mimi

so mimi never bring there for you all to try..haha,was waiting to see what u all think of it after the canjam..

I didn't manage to bring it along for this meet, paiseh ... Didn't know there was interest in impressions, next time perhaps.

It was indeed a fantastic meet, jaw dropping range of amps/dacs/headphones, and even better, lots of friendly folks. Thanks to the organisers as well!

I'll start off with some quick impressions:

Headphones:

HD800 - multiple stock / recabled were present at the meet - if I remembered correctly, I liked pongz's recabled HD800 the best - more bass impact while still retaining air and space.

Various Electrostats - toe tapping dynamic goodness

Amps/DACs:

RWA's Isabellina HPA - smooth, with lovely mids and highs - I like how it matches with my K400s

Darkvoice 337 - Oodles of warmth and power

A tentative yes for me - possible equipment: K400, K500, Diva Headamp

Put me down as tentatively able to attend - I can bring AKG K400, K500, and maybe my Diva (although I see Nofing is already bringing his)

Looks like a great meet! Was there any announcement on the meet within the forums? Didn't hear anything about it at all!

sold

sold

Selling a 1.5 yr old AKG K601.

Condition of headphones are 7.5/10 - Elastics are still very good, no visible damage to exterior, but there are minor small scratches on the silver piece on either side of the headband. The headphone pads are well worn though, so I will replace with fresh replacement pads (a pair costs $37 from ASL Distribution, the local AKG distributors).

Interested, pls pm me. Looking to get $Sold. Thanks.

What headphones/earphones are you using? You should definitely test and try the amps at our friendly local shops, but if you aren't able to, then the ability to tweak the flavour of the sound conveniently, e.g. thru rolling op-amps, would help mitigate potential buyer regret.

I tried the AD743s this morning and they seem to drive the HD650s a lot better than the 4841-2. everything sounds more natural, the hardness that i was talking about earlier was gone. Bass is better, but still not where it can be. still using the 6643 buffers, will try the 6655s soon.

the 6655s have less bass compared to the 6643s. For more punchy bass, you can try the AD8397s in the buffers.

Thanks Mimi, i believe the IC sockets are abt $1 each at SLT. are there sockets of various qualities or they're all of the generic variety?

I've not bought the IC sockets from SLT before, don't think that there'll be much diff though.

Hmm.. i can almost swear the line-out sounds better after swapping the L/R and buffers. maybe it's all in the mind..

The line-out still works even if you leave the L/R and buffer sockets empty.

nope.. only have 1... i can lend it to you...

Thanks, pls check pm.

I've run into a problem wrt the DAC opamp socket. there's not enough clearance on the sides for the browndog adapter to be seated properly. the stock opamp comes on raised adapters with extended legs. How do i solve this problem? can i just get an IC socket from SLT which should give me enough height to clear the blocks at the sides?

Yes. Get a couple more for the L/R and buffers as well if they are cheap, so that rolling is easier and you don't risk damaging the sockets on the D1.

One last question: if i run the D1 using the line out, does the L/R and buffer opamps affect the line-out sound as well?

No.

mimi, do you have a chance to try ne5532 for buffer? my ne5532 came as stock buffer for my D1.. happen to take it out and give it a try.. quite a good buffer imo...

Yes, I did compare the ne5532 with the other buffers. IMO, it does a decent job, but it's a bit too forward and lacking in soundstage for my taste. With your HD650s, it should help to brighten up the sound slightly and tighten up the mid bass slightly.

Btw, do you still have any spare LT6234 soldered on a DIP8 adaptor?

Had a nice chat with one of the Audio-Technica reps at their Comex booth on Level 6. He mentioned that ATH is broadening their focus in Singapore from just mass consumers to also include some of their "audiophile" lines. For a start, they are testing the market with various lower end ADXXX, as well as several woodies: ESW9, W1000 and W5000.

There were demo sets of the ESW9 and W1000 at the Comex Booth for testing (you can test using your own portable player). No W5000 for testing though, but the rep said that 2 have been sold via the booth to date. I suggested to the rep to have a soundproof room the next time and he mentioned that the public could go over to their company premise at aljunied to audition.

Show prices of the W5000 and W1000 are around $1,520 and $630 respectively. Bluetin is still cheaper, especially for the W5000.

The Senn booth had the MX W1 for demo, selling price abt $800. Anyone managed to give it a go?

If i want to use single amplifier opamps like the AD797 or the AD743, does this mean i need 2 of each and solder them to a Single-to-Dual Adapter before it can be used? Thanks in Advance!

Correct. Instead of soldering the op-amps directly onto the adaptor, solder DIP8 sockets to facilitate rolling

Also, what are u guys using for the L/R?

AD743, with LMH6655 as buffers.

Description of Item : One pair of Sennheiser HD650 (latest version with white drivers) - Full original package except missing 1/4 to 1/8 adaptor

Condition : 8.5/10 (Purchased in Sept 07, hardly used, no scratches, no paint peeling, no chips on headband)

Warranty : 2 years local warrenty from date of purchase (warranty card still unfilled, I will provide original receipt from Hung Bros)

Selling price : $SOLD

Preferred Location : clarke quay mrt, east coast

Preferred Mode of Contact : Private message

Thanks for the long and detailed writeup. I'm curious about your comment about the DT880s having the widest soundstage. My experience was that the DT880s still gave me a in-your-head sound while the AKGs were much more spacious and airy.

I will bring some op-amps as well. See you guys at Clementi.

grenade

bits

Any re-encoding should be done using your original CDs/tape/LPs. If you have the hard disc space, go for the loseless formats.

Ok for NUS Kent Ridge. Meeting time still 1.30pm?

chicken

Nice pic! Any processing done?

Don't bother buying the PX200, doesn't isolate well and weak bass.

Thanks! now is there any soldering master accepting pupils? the soldering looks difficult as the SOIC pins look kinda small.. any tips on that?

What op-amps do you intend to roll? I have some spare ones already soldered to DIP 8 adaptors for sale, pm me if interested.