NKOTB - TTVJ/Millett 307A Headphone Amp

[n_maher]

First things first - I have no direct affiliation with this product or the vendor but I'm friendly with the designer. If that makes me biased, so be it, I guess I'm biased.

Now, onto the amp. Basically it's a single ended amp with transformer coupled inputs and outputs to provide balanced operation and was designed to drive anything from IEMs to the K1000 (via selectable outputs). The tube compliment consists of a 7N7 input tube and two 307A output tubes. More details are available on Todd's site.

I'm certainly looking forward to giving it a listen at CanJam even though it far exceeds the ability of my wallet.

[postjack]

Wow.

[laxx]

Woah, that's expensive.

[spritzer]

That is a very impressive amp and I like the stab at the SP gold plated nonsense... It's expensive but quality iron costs a lot and it was wise to use the 7n7 instead of the 6SN7.

[aardvark baguette]

It is expensive, but not ripoff expensive for what you get. The Ear HP4 now goes for about $5k new, and is the most similar amp I can think of, in its use of transformers. I'll bet it sounds bitchin.

I'm not crazy on its aesthetic choices though.

[en480c4]

Originally Posted by aardvark sandwich

I'm not crazy on its aesthetic choices though.

Yeah, it's screaming for a custom face plate. And I hate those locking 1/4" jacks.

[jinp6301]

It kinda reminds me of an uglier Zana

[laxx]

Wow, I'm blind. I neglected to see the unbalanced out 1/4" jack... I was going to say something too since Nate said it was a single ended amp, but I was going to ask how it's single ended when all I see are XLR jacks. =T

[aardvark baguette]

Originally Posted by jinp6301

It kinda reminds me of an uglier Zana

Black, silver, blue + red = one busy looking piece of kit. I'd prefer all black, save for white controls on the faceplate.

[n_maher]

It's a singled ended amp that can drive balanced headphones.

[EdipisReks]

my first impressions: it looks like shit and it's fucking expensive. i bet it sounds really good.

[grawk]

So it's the conceptual opposite of RSA

[EdipisReks]

that would be my guess.

[aardvark baguette]

I think a little more attention to detail would help greatly; for example, the hex bolts or whatever they are on the transformers; surely these parts can be ordered in black?

And couldn't the transformers be mounted so that you are not looking dead on at the bolts, and instead are viewing the smooth thin side of the transformer? (maybe not, I dont know, but I think it would look nicer)

I'd also prefer to see the tubes in front of the transformers, but I guess that is subjective too.

It needs a knob job () and outright part replacement for those ugly knobs, imo.

Not trying to crap on the design, just my $00.02

[Mastergill]

Originally Posted by spritzer

That is a very impressive amp and I like the stab at the SP gold plated nonsense...

Ah yes, my wicked mind only got the "built by semi-skilled labor"

Seriously, this could be an interesting piece, i would like to hear it. At these price the Manley "phantom" 300B preamp could be a nice competitor!

[Dusty Chalk]

MOT MOT MOT MOT MOT MOT MOT MOT MOT

[en480c4]

So, given the thread title, is it appropriate to ask if this amp has "the right stuff"?

[Salt Peanuts]

Me likey the industrial, no frills look, but then again, I'm sure I'm in the minority. I'm glad I won't be able to try it out anytime soon seeing as its way beyond what I can afford right now.

[guzziguy]

I can't help but compare this to Frank Cooter's amp, which may someday be available. The cost would be about the same. It would be very hard to beat Frank's amp's sound and aesthetically, there's no comparison. Frank's amp walks all over it. Even so, I look forward to listening (and maybe even seeing ) this amp at CJ.

[EdipisReks]

are there any pics of Frank Cooter's amp out there?