Black Widow [Update] - Second round official, 100 amps total, single chassis

Pro tip: Always check the status before ordering. The Gungnir Multibit is out of stock so I'll be waiting for a while. Must resist the urge to start eyeing the Yggdrasil while I'm waiting.

 

The xlr output has 4 sets of wires going to it ( L+, L-, R+, R-) even though it is single ended input. From there a 2 wires are run to the 1/4 jack (L+ and R+).

My question would be, is the xlr actually better, even though it isn't balanced throughout? The 1/4 is just jumped from the XLR. I am unfamiliar with XLR pin outs, and assume its the same signal being jumped over, but does anyone with more electronics knowledge know?

 

Is the 1/4 Jack connected to ground? I am perplex as there should be a 3rd wire on the 1/4 jack.

The extra wire length from XLR4 to 1/4" adds a tiny bit of resistance (depends on RESISTANCE per meter of the wire used but should be <0.01 ohms (EDIT: Resistivity is constant per the material used. Basic electricity Phail!). As long as the connections are well done, then there should be even smaller added resistance at the joints. I cannot say how it affects impedance as that really depends on the layout, but I assume a good design so there shouldn't be a significant change in impedance.

I am generally wary of phono to phono adapters because the phono plug/socket is not a great design. I am okay with XLR to Phono adapters because the XLR connection seems well designed. However, I suggest the K.I.S.S. principle (Rock N Roll all night!) and use the socket that matches the plug on whatever headphone you are currently using.

 

You are correct, I am a dummy, there is three wires to the 1/4" jack. I rushed the earlier post and forgot common sense.

I don't think impedance should play any difference here with 2" of more cable. I agree - I don't think output is important with this amp. Just listen with what ever connection your cable has and be blown away by the awesomeness of what the black widow can deliver.

 

Anyone have any recommendations of good xlr cables to pair with a HD800 (stock) + BW + Gungnir Multibit chain?

 

I'm getting good results with a Norne Draug V2 xlr cable in an HD800 (stock) + BW 2 + GO450 chain. The downside is that the cable is expensive and takes many weeks to arrive.

 

i think that upgrading the source may yield better result than investing in a fancy cable, but ymmv tho.

 

I will also add that I believe the Draug is no longer available for purchase because it took so much longer than their other cables to build. I am currently using Norne Audio Vanquish with my HD800S. I will use a Draug with my HD800, currently unmodified, but I do have the resonator. My source is the Gungnir Multibit.

 

I have ZY cables on both my HD800 and HD650. Good quality cables, not too long, and cheapest I could find. Massdrop drops the HD800 cable every couple of months for $120 or so.

 

I thought this was the Black Widow thread...

 

Good point JK - but you were the one to say that Craig prefered the XLR out. I blame you

 

Everyone loves to show off their cable jewelry, it's practically a law. That being said, the BW is pretty much my go-to amp now. It's a no hassle amp, I love that.

 

I'd love to hear impressions about the pairing of the BW with vintage orthos. I was running a Yamaha HP-1 and I was amazed that I had to really crank up the BW (well past the 12 o'clock position) to get the HPs to perform. Turns out the HP-1 is an inefficient can and needs a lot of power (hello HE 6).

 

This is an awesome point. No tubes to fuss with, worry about having the right ones etc. I love tube amps, but I don't freak out if I accidentally left it on over night. So far it has paired well with every headphone I've used it with. Any bad pairings out there that people know of?

 

HE-1000, HD800S, and PS1000e all played well - very well!

I did not need much volume, but could still lower the volume enough to play the PS1000e at a comfortable level. I have heard no bad pairing.

 

Wonder if it's good with Elear.

 

In.

 

Wonder if it's good with Elear.

This is what I'm planning to get eventually. Impressions por favor!