I am so mid-tier but…

Discussion in 'General Audio Discussion' started by Grattle, Nov 17, 2022.

  1. CEE TEE

    CEE TEE MOT: NITSCH

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    One of 2 prototypes Mikey had is now in the hands of @Erroneous . I was obsessed with getting one of them. If @Erroneous ever wants to sell it, maybe keep it on your radar. :)

    The HD-25 is one I never got a chance to hear and I don't see them for sale either. I think I have a board laying around. I'll ask Craig about them the next time I talk to him.
     
  2. ecline56

    ecline56 Almost "Made"

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    There were two versions of the amp to choose from. The transformer coupled HD-25 and the cap coupled version which I think was called the HD-300. The HD-300 was really good but only for high impedance headphones. I unfortunately, chose the HD-300 since I mainly used the HD 600's. My particular unit had some issue with hum. I rolled in so many 6SN7/ 6AS7 and could never resolve the problem. The board was not well secured and would flex when you pulled out tubes .... especially the 6AS7. I wondered if I cracked the board. He did secure the board after that first run and the problem was probably a problem no longer. The HD300's sound quality was smooth, sweet and refined and would waste today's amps like the Vahalla 2, any Dark Voice, Woo 6 etc .... at least IMO. Never thought about it but I bet the 300 referred to the output impedance.
     
  3. Grattle

    Grattle Friend

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    I have an SW51+ now that I adore. Probably considered a mid-tier amp. It is so silly how much I still wonder what it could possibly be that I am not hearing, or maybe not what but how? In what nuanced and delicious way is an end game amp better? Honest question.
     
  4. THeProfessor

    THeProfessor New

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    I have sometimes thought that the enjoyment of audio equipment is a function of enjoyment in other things in life. Having money is also a way of enjoying your gear -- richer people are happier and happier people have better ears. It's all about the middle way.
     
  5. zottel

    zottel Friend

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    Actually, different from what I feared would happen, listening to very expensive stuff at Munich High End (like a Susvara from a Feliks Envy) didn’t make me long for stuff I never will buy. On the contrary, I found that many very expensive headphones don’t suit my preferences, and those that do aren’t as far away from my present system (Meier Daccord, Meier Jazz, Focal Clear Mg) as I imagined they would be.

    Yes, meet conditions. But that Susvara was in a secluded room (most others weren’t, but still).

    Anyway, maybe you should go somewhere or meet someone and just listen to perverse uber high end stuff? If you are lucky, you might feel like I do.
     
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  6. yotacowboy

    yotacowboy McRibs Kind of Guy

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    This thread should be subtitled: "(maybe) never meet your heros."
     
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