Ruahrc
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2002
- Posts
- 289
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- 10
Looking back through Headroom's product lineup, I realized that the Ultra Micro + Ultra Micro DAC and a maxed out Desktop are very close in price. Looking at the Headroom premade packages, indeed you can score a Maxed out Desktop amp plus DAC and DPS and headphones for about $75 more than you can get their maxed out Ultra Micro package. The only difference between the two is that there are a few cables and converters in the Ultra Micro package.
Is there a sound difference between the two amps/DACs, or are they more or less the same- only in a different form factor? Considering that the maxed out versions of each amp are both featuring "Max" components and "Max" DAC design, the only real significant difference might lie in the fact that the Desktop system has a DPS whereas the Ultra Micros are relying on wall-wartish supplies. The larger format might be a good thing as far as usability goes (giving you RCA connections, 1/4" heapdhone jack, dual headphone outputs, etc- as well as the fact that the thing probably runs cooler given its larger size.
So is there a real difference between the amps as far as sound goes? Is it due at least in part to the better power supply of the Desktop system? Is the power supply that large because it has 6 power outputs (seems like an awful lot), or because it needs to be that big anyways (to provide the proper voltage transformation, rectification, and filtering)?
Ruahrc
P.S. Is it possible to upgrade a Desktop amp you bought with upgraded electronics modules or to add a DAC, or do these items need to be decided on at the time of initial purchase? For example, say I buy a Desktop amp with no DAC to save some money because I don't need the digital right now- can I send it back later and get it upgraded with a digital module, or is that not possible?
Is there a sound difference between the two amps/DACs, or are they more or less the same- only in a different form factor? Considering that the maxed out versions of each amp are both featuring "Max" components and "Max" DAC design, the only real significant difference might lie in the fact that the Desktop system has a DPS whereas the Ultra Micros are relying on wall-wartish supplies. The larger format might be a good thing as far as usability goes (giving you RCA connections, 1/4" heapdhone jack, dual headphone outputs, etc- as well as the fact that the thing probably runs cooler given its larger size.
So is there a real difference between the amps as far as sound goes? Is it due at least in part to the better power supply of the Desktop system? Is the power supply that large because it has 6 power outputs (seems like an awful lot), or because it needs to be that big anyways (to provide the proper voltage transformation, rectification, and filtering)?
Ruahrc
P.S. Is it possible to upgrade a Desktop amp you bought with upgraded electronics modules or to add a DAC, or do these items need to be decided on at the time of initial purchase? For example, say I buy a Desktop amp with no DAC to save some money because I don't need the digital right now- can I send it back later and get it upgraded with a digital module, or is that not possible?