What's YOUR Beef With PA2V2?

[joneeboi]

I recently picked up a PA2V2 that is still floating around in "Canada Post Land" and I was just wondering about what were some problems you guys found with it (sorry to douse the PA2V2 Appreciation Thread

). Partially I want to check that what I'm hearing is in line with what everyone else is hearing. On the other hand, I really want to help Gary out. Right now he's completely swamped with building his current amp, but since the 2V2 was conceived with lots of input from head-fiers, why not the 2V3 as well? If anything, we all owe him for his generous heart, free repairs, and outstanding service. Even though he's so busy, he still found the time to answer all of my annoying questions, and I want to pay him back, even before I get my amp. He's a really earnest guy, and he deserves a lot of respect for not only his innovation, but also essentially building himself up prior to and following his graduation. Guys like him are very rare, and we're lucky to know quite a few around these parts.

I really tried to use the Search button, but there's too much to rifle through and plus I have no idea how to search for something like this thread. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Even if he doesn't take the suggestions right away, I'll take note of all of them and email them to him whenever he does decide to design the PA2V3.

Thus, what can be improved in the Gary Ali's Pocket Amp 2 Version 2?

 

[dhp]

everything and nothing. It's basically a low level amp that gets the job done for the cost. I can think of everything that's wrong with it, but it does what it's supposed to do.

 

[joneeboi]

Maybe a bit more specific?

 

[necropimp]

my only problem is the batteries on mine sometimes will pop out causing me to give it a quick smack on the bottom to knock the batteries back into place

 

[nsjong]

Mine's perfect but kinda useless for cans with little impedence... which is all I have. :/

 

[Asr]

Speaking solely from the pics, how about a non-plastic casing? Plastic is too susceptible to breaking.

 

[skev13]

Too big for a pocket rig, too small for a home rig.

 

[kramer5150]

compared to my govibe II:
PA2V2 highs are rolled off
closed-in soundstage
can't roll OP amps

Nit-picky yes, but thats about it.

 

[kool bubba ice]

Good for the price..But in general, subpar..based on good amps..

 

[fewtch]

I haven't heard one, but have read reports of stuff that should just not be there with nominally "audiophile" portable amps. Stuff like scratchy volume knobs, but just basically a vibe that this is a well built and supported consumer grade product rather than leaning toward entry level high end like the Go-Vibe and certain others. Just my opinion.

 

[nsjong]

Quote:

Originally Posted by skev13 Too big for a pocket rig, too small for a home rig.

Your pockets must be very small.

 

[blinx]

come on guys! i just got my pa2v2!

this thread makes me wanna sell it and get a hornet or an SR-71 or something

 

[Nick Christy]

waaaaaaa my glass is half empty.



You guys did buy this from gary and only pay $60 including postage right ? How about a free diamond with it and a date with a supermodel?


It's a great amp, a bit warm yes, BUT if you mix it with the right phones it sings. I have it paired with Shure E3's at the moment and i was totally unimpressed with them until i got the Pa2v2, the two together astound me for the price.

Has anyone else tried this combination ?

If you use really good headphones, it shows it's limitations, but if you want absolute high end stuff, phone Ray Samuels and quintuple your budget!

IMO:

It's small enough;
It's solid enough;
It sounds great with the right phones;
I ordered it at 2pm, Gary emailed to confirm it was shipped two hours later (Xin cant even beat that number in months) and received within 5 days;
For $60 it's a steal.

 

[cmirza]

Quote:

Originally Posted by blinx come on guys! i just got my pa2v2! this thread makes me wanna sell it and get a hornet or an SR-71 or something

God help you if thats all it takes to make you wanna upgrade

 

[Kees]

It is not realistic to expect Gary to make a $60 RS71.

If asked on forehand I would even have considered a $60 PA2V2 unrealistic. How much better can it get for $60? I don't think anybody has ever even come close in this price range.

What could be improved within a $60 budget? I don't know. I use it in my PC setup with a pair of Grados and it sounds pretty #**! good.