[sant430]

I have a 3v6 and am thinking of upgrading, but I don't know if I want to go with the IV or not. Can anyone offer any A/B comparisons between the SM3 & SM IV?

If the bump in quality from the III to IV is significant enough, I may take the plunge, but I also wonder if just sending Xin my SM3 for the free upgrading would be an option and waiting for SM V......

I'm really REALLY looking at the SM IV with the Maxout: OPA627 + 2x stackable buffer option right now, and I'm utilizing all restraint at this point in time!!

 

[digitalcat]

I'd recommend a free upgrade for SM3 first. Hear the difference and then decide whether to go for SM4 or not,

Quote:

Originally Posted by sant430 If the bump in quality from the III to IV is significant enough, I may take the plunge, but I also wonder if just sending Xin my SM3 for the free upgrading would be an option and waiting for SM V......

 

[kaushama]

Expecting more combinations to appear...........

 

[goto2003]

Second the idea of getting the SM3 upgraded. Sm3 can sound much better with right implementation. I still prefer my SM3 combo over SM4

 

[sant430]

I'm going to be sending in my SM3 for the max upgrades, but I have to admit that I pulled the trigger on a SM IV with the 8620 maxxed out option

before I read the last threads.....

I've heard phenomenal things about the SM3 upgrade, but I still don't wanna part with it!!

Just ordered the IV, and after reading the delivery/order times, I'm hoping to have a nice Xmas package!

 

[HiFlight]

That combination sounds absolutely stunning!!!

 

[sant430]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HiFlight That combination sounds absolutely stunning!!!

Thanks Ron. I kept researching Xin's forum's for audio/aural comparisons between the 8620 and the 627 maxxed setup. While most of you hardcore Xin Tweakers said the default SM IV works wonderfully right out of the box, my curiosity about the 8620's got the better of me. My original SM had the 627's, and I loved that sound so now I wanted to discover the 8620 sound.

I'm a little excited about sending my SM3 for some upgrades too, but that would leave me sans any Xin gear. I guess I could just break out a MINT or cMoy for a bit

 

[kaushama]

Ron What is the full 8620 configuration?

LR.AD8620X1 + Hbuf(st) \ 34. OP275 + Hbuf(st) ????

 

[sant430]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaushama Ron What is the full 8620 configuration? LR.AD8620X1 + Hbuf(st) \ 34. OP275 + Hbuf(st) ????

I apologize for hijacking your question here, but I'm a little excited to hear the 275 is used! I'm so new when it comes to opamp rolling, I don't know where to really start.

Anyway, back to kaushama's question, I'm also interested in finding out about the full 8620 config......

 

[kaushama]

Yes I use the OP 275 in the 3rd and 4th channel. It is better than the default configuration to my ears.
The width and depth of the soundstage of SMIV is very impressive. The biggest strength of SMIV is its very wide soundstage and depth of the layering. Not to forget the clarity. Anyway no amp can achieve a big soundstage without sound being crisply clear!

 

[sant430]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaushama Yes I use the OP 275 in the 3rd and 4th channel. It is better than the default configuration to my ears. The width and depth of the soundstage of SMIV is very impressive. The biggest strength of SMIV is its very wide soundstage and depth of the layering. Not to forget the clarity. Anyway no amp can achieve a big soundstage without sound being crisply clear!

Does Xin use the op275's with the 8620 maxxed option, or would that be something I'd have to request??

 

[kaushama]

I think you have to request it! HA5002 seems to be doing better in 3rd and 4th buffer slot. But i am yet to test it!

 

[sant430]

I just added the request for my order with this config.

Regarding the buffers, I wrote to use whichever buffers that synergize best the 8620/275 setup.

The biggest problem I have now, is having to wait a couple of months to hear it, but I know it'll be worth the wait.......

 

[kaushama]

I think the wait times are not as bad as it was couple of weeks ago. You will enjoy it!! I am appreciating the sound evolution through the burn in now and its getting better day by day!!!

 

[sant430]

I was expecting a 2 month wait after reading over at fixup. Do you think it's better than that? That would be REALLY cool!!