@@_DeepGroove_ possible, guess it differs depending on the impedance if the headphones - I heard it on a Trafomatic Head 2, with my Focal Clears, where the difference was large. My Singxer SA1 has 'high/low Z', which is also impedance I think. There it makes a small difference.
Yep, it will be different on every headphone depending on the impedance changes of that headphone across the frequency range. It won't have any tonal impact on planar magnetics because they have a flat impedance curve.
I usually have issues with hum. Also with foot tapping. And sometimes, if no one is looking, some fist pumps and or air guitar. Maybe I need to change the cables? 😊
@@PassionforSoundAgreed, if resolution is your goal. I like jumping back and forth between a Geshelli J3/A3 stack w/ hexses and a qutest, TA66 w/ 109s, and I’m surprised how often I prefer the latter. Not better or worse, just different. 😊
Lachlan, as a recovering audiophile from the Netherlands, I am very curious and interested to know if you think the LTA Velo amplifier is a good match for my beloved Hifiman Organic?
Wait, can you link to the higher-quality rectifier tube for the TA-20 Plus? I have that amp, but don't know which tube would be good for the rectifier.
It’s kind of dorky, but I recently had a T-shirt printed for my audiophile friend as a joke that says “ My other DAC is an Apple Dongle!” He got a good laugh from it. He’s told me since it’s already started some cool conversations with other audiophiles. All the best!
I have seen some British brands not use the ground pin on the mains power but instead use the left channel rca shield as floating ground. While running touch the rca with a finger to see if the Humm decreases.
Opening the topic on what we define as “luxury” in hi-fi as the two models Lachlan talks about seem both entry market (headphone amps range $100 - $15,000). Happy? Care to contribute?
An output impedance selector is a tremendously useful feature. Thanks for this review Lachlan!
The McIntosh MHA 200 has this feature too. Did not hear any tonal difference around the target impedence.
@@_DeepGroove_ possible, guess it differs depending on the impedance if the headphones - I heard it on a Trafomatic Head 2, with my Focal Clears, where the difference was large. My Singxer SA1 has 'high/low Z', which is also impedance I think. There it makes a small difference.
Yep, it will be different on every headphone depending on the impedance changes of that headphone across the frequency range. It won't have any tonal impact on planar magnetics because they have a flat impedance curve.
I usually have issues with hum. Also with foot tapping. And sometimes, if no one is looking, some fist pumps and or air guitar. Maybe I need to change the cables? 😊
😂
Sounds to me like everything is just right already.
For pure “tubyness” the TA66 at $250 is a great choice as well.
Definitely. It's not as resolving as the TA-20 Plus or HA-2, but it can get surprisingly good with some upgraded tubes.
I think you convinced me on the TA-20 plus. But most intriguing how this video pushed me closer to it.
@@PassionforSoundAgreed, if resolution is your goal. I like jumping back and forth between a Geshelli J3/A3 stack w/ hexses and a qutest, TA66 w/ 109s, and I’m surprised how often I prefer the latter. Not better or worse, just different. 😊
@russellnedland4569 that makes for two lovely setups!
Great review.
GM☕️🍩🦘
First…and I’m still rocking the very “affordable “ Xduoo 604 Hybrid Headphone amp 😵💫
Such a fun amp!
Lachlan, as a recovering audiophile from the Netherlands, I am very curious and interested to know if you think the LTA Velo amplifier is a good match for my beloved Hifiman Organic?
It's a brilliant match - especially with some upgraded tubes like the Ray Tubes 6SN7 Reserve and 12AT7 Select
Wait, can you link to the higher-quality rectifier tube for the TA-20 Plus? I have that amp, but don't know which tube would be good for the rectifier.
I just searched eBay for that type of tube and took a chance. It was nothing special, but happened to be better.
So is the Xduoo really in a higher league than the Gemini
No. The Gemini is also excellent and just depends on which tube it's running. I discussed that in my Gemini review if you'd like more explanation. 🙂
Nice video as always. But I would just like to point out that if your shirt said just “cable” the definition would still be the same. 😅
It’s kind of dorky, but I recently had a T-shirt printed for my audiophile friend as a joke that says “ My other DAC is an Apple Dongle!” He got a good laugh from it. He’s told me since it’s already started some cool conversations with other audiophiles.
All the best!
That's a great t-shirt idea!
And, very true about the cable vs USB cable thing making no difference, Mike.
I have seen some British brands not use the ground pin on the mains power but instead use the left channel rca shield as floating ground. While running touch the rca with a finger to see if the Humm decreases.
We need to talk about how you define luxury in headphone amps...
???? What is the purpose of this comment?
Opening the topic on what we define as “luxury” in hi-fi as the two models Lachlan talks about seem both entry market (headphone amps range $100 - $15,000). Happy? Care to contribute?
@@_DeepGroove_He’s in a situation where the audience he speaks to have a range of budgets and values. He can’t win when it comes to defining luxury.
☝️