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Post by krisno on Apr 23, 2010 14:52:32 GMT
I just need to find a good tube for the V2. The russians are not bad. My last try will be the Siemens.
But which headphones you guys use with your V2(modded or not)?
Is there any way to adjust the output resistance on the V2? Can it be made to match the 300ohm on Sennheiser or 67ohm om akg ? just by swapping a resistor? MIKE??? Is there something called output 'resistor'?
Kris
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robertkd
Been here a while! 
Electronics Engineer from sunny Queensland
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Post by robertkd on Apr 23, 2010 15:26:14 GMT
What source are you using bjoern? Are you into DIY at all? and finally, in what country do you reside? (yes, there's a good reason for this question  ) At the moment I'm using my PC directly via USB. PC is so covenient since we have all our music on a server. The rest of the house is packed with Squeezeboxes, so all record players are long gone now. I never thought that would happen, but... When I find a good synergy between cans and amp, maybe I will focus on a DAC. I miss my Audio Synthesis...  No, I'm not into DIY. Not when it comes to electronics anyway, but I am a model builder, take care of my own house and work as a mechanical engineer, so I'm not afraid of doing things myself. Maybe I should get myself a soldering iron, it seems a lot of fun. And I live where the polar bears are walking the streets, in Sweden. do it man get your self a soldering iron you'll never look back  |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2010 15:54:10 GMT
I just need to find a good tube for the V2. The russians are not bad. My last try will be the Siemens. But which headphones you guys use with your V2(modded or not)? Kris I use Senn HD650, 600, 250 II, Beyer DT250, AKG K701 depending on the mood and what I'm listening to. My V2 is modded with a lIttle Pinkie attached. Ian |
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Post by krisno on Apr 23, 2010 16:47:46 GMT
which is best for movies etc Ian?
and which tubes you use?
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Post by krisno on Apr 23, 2010 16:49:25 GMT
MY AKG K 701 always sounded the best when I used dark equipment.. now that the V2 is a little bright, I wonder if Senn 600 will cure my problems.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2010 17:52:47 GMT
For Movies - I change depending on the type of movie.
If it's a mostly 'talk' type movie, I use the k701. For action stuff Beyer DT250. If I'm not sure, Senn HD600 or HD250II
I really like both the Senn HD600 and Senn HD650 via the V2. If anything, too much bass via the 650. 600 is beautiful.
Personally, I find the V8 a bit toppy with the K701 but it's fine with the V2. It's a very analytical sound. I have an adapter to calm the K701 if I need it.
My V8 is standard with original valves since it's new and I felt wobbly about opening it in case of losing any guarantees.
Now I have a V2 and soon, a V1, the V8 may need some doctoring for my ears. I'll see. It works well with the HD650 you see and sharpens them up a bit which I like.
My personal favourite at the moment is the V2 for sure - even up against an Earmax.
The Little Pinkie helps deliver a better defined bass in both the V2 and V8 but of all of my amps, I would say I'm least satisfied with the V8 and it gets used the least. I even use little cheapo amps sometimes instead!!
V8/Senn HD650 is a fine combination. That works for me.
The V2 drives other headphones fantastically. (Especially HD600)
However, I'm a bit of a tart and may start to prefer the V1 when I get it so don't put your trust in me!!!!
I have heard the Senn HD800 and I would imgagine (from memory) that the V8 may make it seem thin.
I think I have 6h23n in the V2 but it's had a lot done to it so I'm not sure what a standard one sounds like.
One day, I'll swap tubes out of the V8. Not too many people have dabbled with it yet so I've held back with it until a concensus view is reached.
It's not a poor amp at all however. It is just very different from the V2 which is my favourite sounding one in all honesty. I kind of savour its rich, mellow sound with a really fast attack so the V8 starts to sound weedy by comparison.
I'm not keen on what people describe as an 'accurate' sound, whatever that is. To my ears, I sound TOTALLY different on recordings so I have no idea how we get to an accurate set up other than just measure a response. For my taste, once you suck out the bass (As what seems to happen in what many people call 'accurate' amps/headphones, the music completely loses its life and is not a good representation of the live sound. Live music hits hard and these accurate sounds seem 'black and white' to me with no colour.
Headphones perhaps are a real compromise and a 'flat' response just doesn't do it for me. It's not live music. It's a cleaned up version, a bit like a touched up photograph with no colour.
It takes a very good amp to sound flat and involving for me.
What I don't understand is how many think that a lack of perceived bass in a headphone is a flat response. To my ears, it's got a third of the music missing and if that means that it needs to be tailored to suit my head/ears, then fine. I have no qualms about altering an accurate sound.
To me, accurate is a measurement which tells people a system is good so they relax with it. When the music communicates, even through a yellow veil, that's fine for me because it's very difficult to get the sound I hear with my ears in live stuff in a tiny little headphone!!
IMO the best combo that I've heard for the V8 is the HD650. (As a stock amp) Not the best headphone, but matches with the V8. (phew) Of course - also depending on source.
Ian
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Post by krisno on Apr 23, 2010 19:07:56 GMT
Nice writing...
Interested that you find V2 the best. I agree V8 was both sharp and a little too 'soft'. The V2 GOT ATTACK!! no doubt. The most 'attacking' tube amp I have ever heard.
you are very optimistic regarding the hd 600 + v2 combo, so I look forward to test HD 600 myself. It will be nice to see how darker sound and more bass folds out.
Maybe I get back the feeling I had with the AKG + nos dac + lehmann opa 2134 clone (2134 is a dark opamp also)... it was just so amazing. never heard the AKG like that ever. Things litterally "flew out of the headphone".
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Post by krisno on Apr 23, 2010 19:09:05 GMT
but i sold it as it didnt have that 'tube' realism.. but it was very dark. V2 is almost like a solid state with the russians. More tube like with other tubes, atleast the jan philips.
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Post by krisno on Apr 23, 2010 19:25:28 GMT
I had the K701 and V8 myself btw. It sounded real... but laid back and lack of details.
But does the HD 600 also have this viel? Actually, the turbomodded V2 and AKG 701 is dangerous if the amp is left on 10-12hours. It goes so insainly high on the registers. It really seems as there is some major distortion., so we will see with the 600.
I agree with the bass thing..
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Post by krisno on Apr 23, 2010 19:26:19 GMT
BUT IS THERE A RESISTOR IN THE V2 AMP TO CHANGE SO THAT IT GIVES 300OHM OUTPUT, OR 62 TO MATCH AKG? is there a output resistor?
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2010 21:18:07 GMT
I had the K701 and V8 myself btw. It sounded real... but laid back and lack of details. But does the HD 600 also have this viel? Actually, the turbomodded V2 and AKG 701 is dangerous if the amp is left on 10-12hours. It goes so insainly high on the registers. It really seems as there is some major distortion., so we will see with the 600. I agree with the bass thing.. There is no veil imo on the HD600. (Nor on the 650 with a matching amp) I have found the most important thing to getting a sound I like with both is the volume. With the V2, I set the volume just as the bass kicks in and focuses and the slam or attack is there. Once you have it around that volume (which isn't always loud) I find the whole lot sounds balanced. I have a 120ohm adapter that I can put on the front of the amp, but it makes headphones difficult to drive. It takes the top down a tiny fraction which isn't really something that's really desirable on the Senns unless you like a bright sound. V2 + HD600 V8 + HD650 Both nice combos. Lush and weighty. I think it's always a good idea to consider the amp with the headphone as a unit rather than just the amp's characteristics because they have to work together as a unit. Getting the sound focussed is the key by twiddling with volume imo as well. For instance, too much volume on the 650 makes them seem fat and huge. Back off a bit and they focus better. (for me anyway) You have to bear in mind, I'm talking about a modded V2 and a stock V8 though.  The K701 is another story. I love the clarity and soundstage you get with them, but I think as yet, I haven't found a really good match. I'll be hearing a Novo soon so perhaps that's the answer for now. (At least that's what I've heard) The output impedance of the Novo is higher so it may calm it down. With the K701, sounds appear like a laser and really 3D but my biggest concern with them is the matching of the amp. I'm not happy with them on a V8 but they are better on the V2. I really like them on an Aune which is a cheaper amp but helps them to mellow. However, I think the imaging may not be as good on the Aune as the other two, which is why the Novo may provide an answer for me. The annoying thing is I had a Solo (Although it was an older version a while back) and that may have been better with the K701. Swings and roundabouts. I'm really fond of the K701 as well though and it has its place alongside the Senns. Ian |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Apr 23, 2010 21:42:39 GMT
Ian....
The X-cans (Modded) V1 that I will be sending you on Monday will send shivers down your spine (guaranteed)... I'm happy to send a NOVO along as well so you can compare them. IMO, the NOVO doesn't even come close to the modded V1.... let's see what you think.
Mike.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2010 21:49:31 GMT
Ian.... The X-cans (Modded) V1 that I will be sending you on Monday will send shivers down your spine (guaranteed)... I'm happy to send a NOVO along as well so you can compare them. IMO, the NOVO doesn't even come close to the modded V1.... let's see what you think. Mike. Mike Why bother ? That would be a waste of time and money sending the Novo. It would be seriously outclassed by many recent amplifiers, especially the portable that Ian is currently listening to ? . Alex |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2010 22:10:58 GMT
BUT IS THERE A RESISTOR IN THE V2 AMP TO CHANGE SO THAT IT GIVES 300OHM OUTPUT, OR 62 TO MATCH AKG? is there a output resistor? Krisno With the X CAN V2, resistor R114 and it's corresponding mate in the other channel are 33 ohms. You could try increasing those to 68 ohms. SandyK |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2010 8:47:58 GMT
Ian.... The X-cans (Modded) V1 that I will be sending you on Monday will send shivers down your spine (guaranteed)... I'm happy to send a NOVO along as well so you can compare them. IMO, the NOVO doesn't even come close to the modded V1.... let's see what you think. Mike. Thanks Mike. As always, that's really generous of you. You've actually written what I don't say!!!! Cost/performance. A lot of people reckon the Novo (and the Solo) so I don't like to annoy/upset them but I wasn't blown away in the end by the Solo. Having said that, the V8 has shown its (imo) weak points in comparison to the V2 that you rocket fuelled for me. Bear in mind that I'm almost OCD and comparing minutia though. I'm not saying the V8 is poor. At least with my Solo, it was an old version and people continually tell me that the new version is far superior. However, that's what was said about the version I had as well at the time. Mike if you're selling the Novos on (as part of your clearout) and someone wants it, I can always send it on for you to save you the postage. For me, it's not just an amp on its own. I think it's critical what headphone you attach and also, something that is never really mentioned much is the volume and type of music that people listen at. For me, some headphones focus much lower and others louder on the same recording. That's when the effect of the amp can be crucial imo. If you get two amps to 'focus' the same music, it can often be at a different volume. (I know that sounds a bit OCD/anal) but it works for me. It also helps if you know others with the same types of taste in styles and try to figure out what volume they're listening at. Mike, I am and always have been very curious about the V1. The V2 (or at least my version) has remained at the top of the list for me in terms of musicality and sheer entertainment. I can't understand why MF would have taken a step back from the V1 but I know that it's one of your favourites out of all the MF's so I'm looking forward to that!! (Especially as you seem to have similar tastes in sound/music to me) Mike
Why bother ? That would be a waste of time and money sending the Novo. It would be seriously outclassed by many recent amplifiers, especially the portable that Ian is currently listening to ? . Because Mike knows that I've always been curious about many peoples' recommendation of the Novo - especially with the K701 Alex. The Novo's still on the market and I was toying with the kit idea. You are right though Alex, I will put it right up against the Neco and I think that it will have a tough time with it. (The neco is about £90 with a bigger battery and 8610's) so it's a cheaper amp. (And not mains driven) Ian |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2010 9:32:28 GMT
Ian Careful, or I will sic Frans and Robert on to you ! Alex |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2010 10:12:08 GMT
Ian Careful, or I will sic Frans and Robert on to you ! Alex You're like a Yorkshire Terrier Alex. You know, reading this makes me look like I can talk the hind legs off a donkey!! If anyone's bored, tell me and I'll shut up!!! Ian |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2010 10:20:36 GMT
Ian Careful, or I will sic Frans and Robert on to you ! Alex You're like a Yorkshire Terrier Alex. You know, reading this makes me look like I can talk the hind legs off a donkey!! If anyone's bored, tell me and I'll shut up!!! Ian Ian Note that I didn't say that I would join them. I don't have a problem with much of what you are saying. Alex |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2010 10:25:24 GMT
You're like a Yorkshire Terrier Alex. You know, reading this makes me look like I can talk the hind legs off a donkey!! If anyone's bored, tell me and I'll shut up!!! Ian Ian Note that I didn't say that I would join them. I don't have a problem with much of what you are saying. Alex I know, but you do make me laugh Alex!! I may send you a Bravo to enjoy. Get you back into the good old days. I just thought - maybe we should have a sticky telling people HOW to listen before opening their gobs!!! (and warn them about measurements while we're at it)  Also, while I remember, the tinitus has mostly gone and returns occasionally thanks to Gingko I suppose. Feel like an old man taking a pill every day but it does seem to have abated!!! Thanks. Ian |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2010 10:45:16 GMT
Ian Have you been on it long enough to get some of the other nice side effects? Things like more vivid dreams like when you were much younger, and often in greater detail and often in GLORIOUS colour. Better erotic dreams too . Better blood flow to nether regions ? ;D Improved memory , and warmer fingers and toes ? Alex P.S. You will most likely need around 2 x 2,000mG per day to achieve that. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2010 10:48:56 GMT
Ian Have you been on it long enough to get some of the other nice side effects? Things like more vivid dreams like when you were much younger, and often in greater detail and often in GLORIOUS colour. Better erotic dreams too . Better blood flow to nether regions ? ;D Improved memory , and warmer fingers and toes ? Alex Now you mention it .... I have never remembered any dream but I had my first dream last week. It was all about the tubes in a V8 and how great the headphones were ..... Not really. Just worried Mike will bark at us for going off topic!!!! It's true though, I did have a strange dream last week and I ain't sayin' anything. ;D Ian |
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Post by krisno on Apr 24, 2010 12:06:40 GMT
The X-can V1 is probably a better combo with the AKG K 701 than the V2. So you probably will get the shivers  You see.. I had opa 2134 based amp, and it sounds just lush with the AKG K 701. Alive, but no brightness and alot of bass. I think Mike uses OPA 2134 in the V1 mod package. So there you go. But I guess the V2 has more power than the V1 as it uses opamp for amplification rather than more powerful seperate transistors(but I might be wrong on this last part). I am sure V1 is nice..... You see! Alot more R&D resources has been put into OPA 2134 'output stage' vs MF's own discreete V2 solution, so I am sure a good opamp actually sounds ALOT better than V2 output design. BUT MIKE - IN SOUND, how does the V1 differ from V2? I am sure the V2 is alot brigther than V1(using opa 2134).... V1 might have smaller soundstage though, as I remember the opa 2134 to have exactly that. Kristian |
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Post by krisno on Apr 24, 2010 12:09:13 GMT
BTW: Has anyone of you tried to polish the aluminium face of the X-can V2? It just seems so grey and sad the way it looks now. Any good way to shine it?
K
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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2010 12:18:53 GMT
BTW: Has anyone of you tried to polish the aluminium face of the X-can V2? It just seems so grey and sad the way it looks now. Any good way to shine it? K I haven't tried Kristian. It's a matt finish and I've left it at that. Less prone to fingerprints. As far as I know, Mike's V1 is as follows: t has OPA2107 (IIRC), UBER rare Russians, Best quality low ESR caps / film caps, Ultrafast diodes. Ian |
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Post by krisno on Apr 24, 2010 12:50:17 GMT
it matters less which tubes you have in the V1 than in the V2. the opa 2134 will 'trim the harshness' out of the Russians, so I am sure it is a match in heaven.. ESPECIALLY with AKG.
But get the AKG K 701 and you will never be happy. Yes it has realism--- but it has this thin metallic sheen. Music its kind of lifeless where is the magic?
But I dont know man .. I never heard the V1. Just from the electronics point of view I think it will be like what i described above.
K
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