fierce_freak

Now I'm thinking either Raven/K&K style preamp/headamp or a clone/upgrade of the Trafomatic if anyone knows the topology ("cheap" enough to just buy, but I think it's ugly and I like to DIY).

I saw a K&K Audio schematic pabbi1 posted in Nate's Menace thread over at the other place. Looks nice, but I'm not sure I need the first stage.

Would something like the Raven do well here?

Too true Though I don't expect either to top the lists, both the Woo 6 SE and the Balancing Act have caught my eye. I'm pretty sure I could do a beefed up version of the 6 SE no problem. A new consideration to put forward: I bought humanflyz Quad 12L actives, so I'd like to have an amp that could do a good job as a pre, as well.

Any new opinions after CanJam?

Hope it's a good one

I know, I've been anticipating a release of something during CanJam, but it looks like no dice. I was really hoping Sennheiser would finally unveil whatever it is they're working on.

Disabling the network interface lets me play, so that's cool. Still lame, but at least I can play.

I've read that...I actually have a 40gig one, though. I just read that disabling your network connection (wired or wireless) is allowing many to play. I'll try that when I get home.

I look forward to seeing what you think.

lameness: I have the PS3 version. The night I picked it up, I only played long enough to save at the apartment. Today I finally had some free time to play, but the game just sits at the loading game screen, even after completely uninstalling the game and reinstalling =/

Any candidates for best rig of show? I'd love to see some comparison between the two.

Also, if you can't control the lighting in the room, definitely go for a screen with a matte finish as opposed to shiny. I have matte on my 40" Samsung (4069 I think), and I'm very happy with it.

Those of you who voted for the TooleAudio Balanced Mosfet Amp...have you heard a B22? How do you think they compare and for which cans?

Thanks for the replies, guys. I'm still a bit mixed up on which direction I'm going to pursue when I start this project, but that's to be expected I've been reading a lot of stuff about the Darling (1626 output tube) and think it would probably make a really nice headphone amp (possibly great if built correctly), but I'll wait to see what Earl thinks of his when he finally receives it (then breadboard a couple different layouts like SE or DRD). I've done a lot more looking into the TubeLabSE (with 45's if I can find a decent pair) and think it could be the base of a great tube headphone amp, also. I could try to do a knock-off of Blackie's Duality (anybody know what tubes he used?), or I could go for an over the top WCF. Lastly, I could do the first two stages of the Karna, but I'm somewhat afraid that it could be a bit above my ability. So, choices are Darling, TubeLabSE, something with WCF follower output, Karna, or knock-off of Blackie's Duality (if anyone has any info) or maybe something along the lines of the new Millett amp (again with the DHT's). What do you guys think? Lastly, anyone have any opinions on James transformers? From everything I've read they look pretty nice, especially for the price, and I've read that the guys behind Tango run it. Other than that I guess it's Lundahls or Electra-Prints?

I'm definitely stoked about it...of course, since I live in the middle of nowhere I probably won't get a hold of a copy until Thursday.

Oh, I know I just like to do the best work I can possibly do if I do work for someone else...a bit OCD like Marc that way

Thanks again for all the suggestions guys. Anyone know what tubes were used in the Blackie Pagano Duality? From the top it looks like a pretty simple and standard topology, but who knows without looking under the hood. I would consider an HD650-specific amp. aerius, the more I look at your schematic the more I like it. I've never seen grid-neutralization caps before, but the idea seems solid. I'm sure it smokes the lower end SP's...have you had the chance to compare it to some higher-level stuff? Lastly, can anyone put into words the general difference between transformer coupled and OTL sound? I've read that transformer is more "musical" and OTL is more "accurate." Does that sound...accurate?

Probably Jupiter wire...I've grown a preference for it, as well. Glad to hear your system is doing so well, Steve! I regret not getting it to that level on the first try, but I'm glad it's really cooking now I'll be interested to hear about any other mods Marc made.

I'll be looking forward to it. Both the new Millett creation and the Menace look flippin' sweet.

I might start with a L'espressivo to break myself into ptp wiring first, especially since it's relatively cheap if I screw something up (I've been emailing dsavitsk about this off and on for 6 mo. now). After that, I think I'll gun for an OTL design as that's what interests me most (though I'm now looking more seriously at the Karna without the third stage using 6w6's). Is it more common for OTL amps to use negative feedback? SP specs less than 20ohm z-out, so those must have negative feedback.

That looks pretty nice...could be a fun one to start out with.

interested in hearing what you did to the zap ps...did you just replace it, or beef it up?

Thanks guys. It seems like an over the top morgan jones, an over the top waarde, or an over the top aikido will be what I'll do (though I'm still eyeing the TubeLabSE). It seems if such great results can come from something similar to a morgan jones (much sds love everywhere) that what looks like a better topology to my n00b eyes (balanced aikido i linked to earlier) could perhaps be even better...though, of course, there could be some distortion or other negative characteristic (from a perfectionist point of view) that makes the sds more pleasing to the ear. That, or just the overbuilt nature of it.

Awesome stuff Nate...good job