Massdrop x Eddie Current ZDT Jr. (Official Thread)

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by Hands, Nov 15, 2017.

  1. Ice-man

    Ice-man Friend

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    What a great time to be in the hobby right now. MD is bringing some real excitement to the table with lower prices and exceptional gear. Yeah, I'd say that this is the ONE that Marv mentioned a few months back. Shame about the pairing with planars though. And they stole the knob right off the damned BHC! I'm in for this one...
     
  2. Mystic

    Mystic Mystique's Spiritual Advisor

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    Dammit. How can I refuse? I'm in for one. Always wanted to hear the NBM.

    Will be interesting to compare with my ZDS.

    How is Laconic bypassing Russian law here? Iirc Han Solo had to smuggle the NBM out of the country.
     
  3. t3hwx9

    t3hwx9 Acquaintance

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    The problem with some of orders (mostly Australia and Southeast Asia) wasn't strictly law-related. The packages were false-flagged as potentially hazardous by the Aviation Safety staff of one specific airport. And they don't care much about that.
    That has been handled via double Han-Soloing: Moscow → Saint Petersburg → destination.
     
  4. Elnrik

    Elnrik Super Friendly

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    I had my Eikon with me, but didn't try it. It could have been a number of factors making things sounds off. Trying too many headphones and throwing my baselines out of whack, not having experienced the HP3 before then, a bad chain, etc. The impression stuck with me though.

    The HP3 didn't sound off on the little solid state amp they had sitting next to the ZDT, so I had assumed something was up with the ZDT.

    I probably should have just kept my mouth shut. By all accounts of the laconic nights, it should sound quite nice.

    *Shrug*
     
  5. Carlos CPA

    Carlos CPA Friend

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    This is awesome! I’ll be setting my alarm early this Friday!

    I bet this would look pretty great (and sound good too) on top of a black Bifrost Multibit...
     
  6. JNicko

    JNicko New

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    I've just ordered a Valhalla 2 + Vali 2, why do you do this to me

    Whelp, been interested in hearing a NBM since I read about them, time to crack open the warchest again..

    I'm aware that it's been said that the ZDT jr may be better than the Valhalla 2, could any of you guys who have had the ZDT jr for review purposes comment on the Valhalla 2 and ZDTjr for thd HD800/S?

    It's not my intention to have a Valhalla 2 vs ZDT comparison, just a question about their individual interactions with the HD800/S sound signature

    Just wanting to see if it'd be worth purchasing one of these in my case :)
     
  7. Resolve

    Resolve MOT: Headphones.com

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    Would this be better than the CTH for my Audioquest Nightowl? I get that they're doing a totally different thing, but the main thing I'm hoping to gain in either case is a bit wider headstage. Currently using a Magni 2, and I'd love to know which drop to jump on haha. Such weird timing.
     
  8. SteelCannon

    SteelCannon Friend

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    I was really unimpressed with Laconic NBM it was mushy, overly bloomy, overly euphonic and closed in sounding with modded hd650.

    The new looks are sick though.
     
    Last edited: Nov 15, 2017
  9. starence

    starence Facebook Friend

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    That's a good question. Also, the Massdrop warranty is only good for one year, so if the amp craps out after that, it could be a challenge to get it repaired.
     
  10. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Doh Volts. Was busy at work and thinking about other things.
     
  11. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    I'd go a bit more toward ZDT Jr with HD800/S. Opposite strengths and weaknesses. The ZDT Jr shines the mids and treble and doesn't do so good in the bass. The Valhalla is almost the other way around. ZDT Jr is definitely more tubey and warm sounding. Valhalla 2 less so.
     
  12. msommers

    msommers High on Epipens

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    To get the most out of this amp with the 650, should it be modded? It seems like adding too much warmth and thickness to an already dark platform swings the spectrum pretty far over... I suspect something is flying over my head. I use a Jot with stock 650.
     
  13. Merrick

    Merrick A lidless ear

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    I’m tenpted to buy one now and get an HD600 or 580 later. I’d be more tempted if this were actually one of Craig’s designs.
     
  14. el1x

    el1x New

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    I have a BH Crack with the speedball and I’m tempted to jump on this.
    Am I correct in my assumption that this would be a side-grade and only be a flavour change? Or would this be a clear step up?

    I enjoy the pairing of my BHC and 6XX and while not unhappy with the BHC, would be ok with moving it on for something that may have a better synergy etc.
     
    Last edited: Nov 16, 2017
  15. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    LOL. I finally took a listen after all this time. I left it in the box.

    Compared with two earlier versions of the NBM, this does sound tweaked, for the better. Bass quality is better than what I remembered of the NBMs. I'll need to talk with @CEE TEE to confirm, but I am almost certain because that's what Massdrop.does. Tweak for better performance. I know Ahmed at Laconic is always tweaking too.

    Bottom line: These are fantastic. Very much an Eddie Current sound as in not laid back sounding but smooth treble (let tubes warm up), a bit of warmth, and great clarity and microdynamics at the price point.

    P.S. HD650K mod with Modi Multibit or Gungnir Multibit work well. Modi Multibit just a slightly darker tile. Gungnir Multibit of course brings the technicalities.
     
  16. Walderstorn

    Walderstorn Friend

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    I am, more or less, in the same boat, with the same doubts. I will have to wait and decide but I guess it will also depend when it's going to be shipped.
     
  17. AppleheadMay

    AppleheadMay Friend

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    As much as I laugh with people slamming the order button when the new iPhone comes out I think I will be doing the same with this one.
    Various alarms already set!
     
  18. JustAnotherRando

    JustAnotherRando My other bike is a Ferrari

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    How warm/hot do these get? Bit of an unusual question, but the country that I live in, heat output is an actual concern- it's stinking hot here most the year and rooms tend to be on the small side. Having a fairly modest PC on in the same room results in noticeable temperature changes.
     
    Last edited: Nov 15, 2017
  19. jowls

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    Super confused as to why this isn’t just Massdrop x Laconic...
     
  20. Sqveak

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