While on the amp topic, seems to be good timing to post this write-up I did for another forum.
I will be working from home for the rest of 2020, so ventured into the office to retrieve my Liquid Platinum and some odds and ends today. Decided to put my Liquid Platinum and MJ2 head-to-head specifically for driving my Verite. Here is my findings so far, I generally like to list thoughts on each amp focusing on contrasting the differences as I listen, with then some brief final conclusions. These are my thoughts after about 3 hours of listening to my collection on shuffle. Disclaimer, I am a novice, I did not do super technical volume matching, and this is written as a stream of consciousness.
Chain for testing: MusicBee FLAC Exclusive mode -> Gungnir Multibit A2 via Unison USB -> Freya S Balanced Passive -> MJ2/LP -> Verite with Suede Universe Pads (about 150 hours burned in)
Liquid Platinum (original version) with NOS 60's Telefunkens (these tubes really take the LP to another level, significantly more dynamic and technical):
- Smoother and MUCH slower...liquid/syrupy/lush for lack of a better way to put it.
- Soundstage feels more natural and significantly larger. MJ2 soundstage feels decently large put still confined in a way that makes you acutely aware of the fact that you are wearing headphones. LP is creating more of that spooky large soundstage that takes you out of your headphones and removes the edges of the stage.
- Bass is boomy and much less precise. Plenty of bass quantity though, just doesn't have that ultra precise slam that seems unique to the MJ2.
- Mids a bit more recessed but a lot more natural. Reminds me more of the Auteur/Eikon timbre to vocals, something I have been sorely missing being new to the Verite.
- I prefer the detail presentation on the LP. For example on the track "Get it Wrong Get it Right" by Feist, there is a bunch of jingly auxiliary percussion in the background, and they are present but kind of just background noise with the MJ2 and hard to place, with the LP it is like someone is shaking that percussion in my ear and it really isolates it in space. Significantly improved separation.
- Side note on that Feist track, it has some lo-fi haze that is really evident with the MJ2, and is almost completely gone with the LP. Probably means overall the MJ2 is more resolving/accurate and the LP is smoothing that over, worth noting either way
- Blacker background
- Better plankton
Mjolnir 2 with GE JAN 5670:
- Soundstage wise it may be less expansive, but it does do a better job of putting you in a very specific space in relation to the music. With the Liquid Platinum you get more of that sense of listening to a recording as things are all around you/all encompassing. MJ2 puts you in a seat in the audience and music feels more forward.
- I have tried a handful of different tubes with the MJ2, and while neither amp completely changes its character based on what tube you are using, the MJ2 seems less susceptible to tube rolling changes. WE 396A tubes were the closest I got to a lush presentation from the MJ2, but at the cost of a lot of the technical prowess IMO.
- Vocals get a really interesting holographic treatment from the MJ2, but sometimes that can come across as a bit of an echo effect from the Verite. Vocals slower but a lot tighter/more natural from the LP. Vocals sound airy from the MJ2 and breathy from the LP if that makes sense.
- No contest, this baby slams. Bass quality is so satisfying, and somehow still not fatiguing. Clean, technical, accurate, not boomy...love it. Better microdyamics to the bass as well. For example, around 2 minutes in "Vincent" by Car Seat Headrest there is a driving bass line in the background that feels really recessed in the mix. On the LP this bass line is flubby and not dynamic at all, makes it an afterthought. With the MJ2 that bass line comes alive in the mix, is tight, present and satisfying. Also in that track, starting at 4:27 there are some drum fills that just come out of space and smack you across the face like you are watching live with the MJ2. Just a quality that gets you going and hyped. From the LP they certainly are presented accurate, but polite and without nearly the same energy and drive.
For me personally, the Liquid Platinum is the clear winner in this matchup. With the LP I just can't pull myself away from listening, and that is really what it is all about right? Like, it makes me love my whole collection, I never want to skip a track on shuffle, it all sounds so dang enjoyable. Does that mean maybe the LP is just glossing things over with some seductive Cavalli house sound and the MJ2 is more accurate and resolving? Probably, but I know which one I want to be listening to regularly with my Verite.
Despite these sweeping generalizations I made above, these amps are really more alike than they are different, and people would be really well served with either of them driving the Verite. You want a drier and more accurate/resolved presentation with a truly unique and satisfying bass slam? Snag the MJ2. You want a more lush presentation with an expansive/deep stage and great detail separation? Grab the LP.
I really did not expect this result, as members warned of poor synergy between the LP and the Verite, so I really think it comes down to the tube selection for the LP. When I owned my Auteur I went through about half a dozen different tubes in the LP before I get my hands on the telefunkens and had that "Ah ha!" moment. It was like it brought the Auteurs to life compared to all other tubes I tried with that amp. Speaks to that particular tube being a good match for enhancing the ZMF house sound, but also a testament to the value of tube rolling in the LP.
Happy to answer any questions. (Although I have now sold the MJ2 so will have to respond from memory). Thought this might help other Verite owners looking for a reliable under $1k amp option.