his
his brain is evidently on
while yours is constantly wrapped around hum issues and mine is constantly in -fart state
his brain is evidently on
while yours is constantly wrapped around hum issues and mine is constantly in -fart state
"-fart state" ... that's inverted fart state ... only balanced people can have inverted fart state ...
I dare you: without some issues, big or minor, there can be no development. Right now you are right, the hum from the washing machine is rather annoying.
Inverted fart state. Wonder if that’s 2nd harmonic cancelled and 3rd neg dominant.
Inverted fart state. Wonder if that’s 2nd harmonic cancelled and 3rd neg dominant.
Not sure where this thread is going. But I'll play.
Is an inverted fart state the same thing as a burp? 😛
Best,
Anand.
Is an inverted fart state the same thing as a burp? 😛
Best,
Anand.
I don't know what I don't know!
Need some advice, at the most basic level. I have a stack of CDs I love to play, and a pair of audio-technica ATH-W1000 Sovereign headphones (which I love!) with an impedance of around 40 ohms. In the future, I'll probably delve into some open-backed headphones -- possibly the Sennheiser HD 560S.
So, my question is: what pieces of equipment do I need to put between the CDs and the headphones to maximize the quality of the sound? Eventually, I'd like to have a CD transport, a stand-alone DAC, and a headphone amplifier in the mix. Currently I'm running the CDs off my Dell computer into a Maverick Audio TubeMagic D1 DAC via USB, and then into the headphones.
If I build the ACP+, do I just add it between the DAC and the headphones? Is the ACP+ a better choice than the WHAMMY? And lastly, in which order do the components matter to the overall sound quality? Headphone amp, then DAC, then transport? I really haven't a clue here. Give me a turntable, a preamp, a power amp, and a set of speakers, and I feel comfortable with my choices, but digital to analog with headphones is a totally different ballgame for me!
Need some advice, at the most basic level. I have a stack of CDs I love to play, and a pair of audio-technica ATH-W1000 Sovereign headphones (which I love!) with an impedance of around 40 ohms. In the future, I'll probably delve into some open-backed headphones -- possibly the Sennheiser HD 560S.
So, my question is: what pieces of equipment do I need to put between the CDs and the headphones to maximize the quality of the sound? Eventually, I'd like to have a CD transport, a stand-alone DAC, and a headphone amplifier in the mix. Currently I'm running the CDs off my Dell computer into a Maverick Audio TubeMagic D1 DAC via USB, and then into the headphones.
If I build the ACP+, do I just add it between the DAC and the headphones? Is the ACP+ a better choice than the WHAMMY? And lastly, in which order do the components matter to the overall sound quality? Headphone amp, then DAC, then transport? I really haven't a clue here. Give me a turntable, a preamp, a power amp, and a set of speakers, and I feel comfortable with my choices, but digital to analog with headphones is a totally different ballgame for me!
Interesting questions Kautzman!
I don't have all the answers, I have a few:
- Yes PRE / Headphone amp goes between the DAC and the headphones. Ideally, DAC bypassing its PRE if they have anyone built. If not possible, find out which volume setting in the DAC will give you identical voltage input to output. If not possible, just crank up the DACs volume all the way up (or at least to 3 o'clock) and use the HPAs volume.
- I have a WHAMMY, it's incredible! I could bet money that no one will give you a straight answer and you will get a couple (or more!) of: build both! It's an infuriating answer when you have limited time, or budget, or parts availabilities... but I have almost learnt that this community (as incredible as it is in every single aspect!) does not answer those questions. 🙁 It's a pity for people like me that a single shipment can cost $200 to "try" one of this marvels. Hope I am wrong and you will get some input. I cannot give it, I only have the WHAMMY, which I love! Actually, I debated if I should just build a second one, or an ACP+ or a Wayne's linestage from 2018 with the higher power output for headphones.
- This is a part I'm eager to debate a bit, but usual consensus is that your system is only as good as your worst part. So, I would say that all are important, and it is important that all fall within a certain category or quality level. So, a $2000 headphones with a cheap combo dac/hpa USB will be wasted... as much as a $2000 headphone amp will be wasted on $30 headphones. So, I'd say try to bring all to a good level. That said, your Maverick is already decently well regarded, as are your headphones. So I'd be interested in what others believe it would be your best move now. I think that having a really good pair of headphones first and then work your equipment towards that level? At least with a "default" ACP+, you would need to know your Headphone's impedance to get the best match, as far as I have read / understand (if they are not 32Ohm or close).
Let's hope other's have more input, hope this helps a bit (probably very little if at all! 🙁 )
I don't have all the answers, I have a few:
- Yes PRE / Headphone amp goes between the DAC and the headphones. Ideally, DAC bypassing its PRE if they have anyone built. If not possible, find out which volume setting in the DAC will give you identical voltage input to output. If not possible, just crank up the DACs volume all the way up (or at least to 3 o'clock) and use the HPAs volume.
- I have a WHAMMY, it's incredible! I could bet money that no one will give you a straight answer and you will get a couple (or more!) of: build both! It's an infuriating answer when you have limited time, or budget, or parts availabilities... but I have almost learnt that this community (as incredible as it is in every single aspect!) does not answer those questions. 🙁 It's a pity for people like me that a single shipment can cost $200 to "try" one of this marvels. Hope I am wrong and you will get some input. I cannot give it, I only have the WHAMMY, which I love! Actually, I debated if I should just build a second one, or an ACP+ or a Wayne's linestage from 2018 with the higher power output for headphones.
- This is a part I'm eager to debate a bit, but usual consensus is that your system is only as good as your worst part. So, I would say that all are important, and it is important that all fall within a certain category or quality level. So, a $2000 headphones with a cheap combo dac/hpa USB will be wasted... as much as a $2000 headphone amp will be wasted on $30 headphones. So, I'd say try to bring all to a good level. That said, your Maverick is already decently well regarded, as are your headphones. So I'd be interested in what others believe it would be your best move now. I think that having a really good pair of headphones first and then work your equipment towards that level? At least with a "default" ACP+, you would need to know your Headphone's impedance to get the best match, as far as I have read / understand (if they are not 32Ohm or close).
Let's hope other's have more input, hope this helps a bit (probably very little if at all! 🙁 )
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Perhaps that is an infuriating answer, let me offer an infuriating question as a counterpoint: Dear membership, tell me which option to choose, I am scared to make a decision myself?
Mark, I'm really not wishing you that - but - do you ask a Doctor for his opinion, or his confirmation of your opinion?
(just presuming that you are not having Degree and work experience even in that)
give people freedom to feel insecure in area where they feel it
one thing is that , completely other when we see someone asking to be spoonfed
(just presuming that you are not having Degree and work experience even in that)
give people freedom to feel insecure in area where they feel it
one thing is that , completely other when we see someone asking to be spoonfed
The rest of the parts arrived yesterday
Just got my feet wet installing a handful of resistors this morning and was reminded that I don't really enjoy working with a PCB.
Included in the last parts shipment though was a Sparkfun lead bending tool. I saw it on 6L6' manual page. I really like it. Wish I had one years ago. I'm the world's worst at getting symmetry bending leads with just a needle nose. Especially Diodes.
See the bias supply and go ahead and laff.
Just got my feet wet installing a handful of resistors this morning and was reminded that I don't really enjoy working with a PCB.
Included in the last parts shipment though was a Sparkfun lead bending tool. I saw it on 6L6' manual page. I really like it. Wish I had one years ago. I'm the world's worst at getting symmetry bending leads with just a needle nose. Especially Diodes.
See the bias supply and go ahead and laff.
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Mark, to compound on what ZM posted.
I am an expert in two things: computer equipment and photographic equipment. Every month or so, a different friend or relative calls me with a similar question! “I have looked into these cameras, was looking to buy one and perhaps one or two lenses... what would you recommend for me?”. I never answer: “Buy camera X and lenses Y and Z”. But I have never answered “Buy all 3 cameras and 10 lenses and see which you like better!” either.
Why? Because when people ask me that I understand that: a. They are not experts in the subject, and b. They don’t have unlimited budget to try all options.
So, when it comes to audio DIY equipment and kits, you can bet I am insecure, you can bet I depend on the help / knowledge of others, and you can bet I cannot, even if I wanted to, pay $200 for each PRE option plus $180 shipment for each kit (yes, that is what it costs for the store to ship to my country, assuming all the kit comes from the same place, otherwise, it’s $300 in shipment!) to try those three incredible options!
Do I want to purchase all and try for myself, you can bet! Can I do it? No, not by a long shot. So you can bet that I come here expecting to rely on the community’s feedback in order to make as good a guess as possible (in my ignorance of audio design) to decide in which of the three options I am going to spend half of my monthly income in.
Your stance iof superiority due to you understanding things that we cannot does not help, and actually makes a lot of people move away from the option. Every time I answer like this, I get two or three PMs of people showing solidarity and a similar complaint of previous interactions with your attitude.
You give more than most to this community, and we are grateful, but you really do talk down on people that know less than you on this subject (which on this subject is probably 99% of the community) and assume that everyone should know what you deem the minimum knowledge. Not all of us do. Some of us try, but you can bet I am insecure about my decisions.
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None of us do... The first step is asking. Welcome!
So 40 Ohm cans currently, and potentially getting a pair of 120 ohm cans. Excellent.
The phrase "maximize the quality of the sound" is a bit tricky to work with. So... if you'll indulge me... I'll try to answer a similar question, which is ... Would the group please provide some thoughts around pros/cons/comparisons between the ACP+ and the WHAMMY?
I've built both. I love both. I've compared them previously. I'd provide the link, but I can't remember where I posted it. If you search this thread and the WHAMMY thread for my posts, it likely won't take you too long to find it if you're interested in my opinion of sonics.
tl;dr - both will likely work well with your HPs, and you'll likely enjoy the results quite a bit. The ACP+ has a bit of what some like to call "tubey goodness", others have more technical descriptions. It's hard not to love it. The "stock" WHAMMY might have a less colored "tone". I've never compared the distortion profiles, and I might be out of my gourd.... so, grain of salt.
It's been said that the WHAMMY sounds like the OpAmp you install. I tend to agree. So, although the stock WHAMMY (built from the parts kit) has a particular sound, if OpAmp rolling is your thing, you can play around a bit.
The WHAMMY will at some point in the fairly near future have a full kit with a chassis available. The ACP+ as-provided does not have a "kit", nor does it have a store chassis available. I like mine in the open air. I think it's elegant with just the ground plane as the mount / chassis. All other parts will need to be sourced separately from the DIYA store.
So, the WHAMMY would be my choice for ease of build and parts sourcing along with OpAmp rolling fun. The ACP+ is the choice for having a "mini-J2" as an HP amp.
If you're new to DIY... I'd recommend the WHAMMY b/c you'll very likely adore how it will work in your system, it will very soon have a full kit available with everything you need including a gorgeous chassis, and there is an exceptional build guide. If you want to change the tone... try a new OpAmp.
Yes, it just goes between the DAC and the headphones. Strongly recommend that you use the fixed output of the DAC.
Better?... see my recommendation and why... Neither is better than the other, but the WHAMMY is my recommendation.
Won't answer re: order of components for the ACP+. That discussion can go on......... However, in the WHAMMY... I'd say the OpAmp.
Don't get me wrong... I adore the ACP+, I just think the WHAMMY might be a better first build for the reasons I gave above. Many will have differing or additional thoughts. I hope they'll share them.
Hope that helps.
Bravo @ItsAllInMyHead, an excellent post! Well thought out and well delivered.
I would add one more small tidbit that might affect the decision when choosing between WHAMMY and ACP+ : WHAMMY is powered by the AC mains (115VAC in USA) and ACP+ is powered by a 24V DC wall wart. This could possibly be significant, if either
_
I would add one more small tidbit that might affect the decision when choosing between WHAMMY and ACP+ : WHAMMY is powered by the AC mains (115VAC in USA) and ACP+ is powered by a 24V DC wall wart. This could possibly be significant, if either
- You hate wall warts; you find them cumbersome, ugly, and amateurish
- You prefer not to deal with possibly lethal mains voltages on your first project
- You have strong feelings about linear power supplies (W) versus switch mode power supplies (A)
_
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to G Kautzmann #1470
Hello G Kautzmann,
I fully agree with the description of ItsAllInMyHead in post #1477.
I have built the ACP+ and the Whammy. They are both excellent headphone-amps.
In my opinion the Whammy is easier to build. Complete kit available.
ACP+: You have to adjust resistors to get the correct current through the CCS-Jfet. Not difficult - but you will have to be willing to do it.
ACP+ has to be adjusted at the output to fit the impedance of your headphones. If you have different headphones (with different impedances)
the Whammy handles it without changes to parts.
If you are searching for the 'solder and play' - version. Whammy is easier-
my opinion.
Both headphone amps (ACP+ and Whammy) can easily compete with readily built offerings on the market in the range around 500 - 1000 $ (perhaps higher).
They both sound excellent!
Greets
Dirk 😀
Hello G Kautzmann,
I fully agree with the description of ItsAllInMyHead in post #1477.
I have built the ACP+ and the Whammy. They are both excellent headphone-amps.
In my opinion the Whammy is easier to build. Complete kit available.
ACP+: You have to adjust resistors to get the correct current through the CCS-Jfet. Not difficult - but you will have to be willing to do it.
ACP+ has to be adjusted at the output to fit the impedance of your headphones. If you have different headphones (with different impedances)
the Whammy handles it without changes to parts.
If you are searching for the 'solder and play' - version. Whammy is easier-
my opinion.
Both headphone amps (ACP+ and Whammy) can easily compete with readily built offerings on the market in the range around 500 - 1000 $ (perhaps higher).
They both sound excellent!
Greets
Dirk 😀
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My profound gratitude to all who responded!
RP - I have followed your posts on quite a few topics, and your insights are always great!
IAIMH - Thank you for your comments. I did build the Dynaco kits (Preamp, amp, and tuner) -- but that was more than 50 years ago! I think you have convinced me that the WHAMMY is the way to go -- especially with the opamp rolling possibilities.
Dirk - Thanks for confirming the WHAMMY choice.
My intermediate term plans are to [next] add a Cambridge Audio DACmagic 200M, followed by an Audiolab 6000CDT Dedicated CD Transport. The WHAMMY should play nicely with that pair.
Long term, I'd love to add a Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ and a PS Audio PerfectWave Memory Player.
RP - I have followed your posts on quite a few topics, and your insights are always great!
IAIMH - Thank you for your comments. I did build the Dynaco kits (Preamp, amp, and tuner) -- but that was more than 50 years ago! I think you have convinced me that the WHAMMY is the way to go -- especially with the opamp rolling possibilities.
Dirk - Thanks for confirming the WHAMMY choice.
My intermediate term plans are to [next] add a Cambridge Audio DACmagic 200M, followed by an Audiolab 6000CDT Dedicated CD Transport. The WHAMMY should play nicely with that pair.
Long term, I'd love to add a Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ and a PS Audio PerfectWave Memory Player.