tg
100+
YAGOF
Posts: 154
|
Post by tg on Sept 22, 2010 0:41:27 GMT
I remember reading about the Talisman T35-HP but never had chance to listen to one. What area did you find it disappointing ? just not to your taste? Leo, I found it very sensitive to I/C, foggy, coloured, lacking in detail, tonal resolution and dynamics. TBPH the headphone out of my Terratec soundcard did a better job of driving the K701 despite its audible inferiority to either of my amps, being more dynamic, resolving and neutral. My opinion solely, but I would recommend audition before laying out money on this one.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2010 0:48:58 GMT
As long as it didn't shit itself on complex material like the >AU$100,000 Ongaku with it's silver transformer windings did ,when someone shoved a Madonna CD recorded in QSound into the CD player at a Melbourne HiFi show! ;D Sounded pretty good on fuddy duddy classical material though. Jealousy is not becomming of you Alex.... focus on something more healthy such as masturbation. Mike Perhaps time you hit the sack ? I am not jealous of those amps. I had hoped to hear better after a special overnight trip in a train to Melbourne with a friend. I almost ended up with thrombosis due to not being able to stretch my legs ! Alex
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2010 6:39:09 GMT
Ooooh ....
I just thouight of another one I'm not fussed about because of cost. The Grado one.
For me, it's a cost/performance thing more than sound I think. My criticsm of the Solo is not that it sounded awful. It was the cost and performance issue. Also as I said earlier, that awful power supply on a £500 amp .....
So no offence to the guys who have the Solo. I hear that the new one is better in any case. I've still never heard a Nuvo. Might try it one day out of curiousity. But it's up at about £200 I think.
This is a problem with a thread asking about poor performance. In terms of performance, the Bravo series are crap, but I still like the sound that the Indeed in particular makes.
You also risk upsetting people if you try to be honest. Also, the fact that many of us modify amps suggest that they weren't working as well as they could in the first place. In which case, there aren't that many in the lower price bracket that are all that good then?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2010 7:59:55 GMT
Ian Basically, you get what you pay for. Back when it was released, Novo wasn't too bad, but it was hobbled by the decision to play games with the frequency response in order that the amplifier would not be blamed for poor performance with headphones such as the K701 which can have a tendency to sound "edgy" with many amplifiers. This was explained to me by Graham Slee himself, who also sent me frequency response graphs of the K701 to illustrate his concerns..By today's standards it is only a mediocre performer.( I have one.) Amplifiers like the Panda can't really be used as comparisons, because they need a lot of time and input put into their construction. They may well be capable of superb performance, but if you realistically costed your labour , as well as the additional components needed, including a nice case, into the overall cost, they would be quite expensive. Alex
|
|
leo
Been here a while!
Team wtf is it?
Posts: 3,638
|
Post by leo on Sept 22, 2010 8:03:49 GMT
I remember reading about the Talisman T35-HP but never had chance to listen to one. What area did you find it disappointing ? just not to your taste? Leo, I found it very sensitive to I/C, foggy, coloured, lacking in detail, tonal resolution and dynamics. TBPH the headphone out of my Terratec soundcard did a better job of driving the K701 despite its audible inferiority to either of my amps, being more dynamic, resolving and neutral. My opinion solely, but I would recommend audition before laying out money on this one. Hi Tony, Thanks for your opinion , it seems the performance has more negatives than positives . Problem with Headphone amps is its hard to listen to one before buying unlike other hifi separates so posting these opinions on stuff we've heard at least gives an idea what to expect .
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2010 9:06:55 GMT
Leo, I found it very sensitive to I/C, foggy, coloured, lacking in detail, tonal resolution and dynamics. TBPH the headphone out of my Terratec soundcard did a better job of driving the K701 despite its audible inferiority to either of my amps, being more dynamic, resolving and neutral. My opinion solely, but I would recommend audition before laying out money on this one. Hi Tony, Thanks for your opinion , it seems the performance has more negatives than positives . Problem with Headphone amps is its hard to listen to one before buying unlike other hifi separates so posting these opinions on stuff we've heard at least gives an idea what to expect . Indeed it is hard to judge HP amps. Especially because they are always in a mix with headphones which are picky on how they are driven. throw in the mix the different output resistances of various amps and there is alot to choose from. Some cans play 'best' with low Z outputs others are designed for optimal sound with higher output Z's. 10 Ohm I consider low for a HP amp and 120 Ohms and higher I consider high. Power amps usually are (well) below 0.1 Ohms b.t.w. attached cables ruin these figures. It is good to have a list of 'controversial' amps that are not always liked and do not perform well with a range of HP's or have a questionable price/performance ratio.
|
|
|
Post by clausdk on Sept 22, 2010 22:08:06 GMT
I know it won't be popular but avoid the Indeed G2, I just do not like it, I have thought about giving it a Fransstyle mod. But I have a feeling it would be a waste of time I have never been fond of the amp. in my "Zero", the DAC part is OK.. Other than that I have been quite pleased with my amps..
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2010 22:36:24 GMT
I know it won't be popular but avoid the Indeed G2, I just do not like it, I have thought about giving it a Fransstyle mod. But I have a feeling it would be a waste of time I have never been fond of the amp. in my "Zero", the DAC part is OK.. Other than that I have been quite pleased with my amps.. Claus, In standard form it IS a poor amp, its beauty being that it reacts well to tweaks. (Though I reckon Alex and Frans might prefer me to say "it reacts well to having its design corrected"). The "IRFs" and cap changes make a very audible improvement, so I think its a given that Frans' far-reaching changes should make a massive improvement. I'll get around to it at some point, must be worth a salvaging job! If not, give it away to someone who'll like it the way it is. That's one Christmas gift sorted with months to spare
|
|
|
Post by PinkFloyd on Sept 22, 2010 22:38:31 GMT
I know it won't be popular but avoid the Indeed G2, I just do not like it, I have thought about giving it a Fransstyle mod. But I have a feeling it would be a waste of time I have never been fond of the amp. in my "Zero", the DAC part is OK.. Other than that I have been quite pleased with my amps.. X2.... in retrospect I was too eager to promote the "rolled off" sound (as nice as it is)... the indeed / Bravo amps are seriously flawed but sound good in certain circumstances / budgets.
|
|
leo
Been here a while!
Team wtf is it?
Posts: 3,638
|
Post by leo on Sept 22, 2010 22:50:31 GMT
Yes, being small and compact makes them handy to use with the pc etc too. After a few simple mods their not bad little things imo
|
|
mrarroyo
Been here a while!
Our man in Miami!
Posts: 1,003
|
Post by mrarroyo on Sept 22, 2010 23:11:41 GMT
I agree with Alex's remark.. this sounds an awful lot like limited HF bandwith to me. The things you describe and Miguel liking them (Miguel simply likes limited bandwith) is enough for me to concur with Alex. Mind you I have never tested or heard it so it's an educated guess. a bit like the Novo perhaps although this has a limited bottom end on top of it also (resulting in tighter bass usually, don't know never heard this one either only saw it's squarewave reproduction) When this thread is nearing it's end I'll make a summary. might be helpfull to those lokking for amps and knowing which ones to avoid perhaps I do not think I like limited bandwidth, but I do prefer a meetier and thicker presentation. As Alex knows I have identified the better sounding file from two "blind tests".
|
|
|
Post by PinkFloyd on Sept 22, 2010 23:32:57 GMT
I agree with Alex's remark.. this sounds an awful lot like limited HF bandwith to me. The things you describe and Miguel liking them (Miguel simply likes limited bandwith) is enough for me to concur with Alex. Mind you I have never tested or heard it so it's an educated guess. a bit like the Novo perhaps although this has a limited bottom end on top of it also (resulting in tighter bass usually, don't know never heard this one either only saw it's squarewave reproduction) When this thread is nearing it's end I'll make a summary. might be helpfull to those lokking for amps and knowing which ones to avoid perhaps I do not think I like limited bandwidth, but I do prefer a meetier and thicker presentation. As Alex knows I have identified the better sounding file from two "blind tests". I like cheese and onions.... you can't beat cheese and onion on a crusty roll
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2010 23:43:41 GMT
I do not think I like limited bandwidth, but I do prefer a meetier and thicker presentation. As Alex knows I have identified the better sounding file from two "blind tests". I like cheese and onions.... you can't beat cheese and onion on a crusty roll Shush . You are making me hungry !
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2010 23:45:03 GMT
I bet your wife does too ! ;D
|
|
|
Post by oohms on Sept 23, 2010 0:41:01 GMT
I'm in heaven with my bravo V2... but you really have to find the right tube, it pretty much makes or breaks it, and only one tube i have (out of 6) sounds just right. (RCA 6189 short box black plates w. halo getter)
|
|
|
Post by PinkFloyd on Sept 23, 2010 9:20:12 GMT
I bet your wife does too ! ;D
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2010 7:25:52 GMT
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2010 9:11:27 GMT
I know it won't be popular but avoid the Indeed G2, I just do not like it, I have thought about giving it a Fransstyle mod. But I have a feeling it would be a waste of time I have never been fond of the amp. in my "Zero", the DAC part is OK.. Other than that I have been quite pleased with my amps.. Have to disagree with you there claus, i thought the Amp sounded very nice as standard, much better with a few Caps and mosfets upgraded, and brilliant with the Frans mods, tube choice makes a big difference, but personally i have chosen to stay with the electro-harmonix 6922 supplied for now. Mick.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2010 10:35:11 GMT
One thing is that you can turn the volume quite high and it doesn't turn edgy like some amps can. That's what I like about it. It's also nice with headphones like the AT ad700 and 900 as well as the K701.
|
|
lini
Been here a while!
Groanings from Han(g)over
Posts: 191
|
Post by lini on Sept 27, 2010 11:00:22 GMT
The worst one I've tried was the original version of the Pro-Ject HeadBox. Solid outside, but only very cheap components inside and very simple standard circuitry - and the thingy sounded rather screwed, especially with moderate to low impedance phones. Even the original PortaCorda easily bettered it. Definitely not worth the price imo...
Greetings from Munich!
Manfred / lini
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2010 16:41:03 GMT
I always felt that the original Porta Corda was the best. i have one and love its warm, detailed sound.
Worst thing about it - the daft little volume control!!
|
|
lini
Been here a while!
Groanings from Han(g)over
Posts: 191
|
Post by lini on Sept 27, 2010 19:27:00 GMT
rabbit: Och, I liked the PortaCorda II, too - though I liked the older case version better for its loose battery clip.
Greetings from Munich!
Manfred / lini
|
|
|
Post by PinkFloyd on Sept 27, 2010 20:02:42 GMT
The worst one I've tried was the original version of the Pro-Ject HeadBox. Solid outside, but only very cheap components inside and very simple standard circuitry - and the thingy sounded rather screwed, especially with moderate to low impedance phones. Totally agree Manfred. An absolutely beautiful "looking" amp but let down by the poor SQ. I modified my one and it's actually pretty decent sounding now but, as stock, far from what we have come to expect nowadays. I've forgotten what I did to it, just dragged it out of the cupboard.... will pop the hood one of these days and see what I did to it Here she is.... pretty much MINT condition:
|
|
elysion
Been here a while!
Team Anti M$ AND Facebook.
contra torrentem
Posts: 2,375
|
Post by elysion on Sept 27, 2010 21:22:35 GMT
IMO the Grado RA-1 is an amp that should be avoided.
I don't own this amp and I've never heard it. Why do I think it should be avoided?
Simply because it's a total rip-off.
We have some pictures of a RA-1 in one of the threads that shows how it's looking after taking it apart.
|
|
|
Post by PinkFloyd on Sept 27, 2010 21:48:12 GMT
IMO the Grado RA-1 is an amp that should be avoided. I don't own this amp and I've never heard it. Why do I think it should be avoided? Simply because it's a total rip-off. We have some pictures of a RA-1 in one of the threads that shows how it's looking after taking it apart. My comments on the Grado RA-1 got me banned from Head-FI. It is a piece of SHIT "potted" inside a mahogony enclosure..... a "rip off" of the highest order.... a Pig's ear inside a silk purse... Totally agree with you on this one Christian
|
|