mrarroyo
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Our man in Miami!
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Post by mrarroyo on Jul 20, 2011 10:39:55 GMT
Yes I meant the 2005 DT990 in 250 ohms, did not care for it at all and sold it. Now the 2003 DT880 in 250 ohm sounded awesome and I regret selling it.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jul 20, 2011 20:15:27 GMT
I'm wondering if I could melt my 770 and 990 together and come up with a 1760.... that would be one hell of a 'phone! "1760" that is an impressive figure.... a lot better than 600 / 650 / 800 and miles better than 501 / 601 / 701 / 702 I am beginning to really like the DT-990 Pro.... the comfort level is sublime and all you are aware of them "with them on your head" is music "in your head"..... there's not a constant urge / need to rearrange them on your head.... they envelope your ears with plushness and allow you the freedom to enjoy the music without distraction.... they are class acts in that respect
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Post by Deleted on Jul 20, 2011 21:04:30 GMT
You're kind of going through what I went through Mike. First listen, they sounded good and produced a good 'overall' sound. Then you start to notice that you haven't noticed anything in particular because they're pretty even throughout with the lovely bass. Then you realise that they also have a good top end response. That must mean that the mids are missing? But they're OK and reports imo have been exaggerated or they're talking about a different model. Then you compare with others and you start noticing that you begin to prefer them. Once you hit a jackpot recording, you're convinced; they are actually very good. They grew on me as well. Strange because nothing massive hits you when you first hear them but you start noticing things lke, the Senn HD600 seems 'bland' by comparison!! They have become my primary headphone now. Ian
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jul 21, 2011 20:12:58 GMT
Ian, I replaced the 9ohm resistors on the Panda with 120 ohm today and, whoah!..... a nice improvement in the DT-990! A bit more focused and crisp..... I have the panda up at insane levels beating them in at the moment (sorry... "bedding" them in ) Another great "bed in" device is the Kaossilator! do a bass loop (the real low stuff!) add on some highs, mids, random noises and leave it on all night.... it REALLY exercises the diaphragms! I tried the DT-990 with the NECO V2 earlier and they sound superb driven by it.... Willie Nelson's "blue eyes crying in the rain" was just eargasmic.... I felt that he was 6 feet away from me singing and the SPACE between the instruments absolutely huge! Gonna have a listen to some more "Mr love pants" now....
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2011 20:41:46 GMT
Hi Mike,
Yes, they do react differently to different amps and it shows. According to Frans, they should work better with low ohmic output but as you have found, the Panda seems to work quite well higher up. Mine is at 120 as well.
The Panda is quite warm sounding with the 990 but I have found the V8 (now it's modified) to be absolutely superb with them. The V2 is also great.
The Neco is a surprise and is almost like a 'heavyweight' with the 'Twin Towers' in. The opamps are really nice. I couldn't believe the weight that they deliver from a portable amp.
Mine has been on pink noise or on my head since I bought them. They start to even out after 30 hours or so, I think. After that, I don't know - all I know is the sound is drop dead gorgeous and it makes a good pairing with the DT770 so that you have a couple of ('close ish') sounding headphones in an open and closed design.
The pictures that you posted look fantastic, but so are the prices!! Customised DT990 with what looks like a pretty cable is very attractive but it comes at a helluva price.
I must admit, I am curious about the 2005 version now and the edition.
What has really surprised me is how I really didn't like the 990 years back and after a couple of weeks I gave them away. I hated the treble response in particular and they didn't have the life that these ones have. It was only Christian mentioning them that got me curious again and imo they are quite different.
Much more engaging and 'communicate' music really well. None of yer 'clinical' sizzling and flat response (no bass) sound. These are really entertaining and I'm starting to think DT1350 for portable may make sense now. If they have a similar 'Beyer' type sound (not the 880 sound), I'd be chuffed.
I had a battle with the 880 treble, rather similar to the K701. I stuck with it for a long time, but in the end, I just missed low end clout; especially with rock/electronic stuff.
I think it's just me and without the lower end being pretty robust, I feel that I'm missing out on a lot of the music. The 880's were good though, but just not for me in the end. I had both the old version and new and couldn't stay with their sound.
The other thing is that I can't really get them to sound poor on anything. They're just as at home with rock/orchestral/electronic - whatever.
Speech is slightly weighty from the radio, but that may well be the broadcast and the use of compression which can give voice a rather 'boomy' sound - particularly mens' voices.
Anyway, I'm convinced that they are a bargain buy and have felt much more at home with their sound from the very start.
Touch is unbelievably low and the added clarity in the treble really places the percussive/cymbal sounds. They also seem to image well with a strong sense of depth and room sound.
Ian
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2011 21:17:46 GMT
The T50P (the predecessor of the 1350) was a bit of a disappointment to me. It didn't have much 'Beyer sound' at all and are very sensitive to proper 'alignment' on the ears. Also the fit wasn't great for my head... all very un beyer. Still when it comes out I will audition it as it had some nice qualities too.
I agree with Ian about everything sounding good. It is an admirable feature but at the same time worries me as other cans (also the other good sounding ones) lack that feature. But in the end it's all about enjoying music so who cares as long as it sounds good.
I have very old DT990's , 600 Ohms, and they are different from the new ones. So you simply might not have liked these at that time or your taste preference has changed over the years or simply are more aware of different amps having better 'synergy'.
The V2 is medium Ohmic (33 Ohm) and Neco low Ohmic (a few Ohm). Mine are too mellow on 120 Ohm and are better (more forward and analytic) on low Ohmic amps (0 Ohm to 10 Ohm) The newer ones might perform well on 120 Ohm too. After all their A1 amp is 100 Ohm too.
I had the same with the 2005 DT880... good but that missing low end. Didn't get much better on 120 Ohm either (only just a tad and not enough)
My Orthos, DT990, HD650 and HD681 will never be sold.
When my DT990 failed I bought the HD250-II which has some similar trades.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2011 18:11:17 GMT
That's disappointing to hear Frans. Presumably, the DT1350 isn't out over there? It's available in the UK. It's just the price that I don't like - for a portable. Some of these expensive portables seem to be 'bandwagon' jobs. I went into an Apple shop and they're selling some very expensive on ear headphones that have been rated highly in the press. (I've forgotten the make!!) They are retailing in the UK somewhere in that same region of about £200 and when I listened, all I got was fat bass and thought .... these sound like the Bose on ears. Fat and curtailed at the top. So it seems that whoever reviewed them must love a really fat bass sound. I certainly wouldn't buy them for that price. I was rather hoping that the DT1350 would be similar to the HD25 since many are putting the two up against each other. Also, you must be a mind reader Frans!! I came back to this thread to make the very comment you have made. I went from the DT990 to the HD250 (I'll be ever grateful to Mike for that one!!) and they do indeed share a similar sound. I was about to comment on that when I saw your post. Actually, now I think the HD250 and the DT990 make an excellent pairing if you want open and closed, sharing similar types of sound. (Well, similar sound .......) The HD250 is another one that kind of creeps up on you as well!! I wonder whether the strengths that we all describe are in fact their very weaknesses!! The fact that nothing in particular stands out massively on the DT990 makes it a great headphone for me. Perhaps my tastes have indeed changed. I remember that the treble response just wasn't crisp enough for me years back, but these are spot on. I can also now hear that the K601 is a kind of 'dry' sound. It's possibly 'flatter' than the DT990 but the DT990 just plays music and seems to get a real grip of the sound. I also feel that the AKG 'sound' incorporates a kind of 'nasal' tone quality in its signature which can be very unpleasant on some recordings. This is what I think many may be picking up when they state things like some recordings sound great and others sound bad - it depends if there's a lot of musical content in that 'nasal' region. Slowly getting to a sound I really like. The HD250's that I had were very old since I'd sent Mike a new pair and mine basically fell apart. Right at the time when they stopped being sold so I wasn't easily able to replace them. Mike had another pair so I was lucky because I did/do like them a lot. So, the DT 990 and HD250 II do it for me at home. Portable is another matter..... can't choose between Klipsch X10, X8 and Senn ie8. Just different. I still use the Portapros a lot and would like a nice closed portable that doesn't crush my head like the HD25 does. That's why I'm interested in the DRT1350 but the price ......... Go on .... treat yourself Frans. The DT990 is cheap and you could tell us all whether it has been changed!! Also, when are you going into production of those amps? Sorry .... lots of rambles. Ian
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2011 22:13:49 GMT
I know the DT990 's have changed. And for the better I might add, but for me, not so much that I would want to fork out the money. I'd rather spend it on other cans I would like to try.
The DT1350 I will audition but has to be much better than T50P... certainly for that amount of cash (though it isn't unaffordable) It is probably out here by now too, but need to make time to look for a shop that demos it.
Finding a good sounding small closed headphone seems to be difficult. Haven't found one yet that could meet my 'standards' AND is affordable (or what I consider to be affordable)
Indeed it is difficult to find 'similar eared' reviewers. I have read reviews of stuff by noted reviewers that don't come close to the experience I had with the same gear. The guy at headfonia seems to be 'similar eared' and I can 'emulate' what you perceive and translate that to how I would describe it.
Words like choclaty and organic e.t.c., like Mike uses, I can't make heads or tails of.. Don't understand any description of it nor what he means. You seem able to understand his lingo though, and as you often mention you both seem 'similar eared'. I suspect I am somewhat similar eared too (to Mike), I just need a translator.
Funny thing is I can understand your sonic descriptions and can translate it to my 'world'. I mentioned this before (that I found it funny), but think you misunderstood what I meant by that. It's just fun for me to read 'technical' descriptions in non technical jargon, yet understand what that translates to in the technical aspects I hear (that part is fun to me). Sometimes I wish I could 'understand' Mike...
It's what was 'captured' in the controversial hearing thread. a difference in opinion, lingo, visions of how things work, yet both camps care about music, headphones, amps and reproduction but there seems to be no bridge either can cross in a constructive way. It became even divisive (like Alex says). Constructive things are simply not possible it seems.... ah well it was tried.
about the production thing ... Nah... I don't have time to do production. To do it properly (not selling homemade stuff on fleebay) it involves much more than just shoving in some money and time to whip up something and put it on the web. I explored that option about 25 years ago (granted, there was no internet to speak of back then... ) but it proved too much of a 'hassle' and insecurities of possibly having no steady income for me personally to make the jump. I am sipmly not that adventurous... I wish I was.. but it isn't so.
With my attitude I won't be accepted in the 'subjective' world, which is a must to sell something. Wouldn't be cheap anymore either (unless I had it made in large qty's in China).
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2011 10:37:39 GMT
Yes, I've felt uncomfortable about that since it happened - I think I should apologise for my rude response. I think it may have also been a kind of 'language' thing. Same thing happened with me and Israel at the start and I was completely unaware of what I'd done. Fact is, he's a really great guy and so are you Frans. I also realise that I can be quite free and fickle with my descriptions which goes against many technical guys' makeup. As far as understanding goes, I tend to use very plain language at work and it gets translated by the techs (interspersed with many rude words!!! ) especially if the work I'm doing is important. I feel as though I tread a fine line between 'wanting' the gear to be technically good and most importantly (like yourself), 'sounding' good. However, I'm willing to sacrifice the technical deficiencies probably moreso than you. It's nice when the two come together though because it makes me feel reassured! Your ears are similar, Frans. The gear that you show preference for is exactly what we're all using - Portapro, DT990, HD650, HD681. We all have that in common although you are probably more aware of the negatives than we are. However, you do accept them and live with it whereas (as you have said before) people like me go on a search for a 'Holy Grail' - but for me, that's part of the fun of hi fi and I'm lucky that I'm able to do this financially. I understand how Mike describes stuff quite easily because before I ever spoke on here (2005 0r 6 I think), I read stuff, got the gear and listened myself while reading what he (and Rick) said. I suppose 'chocolate' sound correlates to 'smooth' as in HD650 and 'organic' relates to combined things like slam and clatter in the sound. The combination is lovely - bit like chocolate and nuts!! It is a hard to describe what we hear in words. (Especially when we are enthusiastic about something) However, your descriptions of headphones are spot on Frans and in some cases, you haven't even heard them!!! I find that quite amazing. Your PS1000 description was spot on with what I heard when Mick lent me them. (That was amazingly generous of him - I couldn't believe how kind he was and still is!!) You see it in specs and I tend to listen and hear things without being aware of specs at all. I suppose if I can't hear it, then I'm not too bothered by deficiencies. Mind you - one tiny squeak in my car and I go nuts. My wife doesn't even hear it!! Once, I heard the water pump breaking down way before it actually did. I could hear it when everyone else said there was nothing there .... it got louder in the end and it turned out to be a pump going. I'm just very attuned to what I hear but really don't believe in what people call, 'Golden Eared.' To me, that's daft since what comes out of a headphone isn't really what I get when I play live. For a start, the physical impact of the bass is missing big time - which is also what Mike yearns for in headphones. My feeling is that 'Golden Ears' is a learned thing; where people have a lot of experience of listening and just know what to listen out for - which may not necessarily be realistic!! Then what do we want - realism or musical impression? The two should go together but for some reason, they don't always. I learned this in the 70's when companies put out technical measurements that were really not relevant to the real world when you listened. For instance - testing on wave forms which are generally not used in music or ways of testing amplifier power in order to inflate selling prices. This forum offered me a lot when I joined in 2005 0r 6 in that discussions were going on about cheap stuff that sounded good or could be modded to sound good. To me, that's the heart of hi fi with that 'pioneering' spirit of 'let's start again without the sell aspect'. Too many listeners read reviews (with good measurements) and it becomes their gospel. They buy blind (as I did in the 70's) based on what some reviewer has said - which really implies that we all should all have the same system then. In the 80's and 90's, I became disenchanted with the whole thing. Thought of hi fi as a rip off and was too busy trying to keep the music thing going while it lasted. (I realised that it was a 'limited time' type of music all along and also, my own limitations at the time. I'm always aware of that.) In the new millennium, I came back to hi fi via 'Headfi' - I was eventually put right off by the Headfi guys kind of trying to put me down because of my job (a kind of inverted snobbery). I was also 'told off' for disagreeing with an awkward sod who tried to be sarcastic to me about my music which I have never pushed on people, so I replied with enthusiasm and received a warning from the Queen of Headfi. Then I found RG with Rick who I loved to read. When I actually wrote, I didn't meet the high and mighty attitude that I found at Headfi which is why it appealed to me so much. After all, it's not always pleasant memories for me and I was in my 20's and 30's. (and so, pretty stupid and arrogant) It's that 'Take a Chance' attitude that I love and it got me back into listening rather than being so heavily involved in production and with the birth of my young daughter, I needed headphones big time that could reflect the overblown, massive system that I had, which (btw) also never could play 'me' in the way that I heard myself live!!!! The stuff that I played was bare and open so that if you have an insufficient system, the music loses its impact completely. No fills, no guitars to play fat power chords. Just riffs and melodies that rely on a very open system to reproduce what I felt I was playing. Hence, the rows that I had with production were quite enormous because of the very things complained about here. (compression for instance) It also led to a lot of tensions in the band with me insisting on fighting for quality in reproduction while selling figures were the most important thing so whatever they did was apparently for the purpose of high sales!! Now, Mike hears and tells me exactly what I was saying in the 80's because he hears it!!! Busy tonight - Working Men's Club!! ;D Anyway - I regret being uptight with you and honestly think it was just a misunderstanding thing. Ian
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jul 23, 2011 12:57:56 GMT
Chocolaty = smooth, creamy
Syrupy = similar to chocolaty but slightly more gooey.... slushy
Organic = Real, unprocessed, raw
Warm = flowing, easy to listen to, slightly congealed.... soupy
I will try to compile a list for you Frans.....
In general, the Burr brown house sound could be described as chocolaty and the AD house sound more organic..... sometimes the ideal sound is a mixture of both... chocolaty in parts whilst organic in others etc. etc.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2011 13:06:37 GMT
There you are - chocolate and nuts. Not forgetting 'shite' which means no bass or treble, just mids. 'Crap' = well, it makes a noise. Ian
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jul 23, 2011 13:52:49 GMT
Yup..... chocolaty but with added crunch
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jul 23, 2011 13:54:49 GMT
Not forgetting 'shite' which means no bass or treble, just mids. You have forgotten "pure shite" which means no bass, no mids, just treble..... and then there is "total shite" which means there is no sound at all
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2011 14:16:53 GMT
Yup. All makes sense to me.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2011 14:19:29 GMT
Yup..... chocolaty but with added crunch Still not quite there; You need those fruity little nuances that make your spine tingle... Ian, I think you'll add good balance to the team (not that you hadn't already). Nice one.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2011 15:53:56 GMT
Thanks Chris. I don't know what I've done though!!! Maybe Mike's the chocolate (Holds it together), Frans is the raisin part ('Cos he's got the reason for everything), I'm the nuts part ('cos I'm nuts), and Alex is the wrapper (he keeps everything under wraps in the forums). Maybe a Fruit and Nut Forum would make tasty reading eh? There's a healthy attitude here which makes it gooooood!!! Serious headphone listening has become so important for me since my youngest was born, so I have got my listening down to a fine art what with X-Cans, V-Cans, Neco and the assorted collection of headphones that I have. (Along with gawd knows what else!!) Ian
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jul 23, 2011 20:05:10 GMT
Absolutely LOVING the DT-990 now! Currently listening to "Touch" via ipod (lossless) and powered by an ibasso (on max gain / both switches cranked to the right).... whoah!, This little puppy has really injected some energy into them.... in fact, I would say it's a perfect partner for them, the synergy is just terrific! Have you tried your DT-990 with the ibasso Ian?
A nice mellifluous tone with a flowing liquid quality... you could listen to this type of presentation all day and would never tire of it.... it's verging on the warmer side of neutral with the ibasso powering the DT-990 but not so syrupy that it becomes thick and vague.... in fact, as odd as it seems, I would describe the sound as very similar to a nice valve amp with the ibasso powering the DT-990.
Quite amazing that this type of sound is being amplified by such a pint sized amp.... to date it is definitely my favourite with the DT-990.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2011 20:36:12 GMT
I didn't even think of it Mike. I'll give that a go.
The cheap old Fiio e11 also works well with it. That's also more mellow than the Neco. I forgot about the Ibasso so I'll try that.
It doesn't accentuate the bass too much then? I guess it's playing to the DT990 strengths in the bass area.
It's quite amazing how good these little portables are with the Beyers. I love it with the Neco and the twin towers!! It's an addictive sound and is a good match.
I'll get the little basso lighter out. I may as well get the Banzai out as well while I'm at it.
Interestingly, I get more mids from the portables than I do the V8 which gives hefty low bass and strong top with less in the middle in comparison to the Neco with the Towers.
The DTR990 just kind of grows on you doesn't it? It does a lot well.
Ian
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elysion
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Post by elysion on Jul 23, 2011 22:45:01 GMT
Yes. It's very good at all volumes and makes a lot fun also at lower voluems. IMO that a big plus. The K702's for instance need quite a lot of power and volume to sound acceptable. It's nothing for listening a low volumes (moderate is OK though), while the DT 990 Pro's are outstanding also there. x 2That's why I keep the DT 770 Pro's (250 Ohm). The DT 990 Pro's are like an (half-)open variant of the DT 770 Pro's. Since they are half-open, they are a good cross between totally open 'phones like K702 or DT 880 and closed-back 'phones like the DT 770. I've heard that too. And with quite good recordings. I've noticed that men's voices in heavy metal songs are sometimes hard to understand. But they are also hard to understand with most other 'phones. But with one exception: The Superlux HD-660's do very well here. Never could understand the speech in heavy metal songs better than with them. They are midrange masters. I don't think the 990's or the 702's have a bad midrange. But the HD-660's have an exaggerated midrange. Like the 990's have a slighly exaggerated bass and treble. I'm almost sure that speech in heavy metal songs is also not easy to understand in a concert (live), so I don't think the 990's or the 702's have a problem here. Yes. Absolutely OK with a Neco portable V2. Totally stunning with the MOSFET V2 and the BOSSFET V2.1. I share your opinion, Ian. The change is more on the subtle side, but it's there and it's a real improvement. They get a bit smoother. They are good out of the box, but will get even better with continued use. The Neco's are great with them. Portable is good, MOSFET/BOSSFET are excellent. I've tried the 990's also with the X-Can V2 and V3 and the PreSonus HP4. It's a good match with all of them (not much bad to tell about), but not everything is exactly my cup of tea. My clear favourite is the Neco MOSFET/BOSSFET, followed by the X-Can V3 (yes, Mike, I agree with you... they sound great with the V3). The X-Can V2 isn't exactly what I like, but it sounds good and has an interesting tight bass. The PreSonus HP4 sounds suprisingly good, but to be honest, I didn't use it much and that's why I won't comment more about it and the 990's at the moment. IMO the MOSFET/BOSSFET is sounding a bit smoother and a lot clearer than the X-Can V3. I use AD8610 opamps and IMO it doesn't sound to cold with the 990's or the 650's. IMO it's a very good match with both 'phones. The K702, on the other hand, really sounds too cold with the AD8610's. The X-Can V3 has a bit more impact and sounds fuller and, yes, it sounds also a bit warmer. Overall, the MOSFET/BOSSFET sounds slightly better to me, but it depends also on the played music. The treble feels also better with the MOSFET/BOSSFET. There are recordings ("Dangerous" from Michael Jackson for example) with are recorded already in a clarity that sits next to sharpness. These recordings really sound a bit too sharp (especially in the treble), but with other stuff, the clarity of the AD8610 is very adequate. I'm in the lucky position to have both the Neco MOSFET/BOSSFET's and the X-Can V3. I can switch between them depending on my mood. I'll replace the JAN 6922 tubes in my X-Can V2 soon. They were really NOS in original box, but not matched. I hear that unfortuntely. Not so with the Russians in my X-Can V3. They are perfect matched. I guess my opinion of the 990's with the V2 could change with the better tubes. BTW: I can really recommend buying tubes from Mike. You get perfectly matched tubes in brand new condition. My Philips E88CC SQ tubes from the 60's have a great sound signature, but they are not matched and it's hearable that they are 50 years plus old. I've heard "Yello / Touch"also with the Cambridge Audio Sonate CD30 and the MOSFET V2. The sound signature of the Wolfson DAC's and the AD8160's matches well with the 990's and the 770's (both "Pro" and with 250 Ohm). I guess the Cambridge Audio DACmagic is the next "big" thing I will get. I really like the sound signature of the Wolfson DAC's. I didn't like it as much with the K702 (I felt strongly a lack in the bass department). The soundstage is definitely bigger than that of the HD650's. It's not as huge as that of the K702's, but I don't miss anything. Even with Dark Ambient songs, which often really let you feel the space, the soundstage is very convincing. "The End" from "The Doors" sounds also great with the 990's. I guess that comparsion would be also a vague since you have the 80 Ohm version of the DT 770 Pro's. I have both the 250 Ohm versions of the DT 990 Pro and DT 770 Pro. The 990's are almost like an open variant of the 770's. I don't know which variant Ian has, but so far my findings are identical. The 770's get a bit boomy at loud volumes levels, but I love them at low to moderate levels. Love the 990's much more though... It's half-open. That explains a lot. It's a cross between and open and a closed 'phones. If you have the 990's, 650's and the 702's on your head without playing music, you can feel the difference. The 702's are totally open and you hear almost everything. The 650's feel only slightly less open, but you should hear a noticeable (but still slight) damping of outside noises with the 990's. I need to listen a very low volumes to hear as much noises from outside, whereas the 702's let almost everything thourgh up to moderate volume levels. x 2Glad you like them, Mike! AD-843................ my favourite chip. Christian, send me over one of those Neco amps you have and i will turbo charge the arse out of it with my favourite chip..... AD-843 Mike, if your offer is still valid, I'd like to send you one of my MOSFET V2's for replacing the AD8610 with AD843's. I'm also interested in buying a Little Pinkie for it. The BOSSFET V2.1 has dual PSU's and I guess most of the improvement was done in the power department. The MOSFET V2 feel a bit lacking in comparison. I have a pair of AD843's around, but maybe it's a good idea to keep them for the BOSSFET. It should be possible for me to change the opamp in the BOSSFET since they are not soldered. The MOSFET V2 needs desoldering of the RCA jacks to open the case properly and the opamps are also soldered in their sockets. Since you also have the DT 990 Pro's now, I'm very curious what you'd think of the MOSFET V2 with the 990's. I'm very fond of that combo. Perhaps the MOSFET could also make a loop way to Ian? I'm sure he'd like to hear it (before he buys the BOSSFET V2.1...). I don't want to alter the output impedance of the Neco's though. But I'd like to get a few adapters for impedance matching. I'll have to contact my contact person at "House of Sound". I hope that VOVOX can make a few adapters for me. BTW: Does anyone know what output impedance the X-Can V3 has? IIRC the V-Can has also a quite low impedance like the Neco's, is that right?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2011 9:41:14 GMT
I could well be tempted Christian! I do like his amps because they sound good and are built like tanks. I like 'industrial' gear.
Now I've heard the 'Towers' (opa 111BM) I do feel that ad8610 may be a compromise for portable amps. They run on low power and are very fast but in whatever amp I've heard them in (All of the Go Vibes that Norman built inluded), to me they have always had a slight 'edge' which the K701 shows big time. Fine for Senns since it helps to cut through. Norman swore by them in portable amps but now I'm not so sure.
For me, I think it's the combination of a robust bass with not too much in the upper treble, but a bit lower down so that percussion doesnt sound thin, but 'clattery.'
Years back, I used a 'Cyrus' whole system with Cyrus floorspeakers, Cyrus 2, Mission flat cable (silver) so basically, the Cyrus/Mission sound. It was clear and all that, but to me, it was also 'edgy'. It cost me a fortune in different cartridges for both a Thorens and Linn deck that I had and also changing the arms because I really couldn't live with the 'end of side' sound which was particularly nasty. (Distortion)
So I think I am very sensitive to strong upper treble which may be one of the ad8610 strengths. However, it's not quite for me although I know that Neco sticks with them and knows his stuff.
Once you hear ad843 or if you ever find any of the towers, you may well change in your opamp tastes.
I've been treated to a whole array of opamps by Mike and on the whole, differences are small but those two in particular seem to stand out overall. I love the towers actually and I would be tempted to have them put in the Bossfet if I could find some.
Mike also sent me some I'm familiar with and it's amazing how you recognise the 'signature' and so relax with them. However, once you 'know' a sound, then you'll recognise changes or improvements more easily.
Mind you, that's not to say that what I'm hearing are minor distortions/colourations that I just like. As Frans and Alex have said, the Towers may not be the best opamp in terms of measurements, but they sound fine to me. The Neco is absolutely superb with them and is a fantastic match with the DT990. As defined earlier - it's 'chocolate and nuts with a tinge of fruit'. (That was especially for Frans) As Frans has said, the Towers are working below what they're specified for but it does actually work.
I have been considering the Bossfet but so far have resisted!!
Ian
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elysion
Been here a while!
Team Anti M$ AND Facebook.
contra torrentem
Posts: 2,375
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Post by elysion on Jul 31, 2011 20:34:12 GMT
The comfort of the DT 990 Pro's is great and absolutely spot-on for me. I like also the simple black design.
But after making colourful headbands for the Samson SR850's, whose olive-green earcup colour makes them look like a kind of military 'phones, I'm very tempted to make also a replacement for the head cushions of the Beyer Pro series (DT770/880/990 Pro's).
Don't expect results in the near future. My primary goal at the moment is to improve the manufacturing of the K240/SR850/HD681-style headbands.
My plans for a Beyer Pro head cushion replacement are in a very early stage. I don't even know what material I'll prefer for that, and if I can do everything myself. The basic idea is to give the DT770/880/990 Pro's an even better look while maintaining at least the same comfort level as the stock pleather cushion (which are IMO not bad). I can imagine that an improvement in comfort is still possible, mostly by using better materials that are particularly more breathable than the pleather is.
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mrarroyo
Been here a while!
Our man in Miami!
Posts: 1,003
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Post by mrarroyo on Aug 1, 2011 13:11:29 GMT
The MiniBox-E+ portable amp sounds great with the AD8610 or the AD797. If you have an opportunity to listen to one give it a try.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Aug 1, 2011 19:58:50 GMT
The Project Sunrise amp + Beyer DT-990 is a STUNNING combination! I fired one of my matched Russians into the Project Sunrise and, whoaaaah!, these things dig really deep. The headstage of the DT-990 via PS is "grand" and the sheer weight and depth of sound is just fantastic. Like a good real ale, the sound is "chewy".... plenty of flavours, aromas and a good body. Ian, if you think the Neco with water towers sounds good with the DT-990 you will cream your pants when you hear them powered by a Sunrise The detailing is astounding, the decay of notes just 1st class..... it's an absolute cracker.... give it 20 minutes to warm up and you just won't believe the sound this amp makes. Would you like to have a listen? If you like it I can build one up for you (if you get Jeremy to send me the kit).... it won't cost anything to build. I just think you should hear this amp with the DT-990. Mike.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2011 20:29:51 GMT
There's an offer I can't turn down, Mike. I had a look and I'm not sure what options to ask for!! There are so many. It certainly looks good and believe it or not, my Bravo died of crackle and my Indeed burned itself to death!! I bought another version on Ebay which was awful so I threw it as far as I could, so the opportunity to get an improved version is very attractive. What options should I choose on that list? Ian
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Post by PinkFloyd on Aug 1, 2011 20:30:43 GMT
I fact, this is not only the best amp I have heard in a long while it is also the best combo I have heard.... for some reason the Project Sunrise SERIOUSLY takes a grip of the DT-990's drivers and totally brings out the best in them.... it's more like listening to speakers with the PS driving the DT-990... in "and" out of the head with bass that, sometimes, you could swear is being felt rather than heard.... That 6922 Philips I had in the Sunrise was obviously no good at all, the 6H23N (1969 vintage) has really opened up the true potential of this amp and has also blown the haze right off the DT-990..... I was enjoying them with the Neco, X-CAN V2 etc. but I am now MARVELLING in the sound they pampering my ears with... truly A1! To put it quite simply.... without this amp driving them it was pretty much a ride on one of those kiddy "tea cup" things: With the PS driving them it is a white knuckle ride, PACKED with excitement.... it's in a totally different league and it has got my juices flowing BIG time... this is not another "kiddy ride", this is the real deal, full on, no holds barred, laser show spectacular, strap yourself in to your seat and prepare for the ride type thing! All the ladies in the house scream "SUNRISE!!"..... wooohoo!
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