Fergus
100+
Done a David Ike and is now known as Godkin
Posts: 197
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Post by Fergus on Apr 2, 2006 18:13:40 GMT
Hi everyone, Has anyone out there heard of CHANNEL ISLANDS AUDIO (C.I.A.). Started by Dusty Vawter of AUDIO ALCHEMY, they produce a little headphone amp (VHP-1), which sells in the UK for around £286.00. The C.I.A. amp "echews the usual op-amps", using instead a "current-feedback curcuit" which can drive 30-700ohm impedance headphones. Some other technical data: bandwidth to 100kHz; S/N ration of 120dB; and THD+Noise of 0.00014%. All this supposedly means that this "mighty mite" is "as quiet as a church mouse and fast as a cheetah." Sonically, it's "clearly fast... transparent... mightily dynamic... modestly warm... without stundedness." To enchance the VHP-1, CHANNEL ISLAND AUDIO also produce a little PSU - the VAC-1, which retails at £122.00. The sonic benefits are noticable: "firmer, more articulated bass... fully fleshed-out midrange and sweeter highs." CHANNEL ISLAND AUDIO also make a series of DACS: the VDA-1 (£268) and the VDA-2 (£480). Fergus
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Stormy
100+
Advocates putting smokers in a "Sin Bin"
Needs to learn to keep his big mouth shut.
Posts: 153
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Post by Stormy on Apr 2, 2006 18:44:50 GMT
"firmer, more articulated bass... fully fleshed-out midrange and sweeter highs."
Ah, that old chestnut again. I'm always amazed how every upgrade conceivable somehow manages to fulfil all of these "ideal" requirements.
£286 sounds mighty familiar as well - I think the original World Audio Designs amp was almost exactly that cost.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Apr 2, 2006 19:03:56 GMT
There's a review of the CIA headphone amp in this months Hi-Fi World if you guys are interested (May 2006). Gets a very good review but the price appears to be £390 with VAC/1 PSU.
"A truly exceptional headphone output stage; the best at the price and an essential audition"
The best "at the price" ? I assume they have listened to "every" headphone amp in that price bracket? A bit of a sweeping statement but that's the Hi-Fi press for you!
Seems to be worth an audition though!
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Fergus
100+
Done a David Ike and is now known as Godkin
Posts: 197
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Post by Fergus on Apr 2, 2006 20:02:31 GMT
Hi Pink Floyd, Yeah, I saw the article in HIFI WORLD. Definitely warrants an audition. But whether it's better than all the other, similarly priced, headphone amps out there waits to be seen. I don't think the guys at WORLD AUDIO will be too pleased - such a complementary article is bound to hurt sales of their Headphone Amp II kit (£285). All those who want more info go to: www.angelsoundaudio.co.ukFergus
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Post by PinkFloyd on Apr 2, 2006 20:08:19 GMT
hmmmmm.... seems a pretty rudimentary thing when you look under the hood. Just shows you, looks (fancy enclosures) can be deceiving. For quite a bit less you could get one of these :
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Stormy
100+
Advocates putting smokers in a "Sin Bin"
Needs to learn to keep his big mouth shut.
Posts: 153
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Post by Stormy on Apr 2, 2006 21:09:18 GMT
Yeah, but come on... who'd want a WNA? I've heard that the owner of that company looks like Flat Eric.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Apr 2, 2006 21:18:12 GMT
Yeah, but come on... who'd want a WNA? I've heard that the owner of that company looks like Flat Eric. That's just a rumour! The present owner looks like one of the Beatles (well, mop top hair and very Brian May in appearance) the guy who will be taking over the baton is a cross between Jack Nicholson and <cough> Adonis himself! Flat Eric??? your source of info is wrong
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Stormy
100+
Advocates putting smokers in a "Sin Bin"
Needs to learn to keep his big mouth shut.
Posts: 153
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Post by Stormy on Apr 2, 2006 21:23:12 GMT
"Jack Nicholson"...in Batman?
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Fergus
100+
Done a David Ike and is now known as Godkin
Posts: 197
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Post by Fergus on Apr 3, 2006 18:21:56 GMT
Yeah, the C.I.A. does seem rather scrawny and lightweight. Not much there for the money. The pot looks particularly crappy. At this money, you'd think C.I.A. would use a quality ALPS pot. Even Anthony Michaelson - not the greatest advocate of quality components - has splashed out for an ALPS pot in the X-CAN V3. The caps don't look that special either. The picture of the W.N.A. appears very tasty in comparison: nice big ALPS pot and premium components. Can't pass judgement on the C.I.A., but looks don't inspire confidence. However, I might be wrong: I'm constantly surprised by MFs good sonic results from employing crap components. Look out, the C.I.A. might even be upgradable! Fergus
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Post by peranders on Apr 18, 2006 13:07:52 GMT
Their amp uses TPA6120 I don't find their amp particular expensive. Remember that the amp is probably manufactured in a rather small series. I looks nice and also rather trustworthy. I like the TPA6120 a lot and my design look like this:
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