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Manbear
237
Aug 17, 2018
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I hovered over the “Join Drop” button for a couple hours before closing my eyes and hitting it. Turns out, I got the last one. I’m hoping this is a sign that it was meant to be. My only hesitation is that I’m not sure if and how I’m gonna use it. How does my plan look in your opinion? - Keep HD58X and Bottlehead Crack for now - Sell Fostex TR-X00 Ebony to help pay for my addiction. They're great, but not as “closed” as I would’ve liked and not really necessary for me to have because... - I really want Focal Elex if ever available - Pick up a Schiit Modi as a decent, cheap DAC (since I have none), use it for both Crack, new CTH, HD58X and Elex (if I ever land a drop). - Use ES-100 for portable use - If all works and I fall in love, Sell Crack? Sell HD58X? - Get therapy for addiction and indecision
Aug 17, 2018
Bmxant
88
Aug 18, 2018
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ManbearI just recently joined the CTH to pair with my TR-X00 Ebony's, from what I've heard it's an excellent pairing. It's hard to say what to do, but I'd definitely try it out with the X00's before selling them off. I know the Mimby is supposed to pair very well with the CTH as well as the D30.
Addiction is an understatement here, hehe.
Aug 18, 2018
Manbear
237
Aug 18, 2018
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BmxantHi, my name is Manbear and I’m a headphone addict.
Thank you! Are you running a DAC that you like? I probably wont sell the TR-X00 until a while after they aren’t available here, so may give ’em another shot as my primary desktop cans. I’m currently in that position where I want ONE setup, maybe a nice portable option, but I already have, and have been through many. Admittedly, I bought the CTH in anticipation of a Focal Elex drop, but it doesn’t seem likely soon. Thankfully, it should serve as a nice amp for anything in the meantime. I do love the Bottlehead Crack but it’s really meant for 300Ohm + cans. And it’s a giant ugly box that occasionally cracks in the L channel because I can’t solder worth a shit. The CTH seemed like a good, more versatile middle ground. I hope you enjoy yours - seems like we will both be in good shape. Cheers!!
Aug 18, 2018
Bmxant
88
Aug 19, 2018
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ManbearI'm actually using a Xonar STX that's 9 years old, so it will be plugged into that for the time being.
You should try re-solder the connection, I'm sure you can perfect it after watching a few videos :)
Everything is hooked up now, but I don't have time to sit down for another couple hours, the anticipation is killing me, although part of my mind is telling me I'm going to be unhappy. Good news is that the tube lights up and the device powers on :p
Speaking of other equipment, I went from a pair of HD 595's in 2005 to a pair of Ultrasone Pro 2500's in 2009, to the TR-X00 in July 2018. The Ultrasone's are probably the most durable headphone on the market, if not very close. Very underrated brand in my opinion.
Aug 19, 2018
Manbear
237
Aug 19, 2018
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BmxantOh, you already have your CTH?? I'd like to hear your opinion with the TR-X00. From what I read online, there is typically very little "tube sound" that you can get in a hybrid, at least without finding the tubiest of tubes. Ha. My headphone adventures have been somewhat backwards from most people's experiences in that I started with very warm tubey sounding amp and HD650 (a very nice tube combo) as opposed to solid state. I've trained myself to make SS seem too clinical for my ears in many cases. This is why I may sell the TR-X00s - they immediately felt too neutral and almost "screamy." Although, I do find them to be more revealing and accurate, which is very fun if given enough listening time. I'm hoping that the CTH is one of the few hybrid amps that offer the happy medium warm tube sound if there is such a thing. Unless you have the ability to very quickly A/B test, it may be difficult to pinpoint differences from solid state. Nonetheless, hopefully it just sounds good!
Aug 19, 2018
Bmxant
88
Aug 19, 2018
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ManbearIt sounds good clarity wise, but there's a slight channel imbalance. It's most noticeable where I listen at 95% of the time and it's driving me nuts.
Bass dropped off a considerable amount, I even tried my previous EQ settings when I was plugged directly in to the sound card and if I had to give an estimate, I'd say I'm getting about 5x less bass. It went from head rumbling to in the background. It's clean, but it defeats the purpose of the X00's.
Pros: not overly warm, vocal clarity, doesn't run as hot as other tube amps
Cons: neutered bass, slight channel imbalance
I messaged Massdrop about the channel imbalance, but I'm not sure what they will say. After a quick search it seems I'm not the only one experiencing it.
Aug 19, 2018
Manbear
237
Aug 20, 2018
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BmxantYikes. This is far from what I expected to hear. I've heard others complain of channel imbalance with tube amps in general before. My Crack is also prone to that even after soldering up bad joints. Audio Science Review tore apart the engineering of this amp, so I'm wondering if some units are susceptible or if it's just poor design. Then again, there seem to be so many glowing reviews too. The heavily rolled off bass with your X00s is particularly disappointing to hear considering that I plan to use them with much less bass heavy cans. I hope that you can get a response and a solution. I won't receive mine until next week, so I'll try to let you know what happens in my case. Good luck.
Aug 20, 2018
Bmxant
88
Aug 20, 2018
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ManbearSounds good, looking forward to your thoughts on it, thanks.
I made a post on reddit as I'm curious what others will say in regards to the imbalance and bass, but they might not even respond.
Aug 20, 2018
Manbear
237
Aug 24, 2018
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BmxantI finally received my CTH today. I ordered a Schiit Mimby that hasn’t arrived yet so my initial impressions are from an iPhone as the source - not exactly fair test. Right off the bat, I hear exactly what you do as far as neutered bass. I’m using it with the HD58X since I can compare that to the Bottlehead Crack. There’s an immediately noticeable increase in clarity/accuracy of the highs but it does seem a little too sterile And boring right now. Imaging is mediocre. Soundstage has closed considerably from the Crack. I have no issues with channel imbalance at any volume level. I’m really hoping that breaking it in rounds out the sound. I see a lot of posts reporting the same things, all of which seemed to improve after a lengthy break-in. I’m not much of a believer in that, but it seems to be true with this guy. I like a toasty warm sound, so we will see if I can get there. If not, there are always alternativeS. Oh, and I found Focal Elex on eBay, so here’s to new toys!! I hope you get things sorted out on your end.
Aug 24, 2018
Bmxant
88
Aug 24, 2018
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ManbearThe Mimby seems like a great choice! I wouldn't expect you to have any issues with the HD 58X and imbalance, I guess the combination of high gain and 25 ohms just doesn't play well, so I'm currently waiting for support to get back to me as they offered a refund due to the imbalance issue.
Clarity is very good on the CTH though, and it does get a little bit cleaner sounding after the 50 hour mark. I've heard that HD 650 users actually have an increase in bass with the CTH, I'm curious how the Crack compares to the CTH with the 650's.
Focal Elex look like a fantastic pair of headphone, enjoy!
Aug 24, 2018
Manbear
237
Aug 26, 2018
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BmxantWell, now the amp doesn't work... hopefully just a blown tube. I'm hoping that support can help out both of us.
Aug 26, 2018
Bmxant
88
Aug 27, 2018
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ManbearThat sucks, you tried removing it and putting it back in too? Dealing was support was very easy, I'm dropping mine off at UPS tomorrow morning, so it's back to reading countless hours of reviews, although I've probably read every review there is to read at this point.
Going back to the Xonar STX makes me really miss the clarity and airy sound.
The Liquid Carbon X looks like a killer unit, but it's a bit out of my price range at the moment.
Aug 27, 2018
Manbear
237
Aug 27, 2018
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BmxantYeah, everything was fine until after about 5 hours of letting it break in at 10o’clock volume level. The tube has a burn ring at the top. I bought A Gold Lion tube just to try it so I’ll give that a shot. Still a little upsetting for a brand new amp. No word from support yet. I would also love a liquid carbon but the line must be drawn somewhere ;)
Aug 27, 2018
Bmxant
88
Aug 28, 2018
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ManbearThat's some bad luck, hopefully the Gold Lion tube is a pretty good replacement for the time being. I'm sure support will take care of you though. Yeah, the unfortunate line, I want it all :P. Currently debating putting off an amp purchase as I really need a new gpu, ahh, the dilemma!.
Aug 28, 2018
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