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Post by PinkFloyd on Jul 1, 2010 21:55:01 GMT
By the way, Ian.... the V-CAN sounds lovely with the HD-600 doesn't it? Cuts right though the "veil" and gives them more of an edge around instruments.... the more I listen to this amp the more I like it  The bass is beautifully controlled as well as being exceptionally deep . I also like it with the HD650. I don't know whether my Senns are all old or something, or perhaps my ears have just grown accustomed to them, but I always return to them and feel comfortable. The HD600 is especially good whereas the HD650 is a bit of fun because for me, it's more coloured!! You had an absolute bargain with your HD600. The V-Can has a really 'organic' sound as you have put it in the past. If you stuck it in another box and told someone that there were valves in there, they'd believe it I'm sure. It has something really gutsy about it without ever sounding nasty at loud volume. I have to be very careful with the volume since it is easy to listen to at very high volume with no pain. It just grows with volume. I'm really chuffed with it. Hopefully you'll be able to enjoy it even more with the Little extra I squeezed into you parcel  |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jul 1, 2010 22:03:43 GMT
You had an absolute bargain with your HD600. My "third" pair since the introduction of the HD-600..... I've been a member of team HD-600 since they first hit the shelves..... the latest pair @ £99 shipped (the Play.com offer) is the cheapest I have paid for a brand new pair and, yes, a bargain! Just like putting a well worn hat onto your head the HD-600 are like old friends.... you ALWAYS come back to them |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2010 4:51:08 GMT
Hopefully you'll be able to enjoy it even more with the Little extra I squeezed into you parcel You're an extremely generous guy Mike, both with things and your own time. I was using the HD600 last night on the Neco and went into another room so I plugged it into the V-Can and the difference in weight and depth is not at all subtle. The V-can, if it was £100 sounds like something REALLY expensive with the mods. I find the 600's a good reference for everything else. Not overstated and a balanced sound. You get your fun things that whack out hefty bass, your analytical things that tinkle away in the treble, but the 600 just doesn't try to show off in any area. It's also good at low and high volume for me. Plus the bonus of the dual plug for mini jack as well as your normal jack. A well thought out headphone and a pity that they decided to 'shape' the sound for the HD650, which I have a filter on in order to bring some of the boom down. What is a little sad about the HD650 is that Sennheiser claimed to have tested them with listeners and the tweaked according to what they said. (Customer voice and all that) I just wonder who these customer actually were - they were bass heads and rather sensitive to treble?
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XTRProf
Fully Modded
Pssst ! Got any spare capacitors ?
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Post by XTRProf on Jul 2, 2010 12:39:32 GMT
What about some custom artist painting/spraying on the case? (Maybe even something for the artist currently known as "M"?  ) I know someone that is very good with spraying (not the Swiss bugger that was arrested in Singapore for spraying trains  ). Perhaps he could make something out of one of my V-Cans. That will be great. Just imagine the one and only piece is the world. This is already happening to our cell phone skins and why not audio? Ha, ha, you saw that news on the graffiti on our Singapore mrt train by one of your "famous" Swiss graffiti artist. Hey, actually he and his friend did a rather good job, IMHO. Not bad at all ......... if only he put it to good use on our mrt trains instead of their initials. Of course, this must be proposed to our government and the mrt corp so as not to get into trouble. The graffiti video is here: Picture here:  Do show us your customised V-Can if you have done one from an artist. Hey, Merton, why don't you do one on your headphone amp and show us your great talent, man! I'm sure Mr Pinkie wouldn't mind you making a living here instead of being out of job now and in a "home". Also, you can advertise your customised artistic work on audio equipment thru ebay as well. |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jul 2, 2010 21:17:25 GMT
That's more airbrush work Chong.... I think Merton works with brushes.... One of my friends specialises in airbrushing motorcycle tanks with some awesome artwork, looks really good.... I'm not sure it would look so good on a small amp though, the "canvass" has to be quite large to really pull it off.
Of course, if Merton could come up with a technique to enhance the look of standard headphone amp enclosures I would back him all the way. If he can come up with a few ideas / examples then I'm sure (if they're good) that he could do very well out of it.
Mike.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 3, 2010 10:46:40 GMT
Mike,
OMG.
My parcel arrived and it got me running around like a blues arsed fly!!!! I got Julian's headphones off so the Grado should arrive soon.
I answered the door in my sunglasses just to test them out. The postman is a bit of a creep and he hangs around. First thing he said was, 'Hello Ian, I didn't recognise you!' Made my day!!!! They work.
Then he told me this one was a big 'un.
Well, I ran indoors and ripped it all open, opened up the V-Can, stuck the Op-amp in. Had a listen. Boom. It's an improvement for sure. Slightly more expansive that the other chip and the weight!!! Spock's Beard on and then whacked the volume right up. It just scales up with the volume. Absolutely brilliant, but then the other package ......
Thanks ever so much. I was on the verge of getting one and I really lke the new box. The photos just don't do it justice. It looks far better in reality than on the pics. Well, I whacked that on and the difference at high volume expecially is quite massive. It adds more depth at high volumes and then backing off again just makes the whole thing sound relaxed.
You would NEVER think that the original was £60. As this amp stands now, I would rate it in the top level of all of the stuff I have here. The Earmax has been sacked. No-where near. This amp is what the new X-Can should have been imo if they want to go SS.
With the mods that you have done and the op-amp and improved power supply, it is a stunning listen and I would easily say £400.
I hope the new X-Can gets close at the price they're asking.
Many thanks Mike. I'm really chuffed.
Not to mention the Senn DSP!!!! (Yet)
Mick, the op amp is a stunner. I reckon that this amp sounds better than the one that they will put out at way higher a price. It's just ridiculous to think that the basic was £60.
However, you get the opportunity to upgrade to a sound that is absolutely top notch.
MF should have considered that as an option imo.
Update caps.
Update opamp.
Update supply.
There's an amp that sounds awesome there then!!
Ian
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jul 3, 2010 10:56:25 GMT
Ian, That's a brand new opamp, I only soldered it onto the adaptor a few days ago, so remember...... it will get EVEN better over the next few days  Leave the amp switched on 24/7 for a few days for the circuit to stabilize..... then see what you think Mike. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 3, 2010 11:05:56 GMT
Ian, That's a brand new opamp, I only soldered it onto the adaptor a few days ago, so remember...... it will get EVEN better over the next few days Leave the amp switched on 24/7 for a few days for the circuit to stabilize..... then see what you think Mike. That's another thing - how the hell do you get those things on??? Mike, I bet that this sounds better than the box that comes out. If anyone was considering buying the new version, I'd say buy the V-Can for £60 and pay for the mods and power supply. You have a top class sounding amp. Not as pretty as the new MF but I bet that it has a better sound. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 3, 2010 11:21:29 GMT
Mike, I bet that this sounds better than the box that comes out. If anyone was considering buying the new version, I'd say buy the V-Can for £60 and pay for the mods and power supply. You have a top class sounding amp. Not as pretty as the new MF but I bet that it has a better sound. That has to be a thought for you Mike... The "Pink Can HISS1", ( HISS standing for How It Should Sound ) take one V Can, do your stuff on it, including a spray job, Ta dahhhh, complete new killer product |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jul 3, 2010 11:23:24 GMT
That's another thing - how the hell do you get those things on??? My technique is to run a blob of molten solder along each side of the legs then mop up with some desolder braid.... finish off with a toothbrush dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Takes about 2 minutes to mount each chip. Does a very good job as you can see:  |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 3, 2010 11:54:29 GMT
Looking at those pictures makes it look fine, but in reality, it's minute!!! I have to be careful making sure that every leg is lined up with the hole when pushing it on, let alone those tiny legs that you've soldered on to the adapter.
Chris, I'm absolutely convinced that the V-Can, modded is the one to get.
If Mike charged £300 to mod them, it would still be cheaper than the new MF amp!!!!
The sound, even raw (No running time) is streets ahead in terms of sound stage and tone. The V-Can kind of sounds Tube-like as well. The glassiness that I originally didn't like too much is totally gone and it just scales up with volume. You also become more aware of the acoustics in the recording.
I feel that MF are missing a trick here. The new amp will probably be very much similar (perhaps) to an unmodded V-Can and with a little more care about what they put in it, they'd be top runners in the market.
I'm absolutely serious about the £60 V-Can and pay for the mods. Worth every penny. You get a seriously stunning sound, so it's not such a bad thing that they have stopped using the valves perhaps. There is a lot of life in the V-Can.
The funny thing is, I really loved the clarity of the V8 and its speed of attack originally, but since getting the X-Can V1 and V2 from Mike, it has become my least favourite.
I can't choose between the V1, V2 and the V-Can. Perhaps the X-Cans V1 does it for me. However, with time, this V-Can is going to improve.
Mike, you have an absolute winner with this combo.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jul 3, 2010 19:42:46 GMT
I decided to do a "proper" spray job so have started with the primer... I will lightly sand it with 1200 grade wet / dry paper to provide a key and then apply the top coats. Whilst I was preparing the enclosure I came up with an idea.... the base of the enclosure has two channels in it where a couple of foam strips are fitted which act as feet.... anyways, I thought it would look good if the enclosure was turned upside down, these channels give the top more definition, make the enclosure look less "flat", It's also possible to spray go faster stripes into the channels... I'm not sure how effective this would look but will try it on my next enclosure respray. I'm thinking of passing on the fluorescent pink idea for the first one..... I think a gunmetal grey would look effective with the front and rear panels left black.... I don't think it would look good all one colour, you need a bit of contrast to break it up. Here they are with the primer on (remember, this still has to be sanded when fully cured).... I will cure the final top coat in an oven and then polish with a good wax and 0000 grade liberon steel wool.... finished with a finger polish buffed by hand. Phase 1 complete      |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 3, 2010 20:19:00 GMT
It does look good with the go fast stripes!! This is turning into a good looking, good sounding, finger lickin' good bargain!!
MF have got it wrong with the new amp!!!
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jul 3, 2010 21:09:59 GMT
MF have got it wrong with the new amp!!! I wouldn't go that far Ian.... sales of the V-CAN were shit, sales of the V8 were shit, sales of the V3 were far from great.... they are simply going down another road with the M1 (a faster road maybe? ). In the old days manufacturers would come up with a special edition version of one of their amps.... if it was successful they would come up with a "SEll GOLD" version and so on.... this was good cause they were evolving the design and each "edition" would be an improvement over the original (or so they said ) MF are obviously not into "evolution".... they think the better road to take (the motorway route) is "revolution" where they are constantly heralding their new products as the latest and greatest thing since sliced bread.... IMO, they have got this wrong. If "I" can max one of their amps out to perform leaps and bounds better then why can't they?!!.... They should be doing just that.... committed to one particular design and seeing it through until it has fully evolved. What are we going to get after the M1? The P7?.... there is no continuity, they seem to be going off on a tangent "hoping" that the latest and greatest will sell in bundles like the X-CANS (V1) did. The V1 sold well because it was a superb amp at a price everybody could afford... same with the V2..... from the V3 onwards MF added an extra £100 onto the asking price so we've gone from the V1 which cost £129 RRP to the M1 which costs £500..... A lot of money for a headphone amp but it must be worth it as it is the "latest and greatest"? hmmmm.... If I didn't like Musical Fidelity products this forum would not exist.... I'd like to think I know what I'm talking about.... there "was" a time when a new MF release was a big occasion and something to look forward to..... these days you "expect" your MF purchase to be superceded by something they claim is a LOT better a few months down the line.... MF just don't have that impression of being a committed to audio company anymore..... today's "best thing since sliced bread" will be tomorrow's "mouldy old dough"..... I can see it and I think their hardcore customers are seeing it, hence the drop in sales.... they want to get back to what they were originally about and sack all these marketing men / profit driven types who seemed to have taken over the MF ideals that Anthony Michaelson espoused all those years ago..... "affordable high quality sound for everyone"....... |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 3, 2010 21:46:07 GMT
You'd think that since the sales of the V8 were so bad, they'd have maybe wondered why? (In spite of mags putting out how great they are)
They've gone and reinvented the wheel and if this one the same kind of thing, it's going no-where fast.
Since Anthony is a clarinettist, you'd also have thought that he'd have an interest in how they sound.
The problem is if mediocre sells, then that's fine. All they have to do is produce a killer amp and word would soon go round.
Look at what they could have done with the V-Can. A stunning amp once it's been tweaked. Look at the V3 and V8 - again, stunning when tweaked.
Then they have the nerve to ask more money on top of the £500 they ask in order to tweak it to where it should have been in the first place.
Great shame.
Look at the independent guys on these forums. They put out amps, get live feedback, alter them and resell and some continue to tweak away until they get it where they want it for the money.
Pity MF couldn't do the same. Or maybe they do but can't be arsed with it?
I tried one of their mega amps btw. Load of power and you hook it in line with an amp on the speaker out and then attach the speakers to it. Gives a hi fi PA.
Don't think they've done that well either.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jul 8, 2010 18:33:35 GMT
I decided to do a "proper" spray job so have started with the primer... I will lightly sand it with 1200 grade wet / dry paper to provide a key and then apply the top coats. Whilst I was preparing the enclosure I came up with an idea.... the base of the enclosure has two channels in it where a couple of foam strips are fitted which act as feet.... anyways, I thought it would look good if the enclosure was turned upside down, these channels give the top more definition, make the enclosure look less "flat", It's also possible to spray go faster stripes into the channels... I'm not sure how effective this would look but will try it on my next enclosure respray. I'm thinking of passing on the fluorescent pink idea for the first one..... I think a gunmetal grey would look effective with the front and rear panels left black.... I don't think it would look good all one colour, you need a bit of contrast to break it up. Here they are with the primer on (remember, this still has to be sanded when fully cured).... I will cure the final top coat in an oven and then polish with a good wax and 0000 grade liberon steel wool.... finished with a finger polish buffed by hand. Phase 1 complete I ended up going with gunmetal grey for the body and satin black for the end panels.... it's turned out very nice, as usual the camera doesn't show up the paint very well.... there are nice silver flecks running through it.... Nice and understated looking IMO:    |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2010 18:47:27 GMT
That's much better. Now it looks like an amp rather than a cheap old toy. It reminded me of those Xenos HA3 amps. I have one here. (Very good) with the big white lettering.
That looks great now. I bet with all the oiling and spraying, you've been in a right state up there Mike!!
The V-Can with mods sounds like a really top notch amp now. I prefer the second op amp that you sent for sure. I compared and it has a more gutsy feel. It's close to sounding like there are valves in there too which is the first time I've heard an SS amp sound this way actually.
Really surprising and imo, one of the best deals around. You've got a helluva business there Mike:
mod and paint the V-Cans - £200 jobbie?
Can you get the amp down to the sea? I've been studying the trees every time you post these pictures 'cos I like the outdoors and you keep leaving them blurred!!!
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jul 8, 2010 19:25:48 GMT
Sure man, I'll take some photos next time I'm down there... got a stunning beach a couple of hundred yards away... never anybody on it which is fantastic |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jul 8, 2010 20:48:20 GMT
Not something I want to get into Ian.... it's quite time consuming "spraying" an enclosure.... preparing the surface, applying a few coats of primer, preparing the surface and then applying a few coats of finish.... allow to cure fully and then finish by hand.... PLUS.... I'd rather breath fresh Highland air than paint fumes The friggin stuff gets everywhere, up your nostrils, up your arse crack, into your eyes.... nope, my days of respraying wings on Ford Cortinas are well and truly over It's not all about "earning money" with me Ian, never has been.... I'd rather a peaceful, easy going life with "freedom from want" than knocking my pan in trying to become "wealthy" (in the financial sense).... as long as I have a roof over my head and something to eat (and a packet of tobacco) I am happy. I've never been one of these "must have a new car every year" types, if I buy a car I look after it and try to get 20 years service out of it.... I wear my clothes until they fall apart, NEVER eat out in restaurants.... basically, I am happy with who I am and get by without being drawn in to the "must have" mentality that so many people aspire to these days. Freedom from want is a good thing, and probably the only good quality I possess.... I have always been happy with my lot and "money" has never been my god. I've made a few bucks over the years, don't get me wrong, but have nothing I want to spend it on. If you could "buy" true happiness and good health then I'd blow the lot in an instance.... unfortunately, you can't buy either. I "could" afford an "esoteric" rig but would rather DIY one.... a lot more pleasure / understanding to be gained at a fraction of the asking price. I feel "Samhain" coming on (inside joke) so it's time for me to pursue a different path Ian. Instead of "spray painting" the enclosures I will take them down (in person) to the local beach and "bless" them (higher highs and toenail curling lows assured)..... the pure Highland salt water enclosure mod dip "and" my blessing will come in at a very reasonable £99 "shipped". Can't say fairer than that |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2010 21:29:53 GMT
I feel "Samhain" coming on (inside joke) so it's time for me to pursue a different path Ian. Instead of "spray painting" the enclosures I will take them down (in person) to the local beach and "bless" them (higher highs and toenail curling lows assured)..... the pure Highland salt water enclosure mod dip "and" my blessing will come in at a very reasonable £99 "shipped".Can't say fairer than that  You're younger than me, taller and probably a lot better looking!!! Now I'm depressed. You really crack me up Mr Sam. I tell you what, you live in a fantastic place. I'm always jealous when I see you garden pictures with that background. I went through a Sammy Junior phase at the age of 38. Ah yes, I remember it well and finally I reached 2006 and thought, sod it, I'm going to do what I want and not be told by everyone else what I should be doing. I did it quite spectaularly and did a 'theatrical' retreat. It was my biggest release. My mid life crisis took 14 years to cure. Now, I realise that money and things doth not maketh for happineth. (A Slee reference just for you with a lisp) For me, I feel more and more that it's the people that surround you and the pleasure that they bring and you can give. Everything else is a sideline, so you're absolutely right, your health and being happy where you are are more important than anything else. These things you mod and change actually give me pleasure just seeing what you can do with something. I actually enjoy the pleasure that people get out of the stuff you're doing. Quite strange I suppose. However, I suspect you're similar in that respect. For me, music has never been the be all of life. It's given me more pleasure to see the pleasure of the people who listen to it. That's why recording isn't nice - you get no feedback except from some arse of an armchair critic. You get your feedback from the guys you mod gear for and I empathise with that. You are definitely a perfectionist. (Actually, I think Frans is as well!!!) That's what musicians are like too!!! trouble is, you NEVER get there and you end up chasing your own tail.
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Post by Seamus on Jul 9, 2010 14:39:46 GMT
Zen and the art of headphone amps That gunmetal looks great Mike, much better than pink ;D |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2010 16:29:36 GMT
Hi All
I’ve modded my V-CAN with the X-CAP and op-amp kit and had it running for a week. My first impression is WOW!
Some quick thoughts
MF’s circuit board – well made with thick tracks and pads.
The Kit – Straightforward, well thought through and easy to implement.
The sound – Sublime.
Pleasure – Total.
The transformation from the stock item – Complete.
Listening sessions - Long
It really does sound fantastic
Thanks Mike for the kit and the effort you’ve put in to developing it.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2010 17:39:15 GMT
Hi Shaun,
Have you got a lIttle Pinkie power supply? Brilliant.
Also you are able to turn it off from the supply.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2010 18:37:54 GMT
I have put the green caps and the 1644 op-amp in mine also, sounds great, but it did with the previous upgraded caps and the 1434 op-amp. Both sound great in slightly different ways, have not decided yet which i prefer.  |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jul 12, 2010 19:46:04 GMT
Hi All I’ve modded my V-CAN with the X-CAP and op-amp kit and had it running for a week. My first impression is WOW! Some quick thoughts MF’s circuit board – well made with thick tracks and pads. The Kit – Straightforward, well thought through and easy to implement. The sound – Sublime. Pleasure – Total. The transformation from the stock item – Complete. Listening sessions - Long It really does sound fantastic Thanks Mike for the kit and the effort you’ve put in to developing it. Hi Shaun, Excellent stuff The pads on the V-CAN board aren't bad but you still have to be careful as they "will" lift if you mess about with them for too long... secret is ON pump OFF... as quick as that Glad it was a success. Mike. |
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). Perhaps he could make something out of one of my V-Cans.
Leave the amp switched on 24/7 for a few days for the circuit to stabilize.....then see what you think 
