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Showing 1 of 49 conversations about:
KESM
201
Aug 19, 2020
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Update: Damn...it’s shipping already.🤘🏽
I ordered this; been watching it over the years. I have a LTA MZ3 & Headamp GSX mini...so I need another HP amp like I need a hole in my head. Anyway...my rationale is rooted in this being a balanced SS amp that can be used in my desktop space. The price drop offered here lured me in...think this is the last black box I’ll need...I promise.🤣
(Edited)
cavillasenorl
52
Aug 24, 2020
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KESMHaha I think this is the last warm box I will ever need, yes mine has shipped too, great news!
jonaconley
0
Oct 10, 2020
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KESMI have the LTA MZ3, GSX mini, and LehmannAudio SE Linear. I love them all for their qualities and differences. Just ordered the V280. Going for four holes in the head. I did ask the LTA folks whether a balanced/XLR/pentaconn MZ3 was looming. “Looking into it”. I really prefer balanced component and headphone connections: deeper silence, more panoramic soundstage, greater dynamic range.
StopItGetSomeHelp
174
Jan 9, 2021
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KESMif you had to decide on only keeping one which would it be? what are some of the standout differences in sound here you feel like?
KESM
201
Jan 9, 2021
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StopItGetSomeHelpThat’s a tough question to answer. I think the V280 is a remarkable SS HP amp that anyone could live with (without any real need to look any further)...it has enough grunt to drive a range of HPs and it’s sound signature is clean with a hint of warmth...as many have mentioned. The same can be easily said for the stellar GS-X Mini by Headamp (similar SQ).
I recently acquired a Hafler HA75-DAC HP amp. It’s lesser known gem and unique standout in my collection due to its Focus & Vox features; the star offering is the tube sound quality it imparts with aplomb.
If I could only have one HP amp out of the bunch it would be the LTA MZ3 - it unifies tube tonality with SS accuracy in a non traditional way. That is...it’s not warm or clinical—it straddles the middle in such a way that it may be an acquired taste for some. Its zero noise floor & inky dark background is startling...music appears out of nowhere—it exploits attack, decay, sustain, release...in a seemingly flawless manner.
I listened to a demo model of the MZ2 and immediately knew I was going to buy it (decided upon the updated MZ3). It also poses a triple threat if you have efficient speakers (amp/HP amp/pre amp). Note: I utilize Omega Super High Output speakers.
The LTA MZ3 serves a main staple & hub in my desktop set up for those reasons. Bear in mind it’s about 2-3x’s the cost in comparison to the other aforementioned HP amps. I would be remiss if I didn’t state that I truly find significant value in all of the HPs amps that I currently own as they all bring something pleasurable to the table.
StopItGetSomeHelp
174
Jan 11, 2021
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KESMfantastic! thanks for that lengthy answer! ive been looking at both the gsx and the vio and i will be running one of them with my focal clear and hifiman arya. i want something that rounds off the edges just a tad whilst retaining detail, something that is wide and has good depth, does one do better than the other in this regard?
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