Little Pinkie V3i - first impressions

[PinkFloyd]

Dec 4, 2009 22:28:06 GMT inspired said:

I've been in pure audio heaven since first reporting the arrival of my Little Pinkie back on Sept 21, 2009. You might recall I'm using it to power a Musical Fidelity X10v3 Tube Buffer.

Hi Greg, nice to hear it's "doing the business"

First, having auditioned both the older and newer transformer versions (with a 3 week gap in between), I must say that I can distinguish very little difference, with perhaps a minuscule reduction in the noise floor. However, the non-audio mechanical noise generated by the new transformer is clearly better. I am very, very happy with my decision to purchase from you.

It was a varnish thing Greg..... some of the transformers had a slight mechanical "buzz" so I asked my transformer supplier to copiously spray the laminations with varnish and that has cut down on this.... the mechanical buzz, in no way, had an effect on the SQ but could be annoying if you had your ear placed directly on the PSU enclosure

The other open item was that I was in the process of acquiring a Revelation Audio Products Passage Cryo-Silver Reference Power Cable (3-Pin Din cable running between my Little Pinkie and tube buffer). I have had it in place for more than 100 hours of use and have carefully listened to my system (speakers and headphones) with the cryoed cable both in and out of the circuit. Hands down, the Revelation Audio cable improves soundstage and cuts noise to the point of almost making as much of an improvement as did the upgrade to the Little Pinkie from stock walwart power supply!

Oh Jesus..... expensive "freeze dried" cables are not my thing so I'll have to take your word for it Greg Quite how a cable (frozen or oven cooked) can make a difference to 24Volts AC over a 1 metre span puzzles me I'd like to suggest the power of placebo is at play here, and if it is then power to the placebo!, ..... the mind is a VERY powerful thing and "state of mind" is essential for a good listening session..... If it takes aids like Uber expensive cables, or alcohol, or marijuana, or lighting to get you "into the zone" then it's all good..... I NEVER discount the power of placebo / conditioning the mind

Last, you might also recall I purchased new JAN 6112 valves for my X10v3 and want to send those tubes to you with the buffer circuit board for you to perform the tube replacement/capacitor/etc upgrade. I will be emailing you for final details, and mailing the parts out to you within the next 3 days.

No Probs Greg..... I've saved a space in my freezer for your X-10V3

All the best,

Mike.

[inspired]

I know I don't have many posts here to bring score a strong basis for my findings, but I will say that I been involved in higher quality audio since the mid '70.

My biggest strength has been to buy and listen for myself rather than trust written specifications and what others say. I read and listen, but then put my own money on the line. If I am unable to find a synergystic fit I'm not pleased with a component, I simply sell the item used and move on.

My listening process is both long-term and A/B. Plus I have lots of duplicate equipment (2 of each of identical preamps, amps, tuntables, CD players and speakers that are close in serial number). I also have about 30 duplicate sets of CD's and LP's. I've been interested in this for years and have done a lot of cross checking and swapping to eliminate variability when I do formal listening.

The other advantage I have is that I work from home and my desk position is dead center at the apex of my system's "sweet spot" and I listen to music from the exact same position every day (7 day a week) for from 4 to 10 hours per day. The point being, the presentation becomes subconscious and absolutely recognizable when something is changed. I

I also have several specific passages of music that I use over and over and I intentionally note things like noise floor, width of the soundstage, depth of soundstage and focus of vocals and specific instruments from the exact same listing position over and over.

This truly makes it easy for me to quantify differences when new components are introduced into my system.

I drink about 2 beers a month so they really don't affect the other 208 hours per month of sober listening and I don't think I have inhaled since Led Zeppelin played the Richfield Colesium (I think it was 1979).

I have no affiliation with Revelation Audio.

P.S.: I don't mean to turn this thread off-topic so back to the bottom line . . . My first impression of the Little Pinkie was that it was superior and my longer term impression is that my first impression was spot-on correct!

[PinkFloyd]

Dec 4, 2009 23:35:14 GMT inspired said:

I know I don't have many posts here to bring score a strong basis for my findings, but I will say that I been involved in higher quality audio since the mid '70.

My biggest strength has been to buy and listen for myself rather than trust written specifications and what others say. I read and listen, but then put my own money on the line. If I am unable to find a synergystic fit I'm not pleased with a component, I simply sell the item used and move on.

My listening process is both long-term and A/B. Plus I have lots of duplicate equipment (2 of each of identical preamps, amps, tuntables, CD players and speakers that are close in serial number). I also have about 30 duplicate sets of CD's and LP's. I've been interested in this for years and have done a lot of cross checking and swapping to eliminate variability when I do formal listening.

The other advantage I have is that I work from home and my desk position is dead center at the apex of my system's "sweet spot" and I listen to music from the exact same position every day (7 day a week) for from 4 to 10 hours per day. The point being, the presentation becomes subconscious and absolutely recognizable when something is changed. I

I also have several specific passages of music that I use over and over and I intentionally note things like noise floor, width of the soundstage, depth of soundstage and focus of vocals and specific instruments from the exact same listing position over and over.

This truly makes it easy for me to quantify differences when new components are introduced into my system.

I drink about 2 beers a month so they really don't affect the other 208 hours per month of sober listening and I don't think I have inhaled since Led Zeppelin played the Richfield Colesium (I think it was 1979).

I have no affiliation with Revelation Audio.

P.S.: I don't mean to turn this thread off-topic so back to the bottom line . . . My first impression of the Little Pinkie was that it was superior and my longer term impression is that my first impression was spot-on correct!

Greg,

Have you ever thought about listening to the "music"? More importantly "getting in to the music".... seems to me you're spending your time getting into the equipment.... you shouldn't have to listen out for "flaws" you should be spending your time enjoying the music.

Mike.

[Deleted]

Mike
I think what Greg is saying is that he is able to listen to,and enjoy far more music than most of us are able to, and that complete familiarity with his equipment makes it much easier to identify changes when new components are introduced into his system. But you knew that already, didn't you ?
Alex

[inspired]

Dec 4, 2009 23:56:49 GMT PinkFloyd said:

Dec 4, 2009 23:35:14 GMT inspired said:

I know I don't have many posts here to bring score a strong basis for my findings, but I will say that I been involved in higher quality audio since the mid '70.

My biggest strength has been to buy and listen for myself rather than trust written specifications and what others say. I read and listen, but then put my own money on the line. If I am unable to find a synergystic fit I'm not pleased with a component, I simply sell the item used and move on.

My listening process is both long-term and A/B. Plus I have lots of duplicate equipment (2 of each of identical preamps, amps, tuntables, CD players and speakers that are close in serial number). I also have about 30 duplicate sets of CD's and LP's. I've been interested in this for years and have done a lot of cross checking and swapping to eliminate variability when I do formal listening.

The other advantage I have is that I work from home and my desk position is dead center at the apex of my system's "sweet spot" and I listen to music from the exact same position every day (7 day a week) for from 4 to 10 hours per day. The point being, the presentation becomes subconscious and absolutely recognizable when something is changed. I

I also have several specific passages of music that I use over and over and I intentionally note things like noise floor, width of the soundstage, depth of soundstage and focus of vocals and specific instruments from the exact same listing position over and over.

This truly makes it easy for me to quantify differences when new components are introduced into my system.

I drink about 2 beers a month so they really don't affect the other 208 hours per month of sober listening and I don't think I have inhaled since Led Zeppelin played the Richfield Colesium (I think it was 1979).

I have no affiliation with Revelation Audio.

P.S.: I don't mean to turn this thread off-topic so back to the bottom line . . . My first impression of the Little Pinkie was that it was superior and my longer term impression is that my first impression was spot-on correct!

Greg,

Have you ever thought about listening to the "music"? More importantly "getting in to the music".... seems to me you're spending your time getting into the equipment.... you shouldn't have to listen out for "flaws" you should be spending your time enjoying the music.

Mike.

Absoltively! javascript:add("%20:D")

The heavy duty swapping has receded to only minutes per month so I enjoy over 200 hrs and stress for maybe a half hour. When I introduce a new component, it's just a few hours of deciding, and then back to pure enjoyment.

Side note: I'm in the process of acquiring a vintage McIntosh C22 Tube Preamp javascript:add("%20:D")

[inspired]

Dec 5, 2009 15:51:17 GMT mrarroyo said:

How does the C22 compare with the newer C220?

I'm sorry to keep getting off of the first impressions topic.

In a nutshell, the C2200 has all of the benefits of the C22's original circuit with superior switching, balanced outputs/inputs, remote control and doesn't require the potentiometer cleaning required by the older units.

The main reason I am buying the C22 is cost. Decent used C22's go for just under $2,000 (USD) where C2200's are hard to find for less than $3,000 (USD).

[aitcho]

I received my V3i Pinkie yesterday (Thursday) and am 'over the moon' with it!

My initial impressions are that it adds "solidity, depth and cohesion to the music, plus a bigger soundstage, it is stunning".

The Pinkie is the best and most worthwhile Hi-Fi add-on that I have ever purchased and for what it does its a bargain.

Aitcho

[dree]

I want thanks Mike who has build my POWER pinkie and give this great performance on the X-can V3, it makes the sound much better and enjoining the music EVERY DAY, an topper and POWER it is, but is this the top ha ha ha, this X-can has not upgraded yet , i read the forums.
I consider other tubes and the upgrade set.

Also i am looking for a V-DAC, the power is coming from...... HAHAHA an little PINKIE AFCOURSE!! Highly recommended.
Tanks again Best Regards DrEe Holland.

[Deleted]

You know, I never ever thought that I could fall for a black box with wires attached, but I have two Little Pinkies and they are like two little children. Even if I got rid of the X-Cans or they blew up, I'd hold on to those black boxes. They are a stunning piece of work.

Ian

[PinkFloyd]

Guys, I am so happy that the Pinkie has improved your musical enjoyment. When I read things like that it makes it all worthwhile.

Thank you.

Mike.

[attilio]

Hi Mike, The Little Pinkie arrived this morning safe and sound.
I would have got it on Tuesday, but just missed the delivery guy.
I actually got two packages, the other being the Superlux HD 681 headphones. I just could not resist it.
I had to find out what all the fuss is about. And at that price well it’s hardly a big gamble. So it’s double burn in time.
I will be using my trusty Grado SR60s which I have had for about five years so are well run in, to evaluate the Little Pinkie, with my x-can v3 which I have also had for many years using the standard wall wart.
I will post my honest impression in the coming weeks.

Attilio

[easyrider]

Hi Mike, Little Pinkie arrived yesterday. Connected up to x-can3 and hd650,s
Straight out the box : Slightly fuller sound,touch more bass, subtle changes but nothing in your face. left on repeat.
6 hours in : Much more noticeable bigger,crisper sound.Vocals cleaner more forward.
left on repeat.
24 hours in : Fantastic ,sound stage has opened out and the vocals much clearer.
Great upgrade at a very sensible Price.
Well done Mike.

Thanks Mick

[Defecitve Audio Component]

I've got a problem with my X-CAN v3 powering my Audeze LCD-1 planar magnetic headphones (and the same problem with other vintage orthodynamic headphones). I usually feed it flac files through an 0404 USB DAC.

The problem is, bass gets a bit weak at lower volumes (that I unfortunately prefer while listening). Especially low bass tones. (With less power hungry headphones, the bass is delivered also at lower volumes. Although it does not always sound as great as it could, I feel.). In fact, with some of my orthodynamic headphones, lowest bass tones are gone at too low volumes, leaving music that's a bit crippled, suggeting that I should turn the volume up... Also, it's with some headphones a bit less clear than it should be, again especially at lower volumes.

Could the Pinkie PSU do something about this, or do I need to re-think my entire setup?
(I really do not want to buy it if it doesn't actually work, which I would notice immediately... But if it does deliver, that would be a very nice upgrade since missing octaves sort of downgrades the listening experience a bit... and I am very happy with the overall experience, just this final piece is missing.)

What do you people think?

[robertkd]

I don't understand the question??


nah sounds more like you want a bit of bass boost at low volumes settings such as the loudness facility popular on mid fi systems, given you about a 6db boost in the bass.

[Defecitve Audio Component]

Not really, no, I don't like what the "loudness" does to the overall sound.
Question is, is my lack of bass at low volumes probably because of the weak wall wart? And if so, is the Pinkie probably going to work fixing it? (a good guess is what I'd like to hear, unless someone has exactly the same system as I do of course, but I suppose it is unlikely)

[Defecitve Audio Component]

Nobody heard bass response increase with the pinkie at low volumes with headphones that require a bit of gain to get the bass audible with the stock wall wart? I suppose I won't either then. Bummer.

[Deleted]

D A C,

mrarroyo listens at low levels and has commented, in this thread, the bass is improved. I have also experienced not needing as much volume to obtain the desired fullness of tone. This is using the Xcan V2, I can only assume the V3 would respond similarly.

Another helpful change was the reduction of the gain, to use more of the Vol Pot range, again this is on the V2. You'll need to ask if the same is possible on the V3.

There is no doubting the bass is better at any volume level.

Contact Mike and do yourself a serious favour

[attilio]

Well I have had the little Pinkie PSU for about five weeks now, so I now feel able to give my impressions of it with my x-can v3. It is silent, I can’t hear any mechanical buzzing, runs cool and I love the rocker switch. Very convenient. You have probably already read all the other very positive comments on the improvement this psu has on the SQ of the x-can units so I won’t go on. If you are still using the standard wall wart do your ears a favour, and get a Little Pinkie. Worth every penny, highly recommended.

[Deleted]

Mar 1, 2010 20:17:41 GMT Defecitve Audio Component said:

Nobody heard bass response increase with the pinkie at low volumes with headphones that require a bit of gain to get the bass audible with the stock wall wart? I suppose I won't either then. Bummer.

I get more attack in the bass with both the V2 and V8 using the Little Pinkies.

If you're looking for a big shift in tone, headphone change would be easier.

I also tend to listen (mostly) at lower volumes and they sound pretty full to me.

Ian

[Defecitve Audio Component]

Maybe I should start stashing away some £ then. The Audeze LCD-1 / XCANv3 combo sounds absolutely stunning already. I am just looking for a tiny tweak to get the full sound also at lower listening volumes. I don't want to swap the XCAN completely, if it can be avoided, because my setup is already so good sounding.

[mj]

Another very happy customer here. I have had the Pinkey for about two months now and I'm still amazed how it improves the sound in my setup (Lavry DA10->X-CAN V8p->HD800). The bass got notably deeper with more control and power and the soundstage got wider. There are also improvements in the mids and the highs, I think. The Pinkey makes the music sound overall more coherent and clear. Definitely one of the best audio purchases I have ever made. Thanks Mike and keep up the great work!

[Acoquiner]

I'm certainly asking a naive question which I've moved from "Work in Progress", where it seemed out of place, so I hope I'm not interrupting a thread inappropriately. I have had the pleasure of the enormous improvement in the sound of my system by the addition of a little Pinkie V3i to my MF V-Dac. The V-Dac is downstream of a Sagem cablebox, which receives digital TV and radio from Numericable here in France. My question is this: since the cablebox has a pretty cheap looking Chinese benchtop 12VDC/2amp PSU, would my system sound be improved by the addition of a little Pinkie or other good regulated source withthe appropriate jack to supply the cable box? Would I hear the difference of an improvement in power for the digital source above and beyond that provided by the downstream Pinkie?

The rest of my system (Cyrus CD 8 SE + PSX-R ->Audiomat Arpège ->Dynaudio Focus 140) already sounds great, but I am open to suggestions. I am using Cyrus interconnects and French speaker cables (Puretrans)

[mrarroyo]

Acoquiner if you replace a switching PSU w/ a well built regulated equivalent you should improve the overall quality. Good luck.

[attilio]

I'm still amazed how it improves the sound in my setup (Lavry DA10->X-CAN V8p->HD800).

Welcome to the forum mj, yes the little Pinkie is fab mine runs so cool Thats a nice set of phones you got. Are they worth the money?
I don't think anyone here has got them, or heard them I would be interested in your opinion of them. How they compare to other top HP.
If you reply to my nosy questions. Best post in the headphone section, so as not to upset the forum stasi

Attilio

[Defecitve Audio Component]

My local hifi store had the X-PSUv8 in stock, so I had a listen to it, and I thought it did good things for low volume listening. (maybe I was wrong, it's so easy to get the wrong impression from a quick listen in a store.) I thought the music lost a bit of a "veil". It did nothing at all about bass extension. So I think I'll go ahead and order one of these pinkies (because you people here are so happy about yours).

EDIT: Just ordered the Pinkie. I'll post my impressions when it arrives