FreeBlues
100+ Head-Fier
I finally received my new SuperMicro IV (V?) yesterday after waiting over two months from the date I ordered it. Naturally, I opened the box and immediately put it into my system. I listened for over an hour then connected it to a radio and headphones and let it burn for another 14 hours. I gave it another listen today, again for about an hour
In the hopes that maybe I’m wrong or missing something, I want to post my initial review.
In short, I’m very disappointed.
For reference, I’m using a 5g iPod, 30gb, ALAC, to an AudioLineOut Cryo Dock, to a Hornet M (400+ hours), to Westone ES2’s. I listen to electric blues, blues rock, acoustic guitar and some classic rock. For these listening sessions I used tunes I’ve been listening to for years (and years), things I know quite well.
Now, to be fair, my reference system uses a Hornet M that is fully burned in and almost 2X the cost, so comparing a brand new Micro to this wonderful little amp is not fair, but then again, this is the real world. My impressions of the Micro are that is seems to process everything through a layer of grit, like looking through a dirty window. Highs are grainy, not quite harsh but certainly not natural, the bass is okay but not very well defined and images are very 2D. In particular, the sound space in my head is much more “sound in my left ear,” “sound in my right ear.” There is almost a hole in the center of my head. Instruments and singers are pretty flat, no body or depth. Music I really like just doesn’t bloom. Definition, while good, seemed sort of unnatural, perhaps because the high end seemed a bit emphasized. I
After about an hour I really couldn’t take it anymore and reconnected my Hornet. Instant relief! Music is easy again, there is air and space around all the players, details are perfect. The bass on my combo is deep, tight and very well defined. Cymbals have shimmer as well as copper (brass?) bodies. The soundstage is both wide and, in particular, deep. Most of all, music is involving, exciting and full of life.
This isn’t a happy review. It’s what I hear, but is it fair? I’m hoping that additional burn in will greatly improve the Micro. Other suggestions or input is welcome.
In the hopes that maybe I’m wrong or missing something, I want to post my initial review.
In short, I’m very disappointed.
For reference, I’m using a 5g iPod, 30gb, ALAC, to an AudioLineOut Cryo Dock, to a Hornet M (400+ hours), to Westone ES2’s. I listen to electric blues, blues rock, acoustic guitar and some classic rock. For these listening sessions I used tunes I’ve been listening to for years (and years), things I know quite well.
Now, to be fair, my reference system uses a Hornet M that is fully burned in and almost 2X the cost, so comparing a brand new Micro to this wonderful little amp is not fair, but then again, this is the real world. My impressions of the Micro are that is seems to process everything through a layer of grit, like looking through a dirty window. Highs are grainy, not quite harsh but certainly not natural, the bass is okay but not very well defined and images are very 2D. In particular, the sound space in my head is much more “sound in my left ear,” “sound in my right ear.” There is almost a hole in the center of my head. Instruments and singers are pretty flat, no body or depth. Music I really like just doesn’t bloom. Definition, while good, seemed sort of unnatural, perhaps because the high end seemed a bit emphasized. I
After about an hour I really couldn’t take it anymore and reconnected my Hornet. Instant relief! Music is easy again, there is air and space around all the players, details are perfect. The bass on my combo is deep, tight and very well defined. Cymbals have shimmer as well as copper (brass?) bodies. The soundstage is both wide and, in particular, deep. Most of all, music is involving, exciting and full of life.
This isn’t a happy review. It’s what I hear, but is it fair? I’m hoping that additional burn in will greatly improve the Micro. Other suggestions or input is welcome.
