

I listened to them on two the HF2s. It's not a real test but was just a play. Sources were my ipod (EFN-made line out to RCA cable). Also tested them on a Playstation One (with JPS interconnects).

First Impressions:

Build quality was OK. It felt really sturdy and well made. Most parts were well made. However, there were some niggling production issues (mainly cosmetic).

The two gold knobs (the amp is similar to this one below) had the slightest bits of tarnish. Actually, there were spots on them. Not dissimilar to metal which has been left in a humid place for awhile. This amp was ordered from Trafomatic via a store in Singapore. It wasn't dead stock sitting for months on a shop floor.

The headphone jack and also the bottom right tube sockets were misaligned with the precut holes in the housing. The were slightly left of the holes. This again, was cosmetic and didn't affect functionality.

The image of the Head One differs from the current one on Trafomatic's website! Can anyone confirm if cosmetics have changed since the 6moons review?

Amp was burned in for 400+ hours on the stock tubes.

CD: Corrine Bailey Rae. The Sea. Tracks 1 (Are You Here) and 2 (I'd do it all again).

Straight out on the lowest 30ohms setting, the HF2s were a little boomy and bassy. The vocals were quite forward. The soundstage was small and felt quite cramped.

The 100ohms setting changed the sound signature. The vocals came forward a little more.

The 300ohms setting push the vocals back and made the soundstage a little more distant (but not wide).

This are just some preliminary observations. I am taking home my GS1ki and RS2s from the office today and will post more impressions soon!

 

[sawindra]

the amp pictured is the old version. It doesn't represent the new version- better sound, cosmetics and build quality

and higher price

 

[shawn_low]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sawindra /img/forum/go_quote.gif the amp pictured is the old version. It doesn't represent the new version- better sound, cosmetics and build quality and higher price

Do you know when the newer version was made and what the differences are? My friend got this amp from a store in Singapore in December 2009! Guess it was old stock sitting in the store after all...

Is there anywhere that details the differences between models? I understand that the Head One has undergone three revisions?

 

[mr.khali]

The new version is only a cosmetic change according to earlier replies on this very thread.

 

[shawn_low]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr.khali /img/forum/go_quote.gif The new version is only a cosmetic change according to earlier replies on this very thread.

I emailed Trafomatic and got this reply:

Quote:

New version of the Head one , except looks get redesigned output transformers (now frequency response is 12Hz - 60KHz / -3dB , was 22Hz -36KHz/-3dB) and some changes in power supply . Can not compare with old version in any sense .

So it looks like a much wider frequency range and PSU changes in addition to cosmetic changes!

 

[sawindra]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr.khali /img/forum/go_quote.gif The new version is only a cosmetic change according to earlier replies on this very thread.

check email from trafomatic below.There is change,which is now confirmed.

 

[mr.khali]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sawindra /img/forum/go_quote.gif check email from trafomatic below.There is change,which is now confirmed.

Very interesting news. We probably will never know how the new and old sound in comparison as so very few have this amp. I am waiting for my local distributor to get the new one in stock. I thought it was worth the wait even for just cosmetic reasons. They have advised me it should be soon.

 

[saisunil]

I have ordered the new version ... we'll see how it sounds.
I have listened the old one -- it had ground loop on the pre-amp output, apparently the new ones don;t have that issue.

I did not get a chance to burn-in the amp fully ...
The mids were as good as any I have heard, it did not have iron grip on bass, as a solid state would but the soundstage was amazing and the top end was smoooooth ....