Massdrop Cavalli Tube Hybrid Amp

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by purr1n, Aug 11, 2017.

  1. Melvillian

    Melvillian Friend

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    What kind of a difference would a linear power supply make on an amp like this?

    I remember watching Jude's "review" of the Jotunheim and learning nothing about how the amp actually sounds. He seemed more concerned with impressing me with his technical knowledge.
     
    Last edited: Aug 12, 2017
  2. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Improved macrodynamics, less grain (I think someone else mentioned this), less raw, greater ease and more refined (how I would put it), robust authoritative sound, smoother highs, and slightly improved resolution.

    Read up on the Franken TC-750 phonostage thread of how transformative an LPS, an oversized one made to it. Made a $50 phonostage (that came with a switcher) better than any other phonostage I've heard up to $500-$700.

    Trying to get Massdrop to make a companion PS black box that sits under it for cheap.

    I am kicking myself because I left a PS for this amp at work and forgot to bring it back home. Wanted to see how far this thing will scale. I know it will. I am certain.
     
    Last edited: Aug 11, 2017
  3. cskippy

    cskippy Creamy warmpoo

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    I would love to hear impressions of people using IEMs with the MCTH.

    I'm currently using Carbo Tenore, soon Pinnacle PX, and down the road ProPhile 8 so impressions with these would be fantastic if possible.
     
  4. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Yeah, as far as LPS, do not go to some of those two-bit outfits that sell audiophile LPS and random accessories. More often than not, they are shit ripoff deals.
     
  5. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Not made for IEMs. Spoke to @CEE TEE about this last night. Don't worry. They might have something in store.
     
  6. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    I would like it if some amps had external PS options to choose from, like the Woo Audio WA7. However I know this isn't practical because you would need to stock all sorts of different power supplies.
     
  7. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    I don't want amps to sound like crap like the WA7, though.
     
  8. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    @zerodeefex

    Believe me, I would have used a better example if I could find one.
     
  9. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

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    I think most of it has to do with sound. As PS potentially changes the sound of an amp, I'm guessing some manufacturers want to keep this "me" thing in the design and force customers to listen to their sound signature.

    And of course, there's the other side of the coin: you can't very easily tell the objective crowd that a different LPS will "sound different." Hence it's better to just not try to potentially start that conversation with them.
     
  10. Innosint

    Innosint New

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    I'm curious how this would sound with LPS.

    This + LPS will probably push the total package to 350~400... which is in similar price range with Jotunheim.
     
  11. HitmanFluffy

    HitmanFluffy Hoping to see real genitals someday!

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    Can't wait for the mid-fi clowns to hoover up the 6922 variants and stick Telefunken CCAs and Mazdas in their amps. Buy now!
     
  12. Decomo

    Decomo Almost "Made"

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    Can't wait to try this with HD600. I personally prefer HD600 stock against HD650M and hold purchasing Vali 2 after reading that Vali 2 is a bit laid back. Thank you @Vansen .. Your impression made my decision a lot easier. :)
     
  13. GTABeancounter

    GTABeancounter Friend

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    That would be fantastic. Better still, if they could bundle it with an hd6xx with a balanced cable :headbang:
     
  14. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

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    Eh? Name one tube amp under $1000 that's not mid-fi. Hybrid or not.

    Ready, set, go! :p

    I essentially want a mushy warmer Crack that doesn't distort in bass while driving planars, so your review just made me more excited. ;)

    I wasn't kidding when I said that I was a member of the warmfag society, dear President.
     
  15. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

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    You mean like all the people on this thread that say they want to buy one? Very close to disliking that post, but willing to hear it out.

    @Bill-P , isn't the definition of mid-fi "under $1000" (possibly $1200)
     
  16. Koth Ganesh

    Koth Ganesh Friend

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    Yo Bill, you want to give us some impressions of this amp versus the BH Crack ?
     
  17. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    MCTH is not anywhere as warm or bassy as the Crack. Crack's source impedance is 120 ohms. That will have a very obvious measurable effect, like a couple db increase over a wide swath of bass with the Senns.

    The MCTH is a neutralish amp. Maybe slightly warm with the new production EHs.
     
    Last edited: Aug 12, 2017
  18. GTABeancounter

    GTABeancounter Friend

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    One person's mid-fi is another's wet dream. I'm waiting for the day that some respected poster picks up an Orpheus III and comes in here with his giant dick swinging to declare that it and only it is hi-fi and all us other bitches are doomed to mid fi pergatory. ;)This new massdrop/cavali might be the cla250 of headphones but I'm thankful the damn thing exists given the state of the hobby lately.
     
  19. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

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    Honestly, yeah, I think that's the case.

    I think the problem really is that some manufacturers can't hit "hi-fi" at a significantly lower cost. Schiit is trying, and they're succeeding in hitting the edge of mid-fi at much lower price point (Jotunheim comes to my mind), but I think "hi-fi" is still a good level above.

    Whenever I get mine, I'll post some impressions. Might be a while, though, since I was too busy with school to get in on the beta program and I may be even busier for the next 8 months. I just barely have some free time now.

    :bow:
     
  20. msommers

    msommers High on Epipens

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    Do you guys feel this would pair well with ZMF Atticus?
     

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