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BlakeMorrow
114
Feb 13, 2018
Never tried tube, so I'm curious... I'll either start off small or go straight to something like a Woo Audio WA7. But if I was to go small, would this be worth it, say pairing my current JDS element in DAC and this as amp?
Z0d1Ac
251
Feb 13, 2018
BlakeMorrowThe little dot mk ii may be small but the little bear b4 is smaller from what I hear. ;)
If you would like something bigger ;) then I have heard the darkvoice is amazing.
MusicLover
566
Feb 13, 2018
BlakeMorrowDarkvoice or Little Dot Mklll , MKll and Mkl are all good and pair differently with different headphones.
I personally have all four and with most of my better Headphones I prefer the Darkvoice, but that’s just my opinion.
BlakeMorrow
114
Feb 14, 2018
Z0d1AcSorry, I should qualified "small". I mean cheaper. Is it worth going this as an amp and using with the JDS element DAC or just spend up big to begin with.
MusicLover
566
Feb 14, 2018
BlakeMorrowCheaper Is in the wallet of the beholder. All I can say is I don’t regret buying it.
Z0d1Ac
251
Feb 14, 2018
BlakeMorrowJoking aside, the little bear b4 is cheaper and heard gives good tube sound on par with things that are more expensive. Most people like MusicLover (again ;), joking aside) recommend the darkvoice which can be had on massdrop for $200. Pair either with the jds dac.
Note: I do not have any tube amps yet, but I am surprised he likes the darkvoice the best even tho the mkiii is more money. Also I don't know if he is comparing with stock or aftermarket tubes. This (mkii) with the aftermarket tube options may beat the darkvoice stock.
MusicLover
566
Feb 14, 2018
Z0d1AcHeadphones and Tubes are what matter the most Type of Music dictates choice of Headphones. Beyerdynamic T1.2 with Jazz Music on Darkvoice with upgraded tubes and I’m Happy. I’ve rolled tubes on all my amps.
Z0d1Ac
251
Feb 14, 2018
MusicLoverThanks for the reply, if you run them all with the stock tubes, which one is the best? Have the best stock tube?
The mkii with aftermarket tubes, does it beat the darkvoice stock tubes? This would be nice to know because you can get the mkii with the cv4010 (+45 usd) tubes for a total of 175 usd.
MusicLover
566
Feb 14, 2018
Z0d1AcThat’s a hard question to answer. That configuration on the Little Dot MKII sounds great and is a great value, it’s just that for me the Darkvoice with several of my high-end Headphones gives me the feeling of being right there with the band. Wider soundstage, greater instrument separation. I’m just now starting to shop for some high end amps. I’ve spent $1700. for a Headphone so now only seems fair I spend close to that on a good amp. I’m still looking and hope to decide soon. I’m sorry I’m not more help to you. I really do appreciate how decent your comments have been. Some people tend to get insulting if you don’t say the right thing
mastershake
376
Feb 14, 2018
MusicLoveri also have both and prefer the darkvoice. i actually have the little dot 2 and 3 and still prefer the darkvoice overall.
Eli35
653
Feb 15, 2018
mastershakeSince you own both, could I ask you what's the difference between Little Dot MKII and MKIII? Because MKIII costs way more and doesn't seems much better on paper (using comparable tubes, since MKII stock 6J1 suck). I own the LD I+ and I'm considering buying the MKII for pairing with my HD6XX, they're supposed to sound great from OTL amps.
Eli35
653
Feb 15, 2018
MusicLoverI own the LD I+ and after rolling several tubes & opamps I'm pretty happy with the result. However, I'm considering buying the MKII for driving high impedance headphones like my HD6XX, because I heard they pair great with OTL amps and I already have good tubes to replace the crappy stock ones. Would you say it's worth the $140, or better go big and get the Darkvoice? And since MKIII and Darkvoice cost the same, I don't consider the MKIII, or should I? Thanks in advance.
Eli35
653
Feb 15, 2018
Z0d1AcYou can find old tubes on eBay from $15 with shipping (Voskhod 6ZH1P-EV or Mullard M8161/CV4015, e.g.) that will be as good as the CV4010 (if not better). I have both models stated above, both great and complementary (CV4015 more bright, airy & detailed; Voskhod more warm & natural).
MusicLover
566
Feb 15, 2018
Eli35It just an opinion but I’m actually sitting here listening to the little dot mklll with the Focal Elear right now. I’m listening to Euge Groove’s new album Groove On. I tell this so you have a reference to what I mainly listen to is Jazz. I prefer the Mklll over the MKll because it just has a much more lush and wider sound stage, silky smooth not harsh at all. I also woul pick the Darkvoice over the MKll for similar reasons. It really depends on which headphones I’m using as to if I use the Darkvoice VS. The Mklll. If I’m using Bright Headphones (Beyerdynamic T1 version 2) then I have to use the Darkvoice as it tames the highs. I wish I could be more help but I’m not an expert,I just like what I like.
Eli35
653
Feb 15, 2018
MusicLoverI know, thanks a lot for your detailed opinion, I appreciate :)
Scotvl
3
Feb 19, 2018
MusicLoverHave you tried IEMs with any of them and if so which one do you think would pair best with the 16 ohm ibasso IT01 and it's single dynamic driver. I want a tube amp to use primarily with iems and to try out as a tube preamp or buffer in my home system once in a while. Thanks
MusicLover
566
Feb 19, 2018
ScotvlI have used both Tube Amps The Little Dot MKll and MKlll for IEMs. Both have gain swithes so you can adjust for different rated headphones. You will need to open them up to adjust but you can search You Tube for videos if you haven’t done that before.
Assimilator702
184
Mar 22, 2018
Z0d1AcCV4010 are $10 on eBay. I found a seller that sold me the CV4010(brand new in 80's packaging) and 8 other tubes for $35 SHIPPED.
Eli35
653
Mar 22, 2018
Assimilator702Link? Maybe he's got more tubes around :P
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