Xin SuperMicro-IV VS RSA Tomahawk Impressions

[GreatDane]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EFN /img/forum/go_quote.gif Heh....now that we are talking. I am running Sanyo Eneloop 800 mAh on my SuperMicro-IV now. Superb battery, out of the box can be used straight away. Dr Xin have a reason to recommend this battery. One of them is the sublime tonality to the sound (very soothing) which I like very much as well. But if you are the type who like bolder presentation, Alkalines will do the job.

This is interesting. So the type of battery has an effect on SQ. I was using mid-grade NiMH in my Supermini but decided to try Energizer lithium. I imagine that they will last a long time. I've been using them for a couple months so far, not sure on total hours.I've never used alkaline.

I can't imagine being able to hear a difference between battery types.

 

[jinp6301]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EFN /img/forum/go_quote.gif Err I have replied that in the AE-2 thread

HA thanks man!

 

[EFN]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jinp6301 /img/forum/go_quote.gif HA thanks man!

No worries

 

[EFN]

Three days ago I have aquired a well used Sennheiser HD600.

Another shocking experience for me. SuperMicro-IV drives HD600 with liquid ease! no hint of "underpowerness".

But I will hold my impressions on the sound for now because I am still not familar yet with senn's thick relaxed sound - quite a jump from my ER-4S sonic characteristic. And yes I have a KSC-75 burning in now.....

Stay tuned!

 

[GreatDane]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EFN /img/forum/go_quote.gif Three days ago I have aquired a well used Sennheiser HD600. Another shocking experience for me. SuperMicro-IV drives HD600 with liquid ease! no hint of "underpowerness". Stay tuned!

I have to say my SuperMini IV cannot power my HD 650 with ease. It "clips" when attempting to drive to satisfying levels. I'd have to put my SPL meter to it for details. I don't know if my version or op-amp used could be a factor or not.

 

[EFN]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreatDane /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have to say my SuperMini IV cannot power my HD 650 with ease. It "clips" when attempting to drive to satisfying levels. I'd have to put my SPL meter to it for details. I don't know if my version or op-amp used could be a factor or not.

HD600 and 650 both rated at 300 oHm, I can turn the volume waaay high and no distortion so far - but SMIV does drive it loud.

 

[doctorjuggles]

Thanks for the review, a very good read!

 

[nickknutson]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EFN /img/forum/go_quote.gif HD600 and 650 both rated at 300 oHm, I can turn the volume waaay high and no distortion so far - but SMIV does drive it loud.

How does the SMIV compare to the TH when driving the 600's?

 

[EFN]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickknutson /img/forum/go_quote.gif How does the SMIV compare to the TH when driving the 600's?

Hard to say. I am not familiar with HD sonic signature. Been bitten hard by Ety bug all other cans sounds slow and lethargic to me - honestly.

I was not immediately WOWed by HD600 the first time I plug her on to TH and SMIV. It has to be understood that both TH and SMIV are classified as laid back amps and that does not bode well for HD series. A Hornet or Portaphile V2mk2 may be a better pairing.

It will take a LOT of juice for HD600 to impress me. Suffice to say that my ER-4S + SMIV performs a lot better almost in all aspect compared to HD600 + SMIV - so it has to be my HD600 is in need of a different type of partner.

The most shocking part is that my ER-4S boast wider soundstage with superb spatial compared to either HD600 or KSC-75. That's what I am telling you, I am doomed to be stuck with Ety house sound. But I do need something easier to wear like HD600 and KSC-75 for "casual listening" at home when there's a need for me to be aware what's me kids and wife saying

 

[tk3]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jinp6301 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hey EFN, is there any hissing with the TH or the supermicro at any volume?

With the TF10's / TH there is no hiss at all on low gain + max volume.
On high gain there is a slight hiss audible if you put the volume on max, but if you listen at that sound level you're likely never to hear any hissing again after a short audition.

 

[nickknutson]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EFN /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hard to say. I am not familiar with HD sonic signature. Been bitten hard by Ety bug all other cans sounds slow and lethargic to me - honestly. I was not immediately WOWed by HD600 the first time I plug her on to TH and SMIV. It has to be understood that both TH and SMIV are classified as laid back amps and that does not bode well for HD series. A Hornet or Portaphile V2mk2 may be a better pairing. It will take a LOT of juice for HD600 to impress me. Suffice to say that my ER-4S + SMIV performs a lot better almost in all aspect compared to HD600 + SMIV - so it has to be my HD600 is in need of a different type of partner. The most shocking part is that my ER-4S boast wider soundstage with superb spatial compared to either HD600 or KSC-75. That's what I am telling you, I am doomed to be stuck with Ety house sound. But I do need something easier to wear like HD600 and KSC-75 for "casual listening" at home when there's a need for me to be aware what's me kids and wife saying

Thanks, EFN! You've been a great help!

 

[mrarroyo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreatDane /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have to say my SuperMini IV cannot power my HD 650 with ease. It "clips" when attempting to drive to satisfying levels. I'd have to put my SPL meter to it for details. I don't know if my version or op-amp used could be a factor or not.

The Supermini IV should not have any issues driving the HD600. Please check:

- Batteries are in good condition
- Open the amp and see if you have AD8397 on both the L/R and the 3/4 locations. If not, what do you have?
- Have you tried changing the gain to HI?


Good luck.

 

[mrarroyo]

EFN, for casual listening I like the K701, K501, and the 2005 Beyer DT990. Good luck.

 

[bellsprout]

very comprehensive, non biased and objective review

 

[GreatDane]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif The Supermini IV should not have any issues driving the HD600. Please check: - Batteries are in good condition - Open the amp and see if you have AD8397 on both the L/R and the 3/4 locations. If not, what do you have? - Have you tried changing the gain to HI? Good luck.

It's not that the SuperMini can't drive them fairly loud,and my idea of satisfying levels are probably higher than most people.

I did check batteries and they are still testing high on my RS meter which tests under load. Batteries are Energizer lithium.

I did change the gain to high for my previous tests and my recent trial earlier today.

I played a track from The Flower Kings- "Church Of Your Heart"(line out from iPod). Maximum loudness was 78 ~ 80 dB. max before obvious clipping and general bad sound.

I'm used to being able to crank my 650 with my tube amp also using my Aphex 204 which I use to add bass. With the 204 they become quite bassy which I'm used to(not Darth Beyer standards though).

I don't always listen at 80 dB. constantly but do exceed that at times.

I disabled bass boost on the SuperMini, in high gain, impedance off, crossfeed off. With these options, the 650 sounded thin. With bass boost on in an attempt to give weight to the 650 is where the power seemed to get really sucked out.

For listening around 75 dB. or below the SuperMini does fine with the 650, they just don't sound nearly as dynamic as my Woo 3. I know it's not fair to compare these 2 amps but my bottom line is that a small amp powered by 2 AAA batteries can't take the 650 very far...atleast not to my expectations. I see the SuperMini IV as an amp for IEMs only.

I'm assuming that my Xin amp has been properly assembled since I haven't changed anything except the jumpers. I do plan to send it back to Xin for the latest upgrades and to change op-amps, possibly requesting your recommendations that you've posted for me.

Again, here is my SuperMini IV: