Pinkfloyd's modified X-Cans w/ a Little Pinkie PSU

[mrarroyo]

It has been a while since I listened to this combo so yesterday I took it out and used the DAC out of a HLLY SMK-II to feed Joe Pass music in Apple Loss-less files from an iMac using a USB cable. For Cans I used a Grado RS-1 and a HiFiMAN HE300.

In hindsight I thought the Pinkfloyd modified X-Can V2 w/ a Little Pinkie PSU sounded better and IMO it kept my feet tapping. Well this time around I did not compare the X-Cans instead I chose to just listen and ... I am very happy with the sound. Very engaging and just fun to sit back and relax.

I chose to then compare the sound with two other devices, one of which was the headphone out of the HLLY SMK-II which I modified with a stepped attenuator and by replacing the op-amps with a pair of LME49720 op amps.

I also used a third amp which retails for approximately $900 USD. After all was said and done I prefer the sound out of the modified X-Cans. Mostly because there is a "je ne sais quoi" in the music presentation making it more fun and involving.

If money is tight the HLLY SMK-II is a great ban for the money and should make most users very happy. Cheers.

[joe]

Hello again, It´s take about one year to get back to business. I have just couple of days sent a message to Mike and asking about upgrading my x-can v3, new psu, new caps and so on, the whole system. I can´t make it by my self but I find my frend to do it.

So, I hope that I will get something better than I have now.

What do you think, how good my amp is for AKG - 702

[Deleted]

I'm not keen on the K701 with the X-Cans. I find them piercing and thin if I'm honest. However, there sense of space is there and they are very good with delicate stuff like acoustic guitar.

I much prefer the DT990 pro which puts a bit more meat on the sound or the Senn HD600.

One amp I liked with the K701 is the Panda. It was relatively warmer than the X-Cans.

I have V1, V2 and V8 though, not V3.

[mrarroyo]

I actually enjoyed the K701 with the V2 and V3, however by the time I bought the X-Cans I had sold the K701 so I can't say.

[joe]

Nov 29, 2011 11:29:39 GMT mrarroyo said:

I actually enjoyed the K701 with the V2 and V3, however by the time I bought the X-Cans I had sold the K701 so I can't say.

Ok, I hope I will hear the differences. I sent a week ago e-mail for Mike and waiting for answer. Mike recommented chance my headphone, but let see and listenig at first.

There are millions of combinations, it´s allmost impossible to find best for you.