The DSHA-1 is a fully differential (balanced) solid-state headphone amplifier. Designed for exceptional synergy with Grado headphones, it is an excellent choice with other dynamics as well. It is extremely clean, clear, and detailed yet tube-like in its warmth. The unique differential topology uses Lundahl amorphous core input transformers to provide noise free voltage gain (selectable to 6dB or 12dB) and high CMRR (better than 120dB at 60Hz), and MOSFET source followers for output power. The output is transformer coupled: eliminating capacitors from the signal path and allowing the DSHA-1 to work equally well with balanced and single ended headphones. Further, the differential nature of the DSHA-1’s circuitry isolates the signal from the power supply. In addition to an exceedingly quiet amplifier, this means that bass transients are not powered from large capacitor banks, and mids and highs do not pass through noisy electrolytic capacitors.

The L-2 is a single ended “spud” parafeed tube headphone amplifier for dynamic headphones developed out of the L’espressivo line of DIY projects. As a single ended tube amplifier utilizing a single 6S45pi tube for both voltage and current gain, the L-2 has the musicality and liquid clear midrange tubes are known for. However, because of the novel shunt-regulated biasing arrangement, the high performance plate load, the short signal path, and the extremely high quality parts used throughout, the L-2 surpasses the usual limitations of the SET topology. It excels in dealing with complex musical passages and heavy bass notes. Further, the L-2 is so quiet that even with sensitive headphones, you cannot tell whether it is on. There is no hiss, no hum, just quiet. The L-2 uses Lundahl input transformers, V-Cap parafeed capacitors, and custom designed, nickel-core, Electra-Print output transformers with both low (32 Ohm) and high (300 Ohm) impedance taps.

All of our amplifiers are craft made in small batches and hand assembled in Chicago. The woodwork is hand made from sustainable stock at Pickett Furniture in Brooklyn, NY, and the metalwork is machined and finished in California.

The DSHA-1 is available from $1995 shipped in the USA, while the L-2 starts at $2495. For questions, please email [contact at ecpaudio.com], or use the contact form at www.ecpaudio.com.

More information is available from www.ecpaudio.com

We are a group of audiophiles based in Singapore who have been tinkering around to make a pair of planar magnetic IEMs. We love the sound of planar magnetic drivers and always wondered how it would be like if we could really take that sound anywhere on the go with us. After about a year of development, we managed to create a closed planar magnetic IEM which is also lightweight enough to bring with us anywhere on the go. We would just like to make a small announcement over here to share what we have been doing with the community. Thank you!

Attached is a poster we have made to just highlight some of the features of our IEMs as well as a shot of it.

Thanks for looking!

Dear friends,

Amb.org is currently down due to a problem at the ISP. Unfortunately it is taking a long time for them to fix it. I’m very upset that it has taken so long without resolution, and it appears that it will be down for maybe another several days. The level of service I’m receiving from their customer support has been abysmal.

Meanwhile please be patient as I work with the ISP to restore the connectivity. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

-Ti

The sale will run from noon today (UTC) to midnight on Sunday the 17th.  Everything is in stock and ready to go so shipping is expected a week from final payment.  Could be less, just depends on how busy I am. 

Now I'll get back to packing...   

http://mjolnir-audio.com/?page_id=73

Some new stuff too as I finally think I have enough 2SC4686A's to go around.  Also a small PCB to use 12VA PCB mount transformers for the low voltage supply of the KGST.  This means the Antek 275V transformer can be used easily and this is far cheaper than using custom iron. 

Also KGST boards with the mini KGSSHV psu.  The new KGSSHV onboard design, the first amp boards to be labeled "final". 

Rather than packing up all of our amps, putting them in storage for the summer, then treking them across the country, we are selling them at a discount.

All prices include shipping to the CONUS unless indicated. Everything is assembled and can ship within a few days except for the L-2 prototypes which will need a couple of extra days to get them ready.

All L-2's are 30% off. L-2's with Lundahl amorphous core input transformers and Electra-Print either nickel, or nickel/steel pinstripe output transformers are $2595.00 $1816.50. L-2's with nickel input transformers and nickel output transformers $2495.00 $1746.50.

L-2 prototypes (from CanJam Chicago.) These are basically the same as the production version except for the brushing on the metal was done by hand and they are not anodized, and the "ecp" badges are not recessed. Pics on request. With Lundahl input transformers and Electra-Print nickel output transformers -- $1400. With Cinemag input transformers, Electra-Print nickel trimmed M6 output transformers, and Dynamicap parafeed capacitors -- $1200.

DSHA-1's are 20% off, $1995 $1596.00 or get a DSHA-1 with the upgrade power supply for $2345 $1850.

We would prefer people who have some experience with high voltages and or building with tubes. Also, people who can take a few measurements would be nice, though none of that is, strictly speaking, necessary. All you really need is a soldering iron.

Here's how it will work -- we will supply a circuit board, a pair of output transformers, a power transformer, a pair of tubes, and a pair of tube sockets. This will cost about $80 shipped. We will also supply a case, but we don't know the cost yet -- we are still working this out with Hammond, so factor in a bit more than the $80. Everything else (except for the parafeed caps) is available from Digikey or Mouser and should cost in the $40-$60 neighborhood -- the difference being that there are some optional parts, some places to use slightly more expensive parts, etc. For parafeed caps, there are some options for caps with free shipping, or we may see if we can't get a bulk discount somewhere. But, they will cost as low as $6/pair for Solens, about $16 for Clarity Caps which would be our recommendation, or more for Auricaps or whatnot. At any rate, expect between $150 and $200 in the end.

For now, we need 6 to 7 people. Both of the prototypes that have been built went together without any issues so the board is a known working board. TomB's comment to me upon firing it up the first time: "The presence is incredible. The blackest background I've ever heard.

Bass is spectacular." So, we are not anticipating any real problems, but are looking for feedback on the build process, etc.

Once we have people in place, we'll order the transformers and cases which can take a couple of weeks, so this will be late March, early April.

PM me directly if you are interested. Thanks!

I represent a team of entrepreneurs as well as budding audiophiles. Before you’re dissuaded from reading, I’m not asking for money, investments, supplies, donations; anything physical. I’m here to ask you for is your advice; what can we do better, what do you like, what do you dislike-anything, really. In the end, this could possibly benefit everyone, so please offer anything you can.

The idea: Headphone Rental and Retail Company

I know that this idea has circled around before, and most of the companies who have tried this either recalled their service or failed, but we believe we can tackle this in a more efficient, more convenient way for you, our targeted customers. So, here are the details of what we plan on releasing in the beginning:

Details of the company:

We’re going to rent various company’s models of headphones, including circumaural, supra-aural, and universal in-ears. Each model will be available to view on the site by company or price, and when you find something you like, you can start the rental process. We will have the rental agreement fully online, using electronic signatures for the contractual agreement and credit cards for the payment method. Once that’s filled out, we’ll send you a pair of burned in headphones. We want to send burned in headphones so that each renter can get a feel of for the headphone’s true sound. The renter will pay bi-weekly for the model or models they have on hand (you can rent as many as you’d like,) and they can send them back at any time. Here’s the real kicker; if you rent multiple pairs, the rent rate decreases for each pair. Also, assume you find the pair you’d like to buy while renting them; you can send them back in with a notice of purchase, and we will send you a new pair while also discounting MSRP by the amount you’ve paid for that pair during rental. For example, if I spend X dollars on renting a pair of DT 770’s and then decide I wish to buy them from the same company, we will sell them to you for sales price – rental fees. A few minor ideas we’re swirling around is for headphones that need an amp, we’ll allow an option to rent a small FiiO E6 for minimal extra charge. Amps won’t be required, especially if you have your own amp. Additionally, we will also include the instructions for how we burned in the same headphones so that the customer can get the same sound from their new pair.

Why?

So why a rental company, and why set it up this way? Well for a few reasons. As newer audiophiles, we’ve come to understand that there are dozens of beautiful over-ears, on-ears, and in-ears out there that we want to listen to, but can’t, and frankly, it’s expensive. Through these forums we’ve read countless of posts wishing for more money to buy a new pair of headphones, or hoping there will be a meet within four hours of their residence so they can audition them, and we just think that’s ridiculous. Nowhere is there a major rental company that puts sound quality and audiophile pursuits in front; in fact, there isn’t a real major rental company for headphones at all. Our goal is to help your budgets and your love of hi-fi audio equipment in the most convenient way possible.

How you can help:

To make this as successful as we, and hopefully you, want, we need market input. So please, post and tell as many other board members to post as you can. We need as many unique individuals for market analysis as possible, and the more we have, the greater the chance that our business will follow your desires. Post as much advice as you want, our priority is in understanding who our market is and what they, that is you, want:

Consider telling us:

-Age

-Gender

-General annual income level

-Number of headphones owned (all types)

-What you would reasonably pay bi-weekly to rent one pair of headphones

-A synopsis of your criticisms

-Your criticisms, advice, and everything else you can think of

If you have any further things you’d like to discuss, feel free to either private message me or send an email with your information and content to audiosensus@gmail.com

Thank you for your time and assistance!

Recently there have been a few instances questioning the trust of certain manufacture's and their products. While these situations do not reflect the hard work and dedication of the majority, they have no doubt taken a toll on the community.

As a new company offering a unique product, I understand how trust can be important for first-time buyers. While we have spent the last 3 years developing a solid product, i understand how some may remain skeptical.

To show our stand behind the Magnum enhancement we will be offering a return policy for first-time buyers. Available to members who take part in the initial pre-order, if you are unsatisfied with the Magnum enhancement you may return it within 30 days for a full refund. Due to the fact the Magnum enhancement contains some processes that are non-reversable, in addition to your refund you will be issued a stock SR325/MS2 in replacement for your original headphone.

While we are confident everyone will be pleased with the performance improvements behind this enhancement, our return policy is an effort to build a valuable relationship with our customers and fellow forum members.

Sincerly,

Rhydon

Symphones is a small high-end manufacturing company just begining its venture into the headphone industry. Our mission is to provide competitive reference products at real-world prices. Such a task is not easy and in order to succeed we have pioneered a unique method of manufacturing. Our process involves using already-existing designs and models as a starting point- then, with proven engineering know-how, we develop from the ground up, new technologies, materials, and processes to create our vision of a truly reference design.

In showcase of our efforts Symphones is proud to announce its very first product...

Following three years of intense research and development, Symphones proudly presents a new benchmark in headphone modification, the Magnum enhancement. Utilizing the Grado SR325/ Alessandro MS2 platform, this state-of-the-art product applies Symphones’ research to enhance three vital elements of headphone architecture – sound chamber, driver and baffle. Our solution is elegant in its simplicity, using superior components crafted from materials each perfectly suited to its task. The result is a retrofit and upgrade package employing new technologies designed to provide maximum performance and seamless integration with your existing headphone.

Reminiscent of the legendary HP-1000 and PS-1 headphones, Magnum is the first and only 'all-aluminum' headphone upgrade currently available. Please visit our website and discover what exotic technologies have developed for the Magnum enhancement.

In order to start things with a bang we are proud to announce a special limited time offer for Head-Case & Head-fi members. From July 31th through August 21st the Magnum enhancement will be offered at a special price of $399 (reg. $599).

Shipping will be flat rate: 25$ US, $18 Canada. International shipping will be calculated on a per-case basis. Estimated ship date is Aug 26th, 2009.

To order your enhancement please follow the links to our website and proceed to the order checkout. At the bottom of the page you will see a link for Head-fi members. After using our checkout system you will receive an email describing the necessary steps on how to begin the Magnum upgrade.

Magnum is an all inclusive enhancement service- if you do not own the Grado SR325 or Alessandro MS2 but are still interested in this product please contact us at info@symphones.ca prior to reserving your position.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I begin my upgrade service?

Once you have completed the checkout process, you will be emailed instructions on how to proceed. Depending on your situation, you will either be required to ship us your original headphone or purchase one from a recommended supplier.

Do you ship overseas?

Yes. Our enhancements are available to headphone enthusiasts worldwide.

What sonic improvements can I expect following modification?

Every detail of the Magnum enhancement has been designed to enhance sonic performance. However, sound quality is subjective- in this case we prefer to let our customers do the talking.

I've noticed there is no fabric protecting the driver, is this normal?

We use an acoustically transparent black fabric to protect the driver surface- these 'screens' were removed during photography. All Magnum enhancements have screens protecting the drivers from debris.

I am trying to decide which headphone to have modified - which sounds best following modification?

The magnum enhancement was designed to be seamless between both models. Whichever headphone you decide to have enhanced - both will have identical improvements in sonic performance.

Do you offer the Magnum enhancement for other headphones?

The Magnum enhancement is only available for the Grado SR325 and Alessandro MS2 headphones.

Can you upgrade my cable?

Provided you supply the desired cable with your original headphone, we can attach it during the upgrade assembly at no extra cost.

Do you sell the headband forks separately?

No. At this time we only offer a complete service.

Do you offer a return policy?

Yes. Please see above.

For all information surrounding Symphones and the MAGNUM enhancement please visit us at www.symphones.ca

Features:

Audio/MIDI Interface for Mac, Windows and iOS devices.

Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

Two XLR mic inputs with phantom power.

Two balanced line inputs.

Instrument-level input for guitar or bass.

MIDI in and out.

Onboard A/D conversion for low-noise and distortion when recording with iOS devices.

Zero-latency direct monitoring.

S/PDIF Digital Output.

Includes USB cable, iOS dock connection cable, XLR to ¼” conversion cables.

Apollo® is the first professional, high-resolution computer audio interface that delivers the sound, feel, and flow of analog recording. This 18 x 24 FireWire/Thunderbolt™- ready interface combines genuine UA analog design with class-leading 24-bit/192 kHz sound quality and onboard Realtime UAD Processing. Using Apollo, music producers and performers can finally track audio through a range of classic UAD analog emulation plug-ins — from Neve, Studer, Manley, Lexicon and more — in real time, and with a sleek, elegant workflow on both Mac and PC.*

Key Features

• 18 x 24 FireWire/Thunderbolt™-ready audio interface for Mac and PC*
  
• Realtime UAD Processing for low-latency (sub-2ms) tracking and mixing w/ UAD Powered Plug-Ins**
  
• Premium mic preamps, top-end converters, and uncompromising analog design
  
• Front-panel controls for all commonly used features
  
• Full recall of interface and UAD plug-in settings within DAW sessions via Console Recall plug-in (VST/RTAS/AU)
  
• 8 analog inputs: 4 digitally controlled analog mic preamps; 8 balanced line inputs; 2 front-panel JFET DIs
  
• 14 analog outputs: 8 balanced line outs; 2 digitally-controlled analog monitor outs; 2 dedicated stereo headphone outs
  
• 10 channels of digital I/O: 8 channels of ADAT; 2 channels S/PDIF; Wordclock I/O
  
• Dual FireWire 800 ports (standard)
  
• Thunderbolt I/O Option Card for connectivity to new Macs and PCs (card sold separately) †
  
• Available in DUO Core and QUAD Core processor models
  
• Includes “Analog Classics”
  plug-ins: LA-2A Classic Audio Leveler, 1176LN Limiting Amplifier, and Pultec EQP-1A Program Equalizer
  

http://www.rme-audio.de/en_products_fireface_ucx.php

Firewire or USB2

up to 192khz spdif

works with ipad at 96/24 - class compliant async usb

does midi, too

New Products from Apogee

Symphony 64 | Thunderbolt

64 Channel Thunderbolt card for Apogee Symphony I/O

Connect Symphony I/O to any Thunderbolt™ equipped Mac for true Thunderbolt compatibility and performance. The Symphony | 64 Thunderbolt card will also connect X-Symphony equipped AD-16X, DA-16X and Rosetta Series converters to Thunderbolt Macs.

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/new-product-alert/690010-dl1608-mackie-live-mixer-ipad-control.html

Specs:

16 Onyx mic preamps

High-end Cirrus Logic® converters

Ultra low-noise, high-headroom design

6 aux sends for monitor mixes

Master L/R output for mains

Powerful, touch-sensitive plug-ins

4-band EQ, gate and compression on inputs

31-band GEQ and comp/limiter on outputs

Global reverb and delay

Seamless wired to wireless mixing

Tune the room from anywhere

Get on stage to ring out monitors

Personal monitor mixing

Use up to 10 iPad devices simultaneously

Intuitive Master Fader app

“Grow and Glow” visual feedback

Preset and snapshot recall

Record the mix to the iPad for instant sharing

Integrate music from any app into the mix

PadLock™ feature locks down iPad for permanent installs

Industry standard Kensington lock secures mixer

Compact footprint saves precious workspace

15.5? x 11.5? x 3.9?

6.9 lbs / 3.2 kg

I'm very proud of the pieces I've produced so far, and will have more on the way very soon. For now I'm only making cups for Grado (& Symphones Magnum) drivers but I might include other types in the future.

My work can be seen on the 'products' page at: www.ohrenholz.com

Much thanks!!!

While not really a new product announcement, I thought I'd post to say ThunderpantsTP1 is now an official business with a website. Wish me luck!

ThunderpantsTP1

Cheers

Gary

Pete and I have introduced the Apex High Fi Audio Butte headphone amp. It is a great starter amp and sells for $495. Tyll put up a review of it on Innerfidelity today see it here.

I would like to make a Butte available to 6 members of Head Case to audition in their own rigs and write up a little review of it. You can email me at todd@ttvjaudio.com to sign up. You need to send me your Head Case user name, and shipping and contact info. You will get the Butte for 2 weeks and then you will send it off to the next participant. The Butte can ship to the first person signing up tomorrow.

I hope to hear from you soon!

Todd

Both Pete and I have been hard at work creating new products for the high end headphone listener. Our newest creation is the Apex High Fi Audio Arête. The Arête uses a single ended discreet JFET gain stage and the same MOSFET output stage as our Peak. It serves as both a headphone amplifier and a preamplifier. The Arête is $1095 and comes with an external switching power supply and can be upgraded with our Volcano power supply!

Save $50 if you order the Arête and Volcano together (the switching supply is not provided in this package) or upgrade to the Volcano later for $750.

Both power supplies operate 110v - 240v, 50Hz to 60Hz

The Arête is now in production and orders are being taken. The first amps will be shipping in 1-2 weeks. Get in line and order one of these great new amps now!

Please PM if you're interested, I have a limited quantity left at this point.

The VC-01i is a result of many years of research and development. It was designed to be a real uncompromising balanced solution, along with the hardest effort to minimize practical dimensional size. The entire circuits from input to output process separately the positive and negative phase of the signal for each channels. It is capable to drive any headphones, balanced or unbalanced, with either high or low impedance and sensitivity. The no-compromise design, ideas and parts integrated make it a great performer delivering excellent musicality, transparence and dynamics. This is something with passion and effort and something you surely can afford.

Amplifier Specifications:

Headphone Specifications:

There are several portable USB DAC/Amps available but all of them use the same DAC design -- one of the all-in-one chips from TI which has a USB receiver, 16-bit DAC, and analog/headphone output stage. This chip is really intended for use in things like cheap USB speakers, LCD monitors w/ built-in speakers, and the performance is not very good (my prototype has 10% the THD of this chip, and that's including my headphone amp stage set at a gain of 6 capable of driving all headphones).

Some features of this new USB DAC/Amp, most of which have never been done before in a portable DAC/amp or even just a portable DAC:

- Upsampling design!

- Uses a flagship level 24-bit/192KHz digital-to-analog converter chip!

- Extremely low distortion analog filter

- Protects USB ports from over-current

- Extreme care in keeping noise to a minimum, separate power supplies for each stage

- 4-layer circuit board for optimum digital layout

- Separate analog input to use as headphone amp only

- Gain switch (toggle) on front panel

- Alps volume control w/ built-in power switch

- Lithium-polymer battery (estimated 35 hours, or 70 hours w/ extended battery option)

- Built-in battery charger w/ charge status LED on front panel (2-4 hour charge time depending on battery option)

- Back panel has the USB jack (Mini- and DC adapter jack

Also, it is very, very small -- within 5% of the size of some amps designed for IEMs only.

I'm very excited about this new design and have been spending a lot of time revisiting my FLAC library with my MacBook I got a few weeks ago. Nothing like this has ever been done before, except in home wall-powered DACs 10 to 100 times the size of this portable.

I'm going to be having a beta test of 5 to 10 units after I complete the 2nd prototype, and there are probably about 2 spots still open for that.

I may post some early distortion/noise/frequency response measurements this week before the meet.

There will be 2 versions available (the DAC/Amp, or just the Amp), an option of the regular battery or extended battery, and several color choices.