Massdrop Cavalli Tube Hybrid Amp

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

  1. Captainsubtext

    Captainsubtext New

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    It's a gamble. I've bought many things off massdrop and barring this cth have been fairly lucky so far - I seem to have received a zdt jr without any hum issues.

    But the truth is that it's pretty much the same issue for most brands here in India which don't offer local servicing and warranty. I'm just used to it and pray to our many deities that all goes well with my audio purchases.
     
  2. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

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    Mine didn't blow up until I used a toob saver with shorted pins. Try another tube before you return it to rule that out
     
  3. Phantaminum

    Phantaminum Friend

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    I've been curious about this for a while. If there is an issue with a Massdrop collaboration after the warranty is up I'm assuming we still contact MD to try to fix the problem? For example this amp is a collab with Dr. Cavalli but it's not like Meze or Hifiman that have a operating business front.

    I guess I should shoot @CEE TEE this question.
     
  4. StageOne

    StageOne Friend

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    You could get a defective amp from anywhere, but the real issue is how they support the customer. And Massdrop seems willing to refund the purchase so that’s pretty solid. It’s unfortunate a replacement would incur additional charges. My first CTH developed a scratchy volume pot and MD promptly replaced it with a new one. I think that is pretty good customer service and I’ve had no issues with the current amp.
     
  5. Skyline

    Skyline Double-blindly done with this hobby

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    Yes, but combine this with the humming issues on the ZDT Jr. and the relatively short 1 year warranty.

    I've heard the MCTH and it's a great sounding amp, but all of these factors kept me from jumping on board to both this and the ZDT drop.

    At this point, I feel far more comfortable with their headphone offerings.
     
  6. BrokeSkoolBoi

    BrokeSkoolBoi Acquaintance

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    Hey yall, so Im really enjoying the CTH with the sdac, glad I bought this combo because I only like the Modi multibit & CTH with my hd700, occasional hd700 maybe, and my bose revolve (...just take my word for it). And I'm actually in a bind now because my new HD600 sounds bright with my Magni 3 but great with the CTH. I had no intention of getting a new solid state but the only two things that like the Magni 3 better are my MD+ and my X2's.

    So my question now is, what is the best price to value solid state upgrade for a Magni 3 and pairs will with a Modi Multibit? Should I look for a Massdrop Liquid Carbon amp on the internet somewhere? I'm asking this knowing I can't afford to get a new Solid state right now but I haven't found many impressions of a variety of amps in this price bracket so I would like to start brainstorming.
     
    Last edited: Nov 2, 2018
  7. BrokeSkoolBoi

    BrokeSkoolBoi Acquaintance

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    Recently I found that my tube was not properly inserted, I was hearing a high pitched wine from the 6.3mm jack via my MD+ iems regardless of volume. After fiddling with the tube a bit and moving it around I no longer suffer from fatigue and lack of definition listening with my Modi Multibit. The latter may have been the caused by further burn in though as I've definitely hit 200 hours now.

    HD600 and Modi Multibit/CTH are a killer combo, the listening is so smooth but the bass is full and hefty. The upgrade from the Magni 3 to CTH is much appreciated, I will definitely suggest this amp to any newbie looking for a more 'one and done' solution.
     
  8. penguins

    penguins Friend, formerly known as fp627

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    Wondering if anyone else has had this issue with MCTH:

    After about 20-30 minutes of listening, regardless of volume (ex even if volume stays under 8 o'clock the whole time) or DAC or headphone/earphone used. I get this feeling in both ear canals where they both feel irritated. Best I can describe it is some external pressure being applied via an ear plug or flange/tip (for an IEM) for a long period of time followed by irritation between the 1st and 2nd bend of the canal (and thankfully never deeper). At first it's uncomfortable, then it get worse and worse pretty quickly. Goes away when I stop listening and take even a short break ~2-3 minutes. Come back and use the same dac and headphone but different amp the issue will not come back.

    I don't have the problem with my other amps or any other amp I've used before, including other Cavalli amps (up to ~70 minutes before I stopped listening). Have never had this problem with any other headphone or earphone before either. The one and only time I've ever had this problem with anything else was using a particular pair of electronic ear muffs for hearing protection. There it would occur only after 3+ hours of use and it wasn't as bad.
     
    Last edited: Nov 18, 2018
  9. scapeinator1

    scapeinator1 Once You Go Black You'll Never Go Back

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    I think it's time to go to the doctor's office. Get your ears and neck checked out (HENT exam). Does it kind of feel like if you are on a plane or something? It might be a eustachian tube issue.

    For reference, I'm a medical student and that feeling of the ear being plugged is something I've seen before.
     
  10. penguins

    penguins Friend, formerly known as fp627

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    Thanks @scapeinator1 . Have not seen a ear/nose/throat doctor about this and haven't had a HENT exam before - maybe that's in order regardless.

    However, after re-reading my first post, I should reword the description, maybe it will make a difference - it doesn't feel like my ears are plugged when I listen with this amp and I never have this in day to day life. I don't have any sensation that I'm on a plane and don't disoriented in any other way either when this does happen. Rather, the pressure feels like it is being distributed via someone pushing on ear plugs or lets say tips/flanges for an earphone. More specifically, it feels like there is an even pressure being applied all around between the 1st and 2nd bend of my ear canal and it feels like something is trying to push the plug/tip/flange deeper into my ear at the same time but it never gets deep enough to cause sensation in the area after the 2nd bend (if you have had CIEM before, think of the poke sensation you get when the tips are too long and need to be shaved down ~1mm). Hence my initial suspicion that it may be something with the amp.

    However, if it makes a difference, I asked 2 different GP (2-3 months ago and one 9 years ago) and a audiologist (5 years ago) about this before since the issue described with electronic ear muffs happened 2x 9 years ago. None of them saw anything wrong and I didn't pursue it any further each time since I have to use a very specific electronic ear muff (and even then only with the electronics on) or the MCTH amp to have this happen.

    If you can say, what happened in the case/s of the plugged ear sensation you mention? Any serious/permanent hearing loss?
     
    Last edited: Nov 18, 2018
  11. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

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    Tis amp does invert the absolute polarity and some headphones and IEM's are more semsitive to this and also more people are more sensitive to this as well. FWIW

    Just a hunch, but then again I could be way off amd it not make any difference.
     
  12. nickwin

    nickwin Acquaintance

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    Im looking for a new amp for my HE500s and was hoping I might get some feedback here. Im using Lyr 1 which is warm, punchy and dynamic but lacks clarity and resolution big time. Has anyone compared the MCTH to the Lyr 1 or 2? Im wondering how much of a step up it is in terms of technicalities?

    Also, can anyone comment on the MCTH paired with HE500?

    Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!
     
  13. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

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    The MCTH can be a bit bass light, which does not suit the HE-500's slight brightness. It may not be the synergy you are looking for. The LP is a better match, but a big jump up in price.

    The Lyr 3 is also pretty great with my HE-500's, and can tailor your tastes and synergy with different tubes.
     
  14. msommers

    msommers High on Epipens

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    I have to strongly disagree based off of experience with using a MCTH w/ LPS and MCTH w/ SMPS simultaneously out of the same dac, using the same stock tube with HD650/6XX. The differences are there but subtle.

    This amp seems pair well with Amperex tubes but I don't see any reason to spend more than $30-40 USD/tube because, while I really enjoy this amp, it doesn't deserve unobtanium.
     
  15. BrokeSkoolBoi

    BrokeSkoolBoi Acquaintance

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    I find that what I appreciate about the amp has evolved. Before I found it to be quite reserved in it's presentation, however it's more extroverted now to my ears. The sound signature is still similar, but the difference was so clear to me I was also uncertain if I liked it more or less at first, thus my comment.
     
    Last edited: Jan 30, 2019
  16. Ameloblast

    Ameloblast New

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    My Vali 2 just died, normally paired with a Modi multibit. Thinking of getting the CTH amp only but was wondering if I should just get the SDAC combo. Thoughts? Modi multibit superior to SDAC?

    Looking for a spacious sound with a good low end. I'm quite sensitive to treble and sibilance.

    Using a HD58X and He4xx.

    Thanks!
     
  17. monacelli

    monacelli Friend

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    Hi, Ameloblast. You accidentally posted in the wrong thread. This one is for impressions, not DAC advice. Please post in the All Purpose Advice Thread instead. I also strongly encourage you to read the stickies Marv has posted in the banner. Good luck-
     
  18. Biodegraded

    Biodegraded Friend

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    @monacelli 's good advice seconded - and I'd add, a lot of people here find the Vali 2/Modi Multibit combo excellent, so why not just replace the dead Vali? Cheap used, and if you like the way the combo sounds (which from your description I'm guessing you do), probably the most satisfying in the long run.
     
  19. Thomas

    Thomas New

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    Hi,
    I just got the zerozone power supply designed for the cth and the dc output connector fits very loosely in the amp. I can’t push it completely inside. Did anyone experience something similar? It works but I’m afraid it might cause some damage and/or impact the SQ.
    Sorry if this has been adressed higher in the thread.
     
  20. msommers

    msommers High on Epipens

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    What size of DC connector did it come with?
     

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