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Eddie Current Balancing Act vs ZD Super

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by TomNC, Oct 26, 2015.

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  1. TomNC

    TomNC Friend

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    Could members who have heard both kindly provide some comparative comments on them? I wonder which one is overall superior, a used BA (with good 2a3 perhaps) or a new ZD Super?

    I am saving towards a purchase of a mid-level or above amp to drive primarily HD800s and 650s (even better if it can drive HE-6s to a somewhat decent level).

    I don't have experiences with decent tube amps except the entry-level LD MK3 with C3g drivers. My reference SS amp is Taurus MK2 and I like its precise imaging capability besides overall excellent performance. But it would be nice to have the options to get warmer/lusher mids and sweeter trebles with tube rolling.

    Thanks.
     
    TomNC, Oct 26, 2015
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  2. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    BA is warmer, lusher, more laid-back, and had a delicate treble. Staging is also more precise and expansive. Resolution is a tiny bit better. The BA was running EH 300B tubes for what it's worth - a fairly typical 300B bloomy sound. A KR PX-4 will make the BA sound more neutral (if you can find a KR PX-4).

    ZD Super is a bit bassier with the Senn cans (higher output Z), but not necessary warmer or lusher, and is more present in the mids. ZD Super is also less refined and a little bit rougher around the edges compared to the BA, but it does have a spooky euphonious sound which is difficult to describe... most easily heard in vocals.

    This was from my direct comparison between them two weeks ago. (Same source, same recordings.)

    Although I appreciate the HD800's strengths, I am not a big fan of the HD800. But I did get it play very well in this setup: http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...tem-synergy-special-sound.54/page-3#post-4891
    The BA in that setup was too laid back for the HD650s.

    On the other hand, I love the HD650/HD600 (and HD800 modded) from my regular setup: ZD Super + VPI Classic. (The Classic as it is currently setup with the phono pre is not what I would describe as a warm classic turntable sound. It's rather energetic and slightly leaner and brighter than Yggdrasil.)
     
    purr1n, Oct 26, 2015
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  3. TomNC

    TomNC Friend

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    Your input is greatly appreciated. It seems there is no loser between these two. I am slightly leaning towards the ZD Super as vocals are a big part of my listening. Working well with both HD800 and 650 seems also a strength of the ZD Super.
     
    TomNC, Oct 26, 2015
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  4. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    The BA can work well with the HD650 with a KR PX4. The problem with those tubes is that they are hard to find (not always in stock), have had a high defect rate, and are way too expensive. EML was said to be working on a PX4, but I haven't been keeping up.
     
    purr1n, Oct 27, 2015
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  5. TomNC

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    Thanks again. I recall some head-fi'er sold a BA with EML not long ago. Hope more units will be available before long. There are often round-up reports on vehicles in the same category on automobile magazines. Would not it be nice if there are detailed reviews that compare and rate a group of amps in one report? Yet I cannot recall I have read once such a report from audio magazines.
     
    TomNC, Oct 27, 2015
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  6. TheloniuSnoop

    TheloniuSnoop Friend

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    This is a question for those familiar with the BA circuit. How much of an influence on the sound do the Solen cap's have, and would it be
    worthwhile to upgrade them? Thanks.
     
    TheloniuSnoop, Oct 29, 2015
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