Oblivion | UltraSonic Studios

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by Maxx134, Jun 10, 2019.

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  1. Maxx134

    Maxx134 Dunning–Kruger effect poster boy

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    Oblivion | UltraSonic Studios
    Builder: @SonicTrance
    Ultrasonicstudios.org
    Schematic designer: @MrCurwen
    http://ultrasonicstudios.org

    (another review and measurements: https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/ultrasonic-studios-oblivion-review.8925/)

    Introduction
    True & ideal hybrid amp. True Implementation of Tubes for voltage, and solid state for current. Truly modern design choices of mating circuit designs like CCS & Gyrators effectively to reducing parasitics to the point where component quality does not interfere with, or become a factor for optimal sound(!)
    That perspective is a huge game changer in itself.

    Gone are the old-school tube designs of which mostly ALL of current tube amps are still using which are ancient, old, and non-creative. Gone are the days of heavy expensive output Transformers and huge expensive capacitors. Gone are the headaches of worrying about super expensive parts quality upgrades. Gone are the aggravation of expense in endless tube rolling to find the best match for the amps with expensive tubes!

    What I am saying is that this ideal modern mating of Solid state and tube is a game changer not because of what it uses, but because of how it is implemented.
    Thanks to @MrCurwen for both the design and the unique perspective of design choices,
    We have a resolving amp with high transient speed and high END GAME level transparency, due to reduction of parasitics and component choices which use parts to their best design parameters.
    You see I slipped in the word "end-game". This term is not easily thrown around and so you now already have an idea at what level we are playing here.
    This is not just another tube amp, or just another hybrid amp using two amplification devices as a "novelty".
    This amp to me, defines the proper use of the term hybrid amp and finally gets it right.
    No dumb leds or special circuits thrown in, just for novelty to impress.
    Only the music produced is what is meant to impress.

    My type of review a bit unsual as it does not follow like colorful ambiguous reviews which lose the reader in dumb music selection attributes.
    This to me is placebo to reference a review to itself and nothing else.
    You have no "ruler" to base your impressions on.
    So my review instead deals with music selection as a secondary and non-issue.
    Only amp qualities are compared, TO OTHER REFERENCE END GAME AMPS(!).

    Not many, but the primary point, is to enough to gain a good perspective and feel of what I am talking about.
    I have been testing/modding-upgrading/listening to other expensive amps in $4k range.
    Namely, an upgraded Eddie Current Aficionado (EML mesh plates & cap upgrades), Cayin HA300, Benchmark HPA4, and a Stax009/KGSSHV Carbon combo setup, Woo Wa33, and some speaker amps are among the units tried/comapred & mentioned, only in order to gain a perspective of the quality level we are at.
    As for source gear, they were Yggdrasil A1 & A2 and Holo Spring


    Aficionado audio upgrades I put in:
    After much trials, the stock Nichicon cathode caps in both driver and output stages were upgraded to same model Nichicon KZ, but higher voltage spec for lower ESR & faster transients, from 25v&50v to 50v.
    Coupling caps upgraded to best Jupiter copper foil.
    Output tube sockets rotated 180degree & tubes upgraded to EML mesh 2A3. ($1000)
    Input tubes upgraded to LM Ericson 2C51/396A
    The total upgrades optimized the Aficionado superior to stock, and I considered it as a preferred reference over the others for a time.
    So this version of the Aficionado was the main comparison to @SonicTrance new amp Oblivion.

    Topology
    The topology of Oblivion is transformer coupled (parafeed) balanced amp with open loop (no NFB). SE input stage with balanced CCS loaded source followers that drives the output tube grids. The grid drivers relieves the input tubes of any drive duty. Tubes do voltage amplification and FET’s supply current. Tubes do what they do best and FETs do what they do best.

    The LTP output stage is force balanced through the CCS tail. All tube anodes are gyrator loaded. Regulated B+ and B- so the voltage doesn’t fluctuate with the signal.
    Since Oblivion is open loop (zero NFB) and constant current draw it recovers extremely quick after high transient peaks. That why there's no need for many watts of headroom with this topology like in many other amps with cathode bias and NFB.
    Input tubes are 6AT6’s
    Output tubes are EL81’s
    Here are the pics of this beautiful amp.

    DSC_0609.JPG
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    20181004_121444_HDR (1).jpg
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    Notice how this unit looks so professionally made. Member SonicTrance certainly knows how to make it look extremely well finished.
    The volume is very smooth and the selector feels especially solid.
    That metal XLR is a rarity and is very satisfying plugging into.

    Impressions:
    If meat is the main part of your meal, this review gets right to that as best I can.
    To the few manufacturers of these mentioned amps, as I will now remind all to put this review in perspective, that we ARE discussing ALL TOTL Elite “summit-fi” quality amps, not mid-grade stuff, which means final choices are all at a level of personal preference... They all have their strengths which I will try to describe as well.

    Here are the main qualities of this amp I will state in my impression quotes:
    These will be laid out in “note taking” form, as I have taken many notes while doing comparison, listening, and discussion with others listening at same time.

    This “Oblivion” amp has transient speed, immediacy and openness. Holographic organic imaging tube qualities without coloration/harmonics of tubes.

    Here are my subjective impressions:
    The strongest quality of the Oblivion amp was the soundstage. The oblivion was properly laid out, compared to the(upgraded) Aficionado, and a bit more depth resolve than the Stax009/KGSSHV Carbon setup.
    Yet the Stax009 had a bit more pronounced detailing.

    The Oblivion had the best soundstage and was able to make the Abyss Phi sound the most liveliest it ever sounded..
    It made the Aficionado sound a bit colored & splashy.. Which on hindsight would be logical since it is a traditional tube designed amp.
    All three above mentioned amps all had super high level resolve, but the presentation was so well done by Oblivion, that it made other amps appear skewed in the image presentation from absolute accuracy.
    In comparison to the Oblivion, the Stax was a bit exaggerated in raising the detail levels, and had a bit less depth resulting in a closer image.

    The Aficionado was a bit exaggerated in tube color (as expected), and image presentation (actual “shape” of the soundstage boundaries to be curved). Only in comparison could you perceive that the excellent sounding Aficionado was not as accurately laid out as the Oblivion, both horizontally and in depth. Just that bit skewed enough to slightly notice in comparison, otherwise these things would not be easily detected at all. Certainly not without comparison and critical listening.

    Remember that the Aficionado was upgraded to the max with both internal upgrades and $1000 output tubes.
    Regardless, all three amps had über high and true “end-game” level resolve. Just the presentation was different.
    Oblivion amp just had outstanding and unbeatable image rendering both laterally and in depth.
    IMO, out of all these superior amps, the Oblivion kept best soundstage presentation accuracy overall, with a liquid holographic and color free sound, with SPEED. The transients, being noted as given attention in the design, showed it in playing a large part in giving the harder to drive Abyss PHI more liveliness.

    I always thought I preferred euphoric tube color until I heard the qualities of musicality, delicacy and holography, without any tube richness or color. This is what Oblivion amp portrayed. The woo wa33 also was compared side-by-side with the Oblivion, and it also portrayed this less ”tubey” nature, while the richest tube sound came out of the Cayin HA300, which to me was the most well done ”tubey” amp as far as euphoric tube sound went.
    My friend said the Oblivion most reminded him of the both the KGSSHV Carbon and the Viva Egoista845 amp together, in terms of spaciousness, speed, and transients. I agreed from my memory of the Viva845 I had heard earlier few days before.

    Musical comments:
    Initial first impressions...(with HD800)
    Testing piano it is playing so clean... No tube euphoria but with the delicacy and realism that solid state does not give...Actually it does have an immediate and very lively aspect.
    Nuance and bass string pluck and bass into an HD800 is pretty impressive, it also seems like a smooth amp, while retaining top end clarity. The HD800 is good at picking out differences there.
    Piano has holography & nuance so that is very telling.
    Live Audience applause is very individual, another classic sign of high level resolve.
    Image overall sounds a bit larger than usual.
    Background is dead silent I thought it was broke as it is so silent!

    Later, the main headphone we tested the Oblivion was with was the Abyss Phi..
    The first time that the Abyss Phi reached Stax level sound realism was with Oblivion.
    The Aficionado had high realism as well, but not as alive.
    Not as clean in harmonics, or expansive in image in the lateral plane ...
    Oblivion actually eclipses the Aficionado, which I personally modded to be superior than stock.

    My friend and I were both amazed and in partial disbelief of the performance of the Oblivion!
    It was a bit hard to accept the realization that this amp was performing at such high a level.
    It really was not expected Oblivion to even come close, let alone SURPASS the Aficionado...!
    For me it was a surreal and funny moment to realize you cant believe what your hearing..

    Transients and sonic image were amazing on the amp.
    Realism, refinement, effortlessness, neutrality, solid presentation, timbre..
    All outclassed the Aficionado for me(!).
    Sounded a lot like the stax009 setup, but with a better soundstage field.
    Made the Aficionado sound a bit warped (rounded) in soundfield extremes, with also a more colored image(tubes).
    The Aficionado's realism was there in spades, as this was end-game level, but for me the presentation of this realism was skewed in the soundstage.

    Both the Stax009/Carbon setup, and Oblivion presented the image more realistically to me, while Oblivion actually pulled ahead in both the horizontal plane, and in depth field clarity.
    I realized that the Stax setup was sounding like it exaggerating and compressed forward some layering of the detailing (in comparison), and that is why Oblivion was actually more true to the source.

    Using the LCD3 was actually very efficient, and it did extremely well.
    The LCD3 in bass was a bit more articulate than the Abyss, although noticably less impactful, and it's(LCD3) upper range was less resolving overall than the top headphones we heard in past.

    The HD800 was phenomenal with the amp.
    Nothing lacking except bass level, while bass nuance matched the stax009.
    The Abyss phi bass, although powerful, was not as articulate or resolving as both the Stax & the HD800.
    The LCD3 came close but was not at the level.

    The Oblivion is clearly and unmistakably superior to any tube amp or hybrid I have heard so far. The openness of stage and clarity is on another level than anything short of a Stax setup.
    The clarity and dynamics combined with superior soundstage is, to me, above any amp I have heard(!), with exception of an EC Studio which I would need to direct compare to in future.
    I really cannot find fault in Oblivion.

    About the other amps:
    Subjective notes:
    The modded Aficionado I upgraded eclipsed the Cayin HA-300 rather easily, but that Cayin is way more (tube)euphoric in sound than the Wa22 or the more powerful very transparent wa33...
    Don't get me wrong, I like the wa22 and think it’s great, but it’s still mid-fi level in stock form, while we talking even higher end-game level sound...
    My own heavily tuned LDMK8se that I put thousands extra money in, did not fully reach the (modded) Aficionado performance level, (which was a "reference point" for a while)…

    The woo wa33 very easily reaches end-game level resolve, but its way less harmonics are not a beautiful as the Cayin HA-300, although the wa33 was higher in resolve, it was less musical than Aficionado even....
    The woo wa33 surpassed the "upgraded" (modded) Aficionado in power, and was less colored but also less enjoyable and a bit cold/sterile.

    Oblivion vs Woo wa33 using Susvara:
    Subjective Notes:
    Oblivion wins slightly in soundstage, instrument separation, and width...
    Both are a tie in clarity.
    Woo wa33 win in power which gave it very slightly better low end punch hardly detected.
    In a separate comparison, the Aficionado has slight thicker bass than these two, with also a slight elevated punch over the Oblivion, and was noticably more enjoyable/musical over the Woo33.
    The Oblivion did not sound any worse than the woo wa33. In fact the whole time it actually sounded cleaner and slightly more distinct in instrument separation. Probably by 3-5% more but still noticeable.

    Remember to take this in perspective of so high a level that your headphones can alter such differences.
    Third comparison at that time was a “First Watt” speaker amp which had a different, more organic tonality overall. Maybe thicker which made music more palpable for the Susvara, which was main headphone used for this test.

    The Benchmark HPA4, after a 3week burn in, was the only commercially sold (not DIY) solid state headphone amp that I heard to reached the level of tubes in soundstage, similar to what the Carbon did to the Stax009.
    I mention this because the upgraded Aficionado was decisively preferred over both the Benchmark HP4(!) And over the Cayin HA300 in regards to soundstage and clarity (respectively).
    It should be noted that the Cayin HA300 resolve doesn't quite reach the level of the others mentioned.

    Conclusion:

    So why do I tell you all this background info of other amps & headphones, when your just wanted to know about the "Oblivion"???...

    So that you now will know just what level we talking about with the Oblivion.
    From my observations:
    *It is a notch above the amp we used as "reference" the moded Aficionado... In soundstage placement and solidity of realism.
    Not in overall power (Aficionado still had a tad more gas on the volume, but on transient delivery the Oblivion excelled.
    *It is the only amp I tried (so far) that pushes the Abyss Phi to sound better (more lively) than I ever heard it before.
    *It is only amp I felt not need any modding (like my LDMK8se) and so I purchased it for my own, as reference amp.

    So far I consider it at total end-game status, at a less powerful level than the EC Studio.
    I consider this a new breed of design philosophy and a no brainier at the price it beats out multi thousand dollar amps...

    The Oblivion, being a "true" hybrid (not just having tube parts for the sake of having them), it has the best of both worlds.
    The most accurate soundstage for me, so full holographic sound of a tube amp, plus having the very clean (yet non-sterile) sound of a solid state amp.

    I have rolled the driver tube on the Oblivion to detect an ever so slight difference in "air" but basically you’re getting a "EC Studio" neutral sound with the life and holography of tubes.
    Bass is present but not thick or "fat" like some tube amps can get. The transparency, transient speed, and clarity is what gets you.

    I consider it my current reference.
    I would only look for more power (EC Studio) if I had a Susvara, BUT if I had a Susvara, I would not bother with a headphone amp as it does its best with an actual speaker amp like the “First Watt” (like the HE6 needs)..
    I preferred the Susvara over the Stax009/Carbon in that configuration.
    For all other headphones, the Oblivion, or the higher model SonicTrance has to offer is the obvious choice for me.

    I personally, am very content with the Oblivion amp.
    It is unbeatable for a transparent reference amp, unless I wanted a thick syrupy or less resolved amp.
    That’s my honest subjective opinion and I would not suggest something that would make me feel bad about suggesting.
    It’s not about money for me, but the sound and practicality combined.

    I “could” also suggest to you the Stax 009/KGSSHV-Carbon setup, as alternate choice of “end game” gear, but that requires many more thousands which crosses my limits of practical suggestions, as well as not sounding as layered to me.
    To some, like me, I find the stax009 having the speed of the RAAL ribbon (which I also compared side-by-side to the mentioned stax009 setup), but just not as natural sounding(a bit artificial), especially in the bass, while the ribbon was natural and “perfect” sounding, except it just doesn’t cut it for me in bass, so I will stay with the more satisfying traditional planars and dynamics, which the Oblivion handles perfectly..

    Anyways the Oblivion amp is currently what I could easily recommend in good conscience. Especially with a wide range of headphones since it was tested with the most demanding and reveling of headphones just mentioned.
    Think of SonicTrance "Oblivion" amp as a colorless neutral, yet wonderful soundstage amp, where the joy comes not from the euphoric color, but instead the greater involvement of noticing everything in the stage without color.
    You just instantly recognize the amp as sounding more true..
    There is a feeling of majestic certainty in the soundstage presentation and timbre.
    We talking about accuracy in presentation.

    Price for Oblivion is USD 1450 and USD 1600 with speaker outputs

    Contact @SonicTrance. He also offers an all balanced version called Citadel.

    Considering what I have compared it to, I consider this amp to be a ridiculously great deal.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 16, 2020
  2. Maxx134

    Maxx134 Dunning–Kruger effect poster boy

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    So I brought my Oblivion amp to test with Susvara a week or so ago..
    We also tested it against some speaker amps:
    20190404_212601.jpg


    Ok, so here are my subjective observations.

    Sometimes I write like its set in stone, but I don't mean to be that way. I enjoy much gear and yet I never had any troubles coming to conclusions on gear and that's why I write in the way I do. It's important to note that opinions would vary due to real differences in everyone's ear shape & canal. My subjective opinions are usually always in line with the general consensus of threads over time. Therefore I am quite confident in my assessment yet I just want to stress that it is still my "humble" opinions as I usually tread on controversial topics as I reach my points.

    Most "headphone" amps will show their distortion on the Susvara rather easily if you just blast them past the volume dial's halfway point. No one usually does this, but it's easy for the Susvara to show the headroom weakness of an amp, by going into this "uncharted area" that most amps don't go. I have done this with a few top headphone amps at the last Canjam with the Susvara, in order to gauge a specific amps headroom and also "how" it handles and sounds with such a load.

    They all pretty much started to fail past at 2/3 of their max volume with the Susvara. Even the nicer ones (like the sweet Violectric Nimbus) succumbed to this deficiency. To balance this subjective point, normal listening levels were usually at least halfway point on most headphone amps with Susvara. The amps also sound different when pushed to max volume (distortion)on a Susvara. This was an unscientific, but very effective and simple test to do (quick blast with Susvara). And let's get it stated that almost ALL "headphone amps" will run out of gas on the Susvera at high volumes. This is why many users feel a speaker amp is more ideal.

    So enough blabbering right?
    How did the Oblivion do?

    The same strong points of this amp still prevailed. The authoritative soundstage, and especially clarity was its strong point, and surprisingly way past normal volumes. Not half, not 2/3, not even at 3/4 volume turned from max volume. There was there no sign of stress. The Susvara was handled excellently, and the headphone did not get the better of the amp(!) when past halfway point. On most headphone amps it was so easy to hear and describe the distortion at high volumes. Not so easy on this amp. The oddity of this amp is the lack of distortion and the effect at higher volumes. You had to go past 90% of the volume, to notice the type of effect it has on the sound. It sounded as if the bass impact stopped short of its fullness of hit, like a slight soft clip, yet still, without any of the normal type of sound of "distortion", you would expect of an amp. No dirty sound. It stayed clean overall.

    Remember this post is meant to be realistic but not practical. That's why I intentionally forced amps to "real world" maximum volume for observing effects. Even if you wanted ear-bleeding, head-banging EQ'd bass, you still wouldn't go past 2/3, let alone 3/4 turn. At 3/4 turn on the Oblivion with the Susvara, I could blast only for a few seconds as it was too much for my ears. The main trait of this headphone was the clean quality of the sound.

    Ok so what about the speaker amps?

    Well, they both could push the Susvara to more scary impacts, but in comparison, I was just very pleased that I felt I didn't need that with the Oblivion amp. It had enough punch. So, in the picture, the amp pictured below sounded really sweet with Susvara. Damn nice. It was a BK ST-140 (old school amp), yet the Oblivion had more clarity and soundstage (its strong point).

    The other amp I listened to that day, was an integrated speaker amp, that IMHO is one of the best ever made, a PASS LABS INT-150, which I feel is the best SS amp I have ever heard, and the only one rivaling any & all amps in clarity, realism and even soundstage(!). So in comparison, the Oblivion held itself to be in the same category of realism, clarity, soundstage, just less power on tap. The PASS amp was simply majestic in its rendering of effortless power and clarity. It either equaled or was above anything else I have ever heard when using it on the Susvara or HD800. The only Achilles heel of the PASS amp would be, is the issue of headphones.

    A speaker amp will typically work with mainly the Susvara, HE6 & HD800 straight out and best. Most all other headphones are too sensitive, and so you will hear noise floor with them on a speaker amp. That's why for the price, I feel nothing can currently beat the Oblivion amp. Yes, at $3-4k level and up we have choices, but I still would choose it over all the other amps I mentioned so far (my own preference due to its imaging). Bottom line, it's not easy to beat this amp.

    Parts of this design (like "parafeed" part of the topology) is not uncommon but the implementation of it, in a way to reduce the parts parasitics, was key to this design. I am sure SonicTrance or MrCurwen can elaborate better, but I cannot understate this point. That is what truly differentiates this amp from common tube amp designs or common hybrid designs. The electronics market is slow to modernize and most amps you see, (even in the multi-thousand dollar level) are still using old school topology, which consequentially relies very heavily on parts quality. You can't get around this on current tube designs. They are still following old school topologies. You see it everywhere and upgrades will cost you more. Name a tube amp brand now, and you'll see it's old school design.

    I was a stubborn believer in old school designs. There is a stigma in the tube camp where oldtimers feel a need four purest tube design without Solid State. I also had this belief system. And it is true, most hybrid designs are done poorly. So It was only until I was able to test it and hear it for myself. At first, I was in heavy denial that this amp could sound as good as the amps next to it (at the time they were very expensive).
    three_amps.jpg

    The idea of parts quality "NOT" affecting the circuit was pretty alien to me, and probably most people. Traditional tube designs are all still very dependent upon parts quality, or parts adding sound, or as MrCurwen calls it, "parasitics". I like to state this aspect and ability of the amp is not to be underestimated. Retaining full tube holographic imaging on a hybrid is very unique. The solid-state aspect of this design ends up solidifying the image to be one of the most accurate presentations I heard yet. Remember in my review how I irrespective of the realism, the soundstage accuracy can still be skewed in other top amps.

    This amp gets it precise while at the same time solves the issues of "parts" dependency, that plagues basically ALL other tube designs so far... They ALL still depend on parts quality to effect their sound...
    This amp design makes "parts" upgrading practically obsolete (!). This is the aspect that is a game changer.
    As the designer says "parasitics" of the components are avoided.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 11, 2019
  3. k4rstar

    k4rstar Britney fan club president

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    This is cool and all but... why is this entire post cut and paste from Head-Fi? Why does the entire body of your post link to the manufacturers website, like one big advert? Why is there no background information on the manufacturer or why anyone should give this unknown amp a second glance? WTF is a gyrator?

    Very lazy post, please put some effort into your attempts at marketing on behalf of a manufacturer.
     
  4. Lyander

    Lyander Official SBAF Equitable Empathizer

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    This is interesting but the fact that the whole thing is a massive hyperlink makes it annoying to navigate on mobile. Maybe better to have the link up top, @Maxx134?

    Edit: this was copy-pasted? Yikes. Executive summary would be cool too, if not too much trouble.

    Edit 2: oh God above is this what it's like for people reading my posts when I forget to be concise. Skimming gives me a general sense of things but wow.
     
    Last edited: Jun 10, 2019
  5. Maxx134

    Maxx134 Dunning–Kruger effect poster boy

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    Apologies for the rush to post and was at work so didn't check I was having trouble doing all on my phone.

    It should be well known by now that you ALWAYS troll and dislike all my posts, so your comments should fall on deaf ears.
    You don't even realise the topics I'm talking about. :Violin:

    Edit: deleted rant.

    Anywaya
    The "tube amp" market needs fresh blood and this is it.
     
    Last edited: Jan 16, 2020
  6. Maxx134

    Maxx134 Dunning–Kruger effect poster boy

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    I will fix link

    yeah it is a long post just like any other review which you would read without complaining off topic inconveniences
     
  7. Lyander

    Lyander Official SBAF Equitable Empathizer

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    No one is under any obligation to post things for manufacturers or talk about them unless they want to. You're saying k4star knew about this amp? Even if that were the case they're not obliged to talk about it. If anything I'm more intrigued by the ToolShed stuff in their status update from a while back even if the typeface on the amps makes me want to rip my eyes out.

    It's appreciated that you started this thread because new products that may be worth investigating are intriguing (to me anyway since I'm far from done working on my system, budget aside), but there's no need to be abrasive about it.

    Also yeah you're coming off as very positive here, always worth poking at. The hyperbolic prose is also a bit much. Do you still have the D7200s around? How're low-z biodynas with the amp?
     
    Last edited: Jun 10, 2019
  8. k4rstar

    k4rstar Britney fan club president

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    You misunderstand me, there is no conspiracy to shit on your thread. It did not take 156 IQ on the Mensa test to realize your post was copy/pasted from somewhere else, and it only took a 5 second search to realize that was HF.

    To be clear:
    1) Nothing wrong with Head-Fi. They reach a lot more users and if I wanted to post about a brand new headamp to give some market visibility to the manufacturer, that's where I would go. There's also nothing wrong with your post by Head-Fi standards except that there's no backstory on the development of this amp, where the ideas came from to use gyrocopters for coupling, etc. Or perhaps what a gyrocopter is.

    2) Nothing wrong with marketing for a manufacturer you like. It's a warm and fuzzy feeling when you have a good relationship with a manufacturer, really dig their stuff, and want to share it with others. I'm saying you did a lazy job with your post here and thus as a potentially interested buyer of this amp I am now confused instead of intrigued.

    Using less words to say more and overall better formatting would really help digest this post as well.
     
  9. Maxx134

    Maxx134 Dunning–Kruger effect poster boy

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    My comment was only to k4star who is probably a tough skinned person so I was not abrasive to anyone.

    Yes I am positive about the amp and it is currently my reference untill something better comes along but at what price would be a factor.

    Yes I still have my D7200 and it is a very sensitive can and the amp is dead silent on it. there is zero noise or hum. reminds me of a woo wa7 I had long ago which also was dead silent with volume all the way up.
    I really like my Biocellulous cans I also have a THX00 and they are very dynamic on this amp which excells in transients and is a main reason it livens up the Abyss Phi so well..
     
  10. Maxx134

    Maxx134 Dunning–Kruger effect poster boy

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    I am going to agree with everything you said and removed my dislike on your initial post.
    I would like to organize my thoughts better for this thread but my own personall notes were more disjointed and truthfully the Headfi thread writup I made was actually for this site first, but I was banned here for a dam month over silly stuff (yes, on my part), so thats how it all went down.

    The point is I think people should know when a good idea comes along and is materialized into a product you should check out because in comparison everything else is very old school.
     
    Last edited: Jan 16, 2020
  11. SonicTrance

    SonicTrance MOT: Ultrasonic Studios

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    Hi,

    This is my first post on these forums. I just signed up the other day as Maxx134 told me he wanted to post his review of my amp on here. I don't see why he would have to re-write the review just to post it on another site?

    Long story short is that I build and sell amps as a hobby. I started building amps a few years ago and was mentored by Mika Kalm (MrCurwen on audio forums). I reached a point where I just couldn't keep building amps for myself. How many amps does one person need? :)

    I then asked Maxx134 if he wanted to review my amp as I know he's very good at describing sound with words. He agreed, so all said and done I built an amp and send it to him for an honest review. As you can read above he liked it so much he bought the review unit.

    So, I started my hobby name, UltraSonic Studios, and put up a website in hope to be able to continue to build amps for other people.

    A gyrator is a plate load for vacuum tubes. Traditionally plate loads are either just a resistor, choke or an output transformer. The gyrators I use consist of two resistors, one FET and one cap, that's it. The gyrator offers very high impedance loads to the tubes which gives a practically flat loadline. This eliminates individual tube distortions.

    Feel free to ask any questions you guys might have.
     
  12. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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  13. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    This forum is not normal. It has its own character. Long-winded verbose reviews, lack of an ability to convey an interesting story, reviews that look more like advertisements for a manufacturer, and being lazy (straight cut and paste from HF without editing to make it suitable for the audience here) are highly frowned upon.

    Also, the entire review being blue (because it is linked to your website) is quite egregious and deserving of a ban of the member who posted it. I will let the members decide.
     
    Last edited: Jun 10, 2019
  14. SonicTrance

    SonicTrance MOT: Ultrasonic Studios

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    Ok, I hear you.

    I'm sure Maxx will fix the link issue.
     
  15. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

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    @SonicTrance You're more than welcome here, so long as you're comfortable with criticism of your products! To explain: I know the whole audio hobby/industry is usually upbeat and positive...lots of back patting and self-congratulating everywhere. Every product seems to be at least "good" and worthwhile, but how can that actually be? In reality, this sort of "everything is worthy" environment doesn't do critical listeners and/or those that want the best for their money any good. And it's too easy to fall prey to the hype cycle, where one constantly churns through gear. We try to buck that trend with a blend of subjectivity and objectivity.

    So, some people will like your stuff, some not. Some will be mixed. We can be a tough crowd! We're more akin to a local bar full of regulars, wary of outsiders that assume we should act a certain way, but welcoming nonetheless to those openly curious.

    The issue with @Maxx134's post is that it was incredibly long, formatted strangely (not including the full hyperlink), bounced around with all sorts of thoughts, was generally hard to follow, etc. Seemed more like an ad overall. I don't think anyone is blaming you for this, so no need to worry on your end. We like things more to be focused and cut straight to the chase.
     
  16. brencho

    brencho Friend

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    Cool looking amp. Can someone give us a cliff notes version...
     
  17. SonicTrance

    SonicTrance MOT: Ultrasonic Studios

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    @Hands Thanks for the welcome!
    I have no problem with criticism. I actually encourage it. Criticism and feedback in general gives me something to think about. Whether it's about aesthetics or sound quality.

    I do agree with you though that everything can't be good.
     
  18. Jozurr

    Jozurr Facebook Friend

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    Unless the website isn't fully loading at my end or something, I don't really understand the website - what does it actually have other than some pics and a form to get in contact? Would it be better to have the names and details of the amps on there? pricing? specs? shopping cart/buy option? your background? etc etc
     
  19. SonicTrance

    SonicTrance MOT: Ultrasonic Studios

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    Hi,

    Look at the menu. You have "amps" where I talk about the two versions, Oblivion and Citadel, there's also an "about" page. The site is not a web shop but rather a way for me to display the amps I build.
     
  20. k4rstar

    k4rstar Britney fan club president

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    I am actually quite interested in your amp. Some naive questions if you don't mind:

    1) Why the EL81 for the output tube? Were there any other valves in consideration? Beam pentodes are not common for audiophile amplifiers, especially not headamps.

    2) Other than cost savings, what are the objective and subjective benefits of using gyroraptors to load the tubes versus transformers?

    3) Would you be willing to post a photo of the internals of an assembled unit?

    4) What is the output impedance of the headphone output? What is the power delivery into 8 ohms? 32? 300?

    5) What's the power supply like? I assume that's a toroidal transformer sitting on top.

    6) What are the meters on top for? Is the chassis made out of metal?

    7) What got you to start building amplifiers? What equipment do you use to tune your amplifiers, in terms of speakers or headphones?

    8) Where do you source your parafeed transformers? Is it cheeky to assume they're from Lundahl?

    9) We have a loaner program on the forum where senior members can sign up to hear gear that is purchased by us or on loan from a manufacturer. Would you be interested in participating in this in the future? It would get more ears on your creation and varied impressions in public.

    10) If the answer to the above is no, can I review your amp? I promise to write a review not exceeding two paragraphs of 4 to 8 sentences in length, accompanied by a purchase recommendation based on my own bias and experience with amplifiers in the $100 to $4000 price range.
     

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