Massdrop Cavalli Tube Hybrid Amp

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

  1. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Nice try.
     
  2. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

    Staff Member Pyrate BWC
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    <sigh>

    As @HitmanFluffy intimated, you are not yet qualified to triangulate and calibrate your impressions to others'. That is until you have more experience with higher-end gear, more non-shitty gear, and have impressions with a correlation factor > 0.63 to established members. There at least needs to be some common ground. This is why we don't have links to 17 random reviews of random gear from random f**kers on the home page.

    Now you do realize that there are underground protectors of SBAF (banished because they were unenlightened and deemed unsuitable for the more delicate sensibilities of 2017). I don't keep tabs on them, but somehow I hear their screams.
     
    Last edited: Aug 12, 2017
  3. philipmorgan

    philipmorgan Member of the month

    Pyrate BWC
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    I had a few hours today and worked this up for you. The output probes attach to any exposed skin. Don't press the power switch for too long though.

    [​IMG]
     
  4. Elnrik

    Elnrik Super Friendly

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    Ferengi Marvey's Rules of Acquisition.

    Hahaha

    I'd love to hear this amp, but have no need for it. I prefer the BHC warmfag sound anyway. :p

    The draw for me is the DAC and other possible peripherals in the same chassis/form factor concept. If this can become a complimentary and inexpensive component system (like Schiit products) all from various boutique makers, as an alternative to the Schiit sound, then I'd be in. Wouldn't that be fun? I think so.

    :punk:
     
  5. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Schiit is finally getting some competition. This is good thing.
     
  6. cizx.6

    cizx.6 Just couldn't stay away...

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    There’s a beta program? Man, that sounds easier than the way I churn gear.
     
  7. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

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    Nah, there isn't one. I made that up to simplify saying "MD selected some individuals to send their products to for evaluation and feedbacks." Admittedly, I have gotten lucky a few times but luck doesn't work all the time. Plus it doesn't afford me more experience and expertise, which are necessary for more critical listening feedbacks.
     
  8. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

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    gotta try :)
     
  9. mscott58

    mscott58 Friend

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    As a big fan/supporter of Cavalli who has a LAu as my main headphone amp I am drawn to buying one of these. Heck, it costs what the tax on my Liquid Gold would have been if I'd bought it instate (and at full-price). But then again, do I need it? Is that even a consideration? Don't think so. ;)
     
  10. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

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    @mscott58 : future seller of a M
    @mscott58 : future seller of a MCTH at $199. Here's his ad copy:

    "I didn't really want or need this. Didn't even open the box, just sniffed it for the Cavalli smell....blah blah blah."

    :)
     
  11. mscott58

    mscott58 Friend

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    Ha! Great point. Thanks

    PS - Just looked at the MD page - "1779 users have requested this product", so if even half of those end up buying it, that's a pretty decent response in my book.
     
  12. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

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    No need to get it unless you need it. If it's a good amp and sells well, it will come back on MassDrop. That's how they may back their R&D and manufacturing start up cost: volume.

    Plus, in a few years, MD drop will open a store across the street from the shttr with stock on hand!
     
  13. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

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    Alex just posted this on MD
    https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-x-alex-cavalli-cth-tube-hybrid-amp/talk/1781095

     
  14. Thaitao

    Thaitao New

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    How does this compare to Liquid Carbon? I think people here don't really like the Liquid Carbon.
     
  15. Elnrik

    Elnrik Super Friendly

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    One uses a tube, the other doesn't. Perhaps more succinct questions will get you father.
     
  16. Thaitao

    Thaitao New

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    I want to ask how does the MCTH compare with LC in sound using se out with LC. I'm curious because cavalli gear seem to be favoured here although they're very pricey but not the LC.
     
  17. cskippy

    cskippy Creamy warmpoo

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    I think you can put two and two together. Read the first page and impressions in this thread and then search for Liquid Carbon, which has been talked about ad nauseum and the general consensus is the LC is a poor performer especially for the price.
     
  18. guisess93

    guisess93 New

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    thanks but unfortunately I haven't been able to understand all those terms used in those comments yet. I kinda wanted someone can answer my question with a shorter and more direct summary :(
     
  19. Huxleigh

    Huxleigh Almost "Made"

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    Understood. But you didn't just ask one question that could be (briefly) answered...
    Given that the MCTH almost certainly won't be available for a few months following its Drop, I'd recommend that you pick up a Magni/Modi 2U stack and see how you like it. Or spring for the Vali 2, if you want to spend a bit more for a better amp. Those components offer the best bang for their buck of what you listed.

    Assuming you're relatively new to the hobby, I'd give the MCTH a miss. It's likely to be overkill and you might end up regretting the purchase, especially given the considerable delay between the Drop and actual shipment.
     
  20. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    What headphones?
    1. Buy Modi Multibit and Vali 2 now. This establishes a reference point for everybody here to help you.
    2. If system is too bassy or you want more sparkle, clearer and energetic sound, then in several months, buy a used MTCH or wait until the next drop.
    It's generally too hard to us to make recommendations to newbies. Price performance ratio is good across the board for everything you mentioned, but ultimately it's useless if you don't like the sound. Whether the MCTH has a PPR of 1.93 or 1.73 compared to 1.83 doesn't matter. Generally, if something is shit, we will tell you it's shit, or we won't overtly talk about it, unless there is a direct question, or a direct challenge from a noob.
     
    Last edited: Aug 13, 2017

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