Mapletree Audio Design produces 2 headphone amps – the Ear+ HD and HD2. While there was quite a bit of speculation over at head-fi as how the 2 amps compare, there was probably only a couple who had actually heard them side-by-side. So warsurfer suggested that we meet to a-b the 2 amps. This is a rare opportunity for us to meet up and we are not going to be fully satisfied with listening to just 2 amps. We approached our lady gadgeteer yotiao for permission to try out some of her stuff as well and she has kindly agreed.
The following is an impression of some of the equipment we tried on that evening of 30 Nov. It is not a review.
The equipment list:
1. Yamamoto HA-02
2. MAD Ear+ HD
3. MAD Ear+ HD2
4. PS Audio GCHA
5. Rudistor RPX-33
6. CEC TL51X
7. 2 x RS-1 (low / high serial number)
8. MS-Pro
9. PS-1
10. W5000
11. HD600 with Equinox cable
12. Ultrasone Edition 9
13. AKG K701
Although the meet-up was intended to compare the 2 MAD amps, they were soon neglected given such an array of top notch equipment. The HD and HD2 do sound very similar. What was said about the bass of the HD is also true. It has more bass than its brethren HD2. The HD even made the W5000 sound bassy. It’s probably due to the tubes used. Is the HD superior to the HD2? Warsurfer found the DT880 too boomy and unlistenable with the HD and preferred the HD2 instead for this phone.
When compared to the Yamamoto, Rudistor and GCHA the 2 MAD amps sounded like entry level stuff. They are good on their own however the other 3 amps are clearly at least one notch higher in terms SQ. Next to the 3 more expensive amps the MAD amps sounded grainy and have a “white†background. The Yamamoto, Rudistor and GCHA are clearly more refined, smoother and have a black background. Although the trio sounds very different from each other, they share the same silkiness (when paired with the right headphones) that reflect their owner’s preference.
Onto the headphones. The PS-1 and Edition 9 are very bassy headphones. The PS-1 possesses the typical Grado house sound with a pronounced bass that both warsurfer and I found to be boomy. It definitely needs a suitable amp to such as the GCHA to control its bass. The Edition 9 on the hand has a tuneful and articulate bass. It is never one-note, and together with its slightly sparkly highs made for a very easy listening presentation. I would grab one if not for its price.
The W5000 enjoys a warm amp and out of the 5 amps that we listened that evening, I prefer it best with the Yamamoto while yotiao found the pairing of GCHA + W5000 very liquid. Chinese vocals and strings sound just perfect with the W5000.
The RS-1 is supremely silky when paired with the GCHA. The highs are tame and the music fluent and liquid. In comparison, the MS-Pro sounded very stuffed in. The effect is not even subtle. This really surprised the 3 of us. Both the RS-1 and the MS-Pro share a similar sound but there was no sparkle in the vocal on the MS-Pro. Perhaps it is due to its “cold storage†for several months and need to be broken in again.
The K701 pairs very well with the Yamamoto giving a very airy and expansive sound. Separation is also very good. However, it is also the most clinical of the lot just doesn’t have that “WOW†factor. On the other hand, its class competitor the HD600 is very balanced and involving. Not as wide or as expansive perhaps but definitely more engaging than the K701.
Of all the headphones that we listened to that evening, all 3 of us love the RS-1 and the W5000. Opinions were divided about the Edition 9 and PS-1 which is actually a reflection of our individual preference for bass.
That’s about sum up that evening outing. I would like to thank yotiao and warsurfer for making the mini meet possible and allowing me to listen to their wonderful amps and headphones. I hope this little write-up will whet your appetite and rouse your anticipation for the coming Meet.
Edit: Pictures removed
