Hello Nate, Just a quickie note to say thank you for your time and effort, just sorry that I'm not a young man with the finances and flexibility to have the fun you've had and continue to have.
ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY!
It is a PITY that their isn't a preamble which guides folks to the four major 'amp' reviews, and the collection of single 'amp' reviews floating around this site. The preamble could explain the different things that can influence a reviewer's perspective, and highlighting the perspective each of the four reviewers brought to THEIR reviews. By linking the 'floating' reviews it would provide another perspective on an amp. It might agree, disagree, or take a different perspective. As an example, any of the amps could be seen in a different light with a different head/ear phone. As you know, but many 'noobies' don't understand is how MUCH the phones effect what you hear. Or, the observation you made on one of the units, that the interconnect - and it's metal composition - had a MAJOR effect on the sound. This one didn't shock me, but is sure as hell surprised me that it would be THAT significant. The preamble could include links to the multitude of reviews regarding some of these unit, thus giving folks another perspective.
One of the best thing about your effort is that you explained where your 'head' was at. What youz like and don't like. Most folks are NOT aware of their own prejudices. I appreciate that you reviewed the units as practical solution to portable music. As you noted, quite a few of the unit you were lucky enough to review were portable by name tag, but TRANSPORTABLE in reality! As was noted in one of the post, the Xin Micro is the TRUE portable, adding the least weight and bulk. Same reason I'm considering the PA2V2, second smallest (and plastic light) unit I've seen. So I'm considering it because it solve a need, even if it ain't the most super-duper unit in the market. Anything else I'd consider would only be used indoors. If I was going to sit in the park, I could see carrying one of these units, but I'm not going to lug them around all day. [See what I mean, another idiot's perspective
].
Boy did I digress;
again - Much thanks for your effort (he said with great envy). Looking forward to the additions to your manifesto. It is wonderful that this Forum (or BBS, said the old fart) is supported by a group of folk that are willing to invest their time AND money to add to the education and ENJOYMENT of so many others. It is a pity that some folks don't take the fact that folks are CONTRIBUTING their time and knowledge, NOT being paid, into consideration when the respond to a post. But, as I once 'ran' a BBS, I understand and appreciate the effort and time this enterprise requires.
Nate, just one note to you and to the other 'manifesto' authors: please include the actual MSRP for the units at the time of review. I doubt that you and I are the only ones that consider not only the unit's ability, but its "bag for the buck" factor. OK - shut up ;^0.
Again much thanXs Nate.
angel