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Compassionator
207
Apr 30, 2017
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liamstrain
27
Apr 30, 2017
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CompassionatorCurious where you got "dynamically castrated" from any of the reviews. But I agree it is an esoteric piece of equipment, and I would make sure you have good phones and a good source first. And we'll be the first to admit, it's not for everyone - nor was it designed to be.
For what it's worth - by far the most expensive individual components in the amp, are the Cinemag input transformers. But there is certainly cost involved in hand assembly of the cherry wood case, and all the machining and other finish work.
For what it's worth - by far the most expensive individual components in the amp, are the Cinemag input transformers. But there is certainly cost involved in hand assembly of the cherry wood case, and all the machining and other finish work.
Compassionator
207
Apr 30, 2017
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liamstrainFrom the Headfonic's review linked in the description:
"The physical and dynamic slam factor on this amplifier are low, so there is hardly any wince factor unless the track is seriously walloping and your volume is high enough for it to matter. "
This also accurately describes the silver wound transformer based preamp a buddy of mine has. It is a Godsend in taming his shouty Lowther speakers, but squeezes the dynamic life out of the music on more balanced speakers. As far as headphones I imagine they work well with Grados, AKG and the MD Fostex XX and TH900; V-ish shaped cans. Not so much with dark and/or smooth headphones like Senn HD650 and LCD 2. Perhaps, dynamically constricted/restrained is more accurate than "castrated."
I would hope that the most "expensive individual components" are the two transformers. But I doubt they are significantly more expensive (less than $300 for the pair) probably less than the cherry wood case, multi layered front fascia and volume knob.
Can you post a pick of the inside of the amp?
"The physical and dynamic slam factor on this amplifier are low, so there is hardly any wince factor unless the track is seriously walloping and your volume is high enough for it to matter. "
This also accurately describes the silver wound transformer based preamp a buddy of mine has. It is a Godsend in taming his shouty Lowther speakers, but squeezes the dynamic life out of the music on more balanced speakers. As far as headphones I imagine they work well with Grados, AKG and the MD Fostex XX and TH900; V-ish shaped cans. Not so much with dark and/or smooth headphones like Senn HD650 and LCD 2. Perhaps, dynamically constricted/restrained is more accurate than "castrated."
I would hope that the most "expensive individual components" are the two transformers. But I doubt they are significantly more expensive (less than $300 for the pair) probably less than the cherry wood case, multi layered front fascia and volume knob.
Can you post a pick of the inside of the amp?
liamstrain
27
Apr 30, 2017
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CompassionatorI found them lovely with my LCD-2 and Senn 600, but I might be biased. In many ways, I feel like they are built for the LCD-2/3.
Taming "shouty" is useful, and I'm not sure I can equate that to "castrated" dynamically. I just don't agree with your assessment that it's not a good match for more dynamic music styles.
Interior is dominated by the giant extruded aluminum heatsink. It's a rather elegant, and thus simple circuit, whose general diagram is provided for on our blog. What are you looking for?
Taming "shouty" is useful, and I'm not sure I can equate that to "castrated" dynamically. I just don't agree with your assessment that it's not a good match for more dynamic music styles.
Interior is dominated by the giant extruded aluminum heatsink. It's a rather elegant, and thus simple circuit, whose general diagram is provided for on our blog. What are you looking for?
Compassionator
207
Apr 30, 2017
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liamstrainGood for you. And of course you can say anything you want as it is your product you are selling. And I'm sure you are honest and unbiased. I've got a friend who drinks Coke and eats M&Ms at the same time. Nothing wrong with that but not for me. Disagree all you want, but my assessment seems to be in accord with:
"The physical and dynamic slam factor on this amplifier are low, so there is hardly any wince factor unless the track is seriously walloping and your volume is high enough for it to matter. "
I don't know how, after reading the above statement, that your amp is a good match for dynamic music styles. Of course, you can disagree with this statement too, but this is from a link to a review in your description, which would be inconsistent with your view.
AFA, the interior, just like to see what I might be buying; general neatness of circuit layout, room around transformers, thickness of circuit board, etc. I thought that you would be proud to show this off? Picture is worth a thousand words...
"The physical and dynamic slam factor on this amplifier are low, so there is hardly any wince factor unless the track is seriously walloping and your volume is high enough for it to matter. "
I don't know how, after reading the above statement, that your amp is a good match for dynamic music styles. Of course, you can disagree with this statement too, but this is from a link to a review in your description, which would be inconsistent with your view.
AFA, the interior, just like to see what I might be buying; general neatness of circuit layout, room around transformers, thickness of circuit board, etc. I thought that you would be proud to show this off? Picture is worth a thousand words...
liamstrain
27
May 1, 2017
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CompassionatorFair enough. I guess I don't like "wince factor" with my EDM. But I know, I'm not unbiased.
Unfortunately, I don't have any interior shots that I can share at the moment except for an early shot of an unmounted test board. http://i.imgur.com/UDtGduC.jpg
You can see the transformers on the far end on the right, away from the power supply on the left - with the heatsink block acting as further shielding.
Not much has changed except the production boards have a nice black mask, and labelling. They are pretty: http://i.imgur.com/eJcwMK7.jpg
Unfortunately, I don't have any interior shots that I can share at the moment except for an early shot of an unmounted test board. http://i.imgur.com/UDtGduC.jpg
You can see the transformers on the far end on the right, away from the power supply on the left - with the heatsink block acting as further shielding.
Not much has changed except the production boards have a nice black mask, and labelling. They are pretty: http://i.imgur.com/eJcwMK7.jpg
Compassionator
207
May 1, 2017
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liamstrainSuit yourself. But, you are making my point. If the "wince factor" is on the recording I want to hear it or decide not to hear it. I don't want my amp (with "The physical and dynamic slam factor on this amplifier are low") adulterating the dynamics of even EDM.
Or course it is your prerogative not to "share" any interior shots. Wasn't looking for glamour photos, just thought you would want to show the quality of your craftsmanship and thoughtful design.
Or course it is your prerogative not to "share" any interior shots. Wasn't looking for glamour photos, just thought you would want to show the quality of your craftsmanship and thoughtful design.
liamstrain
27
May 2, 2017
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CompassionatorIf I had a production unit here to take pictures to share, I would. But I don't unfortunately. We hope they'll be hitting owner's doorsteps soon (still waiting on a few components to be delivered), but will not before the drop ends. Timing just didn't work out this time.
Thanks for your thoughts! We'll have more listening impressions out there in the near future and can give a more complete view of what to expect.
Thanks for your thoughts! We'll have more listening impressions out there in the near future and can give a more complete view of what to expect.
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This amp is an esoteric piece of audio equiptment. Most of the cost of the amp is in the case and fascia. Based on the review listed in the description it is a smooth, resolving but dynamically castrated sounding amp. This is consistent with a Bent Audio transformer based preamp that I once heard. Great if you like acoustic jazz, acapella and one piece ensembles. Not so great if you like jump factor/drive or high dynamics in your music; EDM need not apply. So, this amp presumes that you already have a suitably equivalent source. If not get the Oppo first.