GooseEntire1705

GooseEntire1705 OP t1_jasy6b7 wrote

Reply to Cayin HA-3A Sound Impressions by GooseEntire1705

First real sound impressions as I have now received the Sylvania 5814a & Reflektor 6V6GT tubes and I have kept the same stock rectifier tube for now....

Firstly the stock tubes are utter trash and I really didn't like them. The sound was too smoothed over and details were lost in the music and it annoys me how modern tubes are still far off in the quality of the sound compared to vintage tubes. I used the LCD 4 for this session as people say this headphone really scale endlessly to better gear and I can say this session was the best I have heard them and I didn't think it was possible to achieve such results. I have got the Topping A90D and Schiit Lyr + as my other amps and they aren't in the same solar system to the HA-3A with vintage tubes installed. I actually used the stock LCD 4 1/4 jack cable and there was no hissing compared to the XLR connection. The amount of power in the HA-3A meant that I never went past 12 o clock on the volume dial.

So with these new tubes the stage became wider and decay on notes became a lot more apparent. I could really focus on a single note in the background and hear all its decay. Music that I've listened to for years revealed extra hidden details that I could just not hear with my other amps. The background was absolutely dark and clear which was one of the most impressive things because the music feels like its just floating and appearing in a completely dark background and I was truly amazed. The tonality was also perfect in its delivery of the instruments and vocals and nothing was shouty which is tube dependent I guess but this is my 1st try with different tubes so the result is great. The bass had less punch than the Schiit Lyr + (with Sylvania Bad Boy Tube) but I feel like it was more detailed and the decay was a lot better and overall more balanced. It's also incredible of how precise but musical everything was and it all blended together to create some weeping during my listening to tracks like California Hotel (MTV live version). Lastly I didn't notice any fall off in speed and EDM tracks were highly enjoyable to listen to.

I now have the confidence in this amp to save up for the the Abyss AB 1266 Phi TC because I know this amp has the resources to take full advantage of that headphone. The Schiit Lyr + and Topping A90D can kick dust and will be sold. I will only keep the Ifi Zen Can as a backup just in case.

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GooseEntire1705 t1_j8w2nmg wrote

Reply to Just got the Abyss Diana TC by petethebeat14

The LCD 5 is probably the best headphones to mix in because of their neutrality and detail. Also your headphone amp/dac is very important for these high end headphones and it looks like this is holding back the Diana TC.

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GooseEntire1705 OP t1_j7s72u6 wrote

Reply to comment by LeEasy in Finally entered the tube world! (SchiitLyr + Impressions) by GooseEntire1705

I didn't downvote and I just got a new tube and it blows the detail and instrument separation compared to the A90D. Bass is harder and punchier and the Midrange is pushed forward so the vocals are just magical now. I got the SYLVANIA 6SN7GTB tube and it's been probably one of the most impressive experiences I have had in audio. Compared to the stock tube it's a complete night and day difference and I am actually contemplating selling the A90D. Anyways, I will write a follow up post tomorrow as I will get my 4.4 to 3.5 adaptor so I will also be able to use my 800S on there as I cba to deal with those hellish connectors!

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GooseEntire1705 OP t1_j7m5bjx wrote

Reply to Finally entered the tube world! (SchiitLyr + Impressions) by GooseEntire1705

I was looking for tube amplifiers to switch up the sound with my headphones and wanted something that could drive my LCD 4 as most tube amps don't have the power unless you are willing to spend a few thousand pounds but this hybrid amp will drive any headphone.

First impressions

Build:

This unit is like a tank! small footprint but very heavy and extremely well made and I really like the volume dial.

Ports:

I am a little disappointed at not having any balanced outputs or inputs so I could run balanced with my headphones and DAC but it is what it is. I have only tested this amp with the LCD 4 as I am not taking off my balanced HD800S cable and swapping it for the stock unbalanced cable as we all know its a pain. I have ordered a 4.4 to 3.5 adapter that I will use but that has not arrived yet so cannot offer my impressions of that headphone with the amp yet.

Sound:

For context I have been using the Topping A90D as my main amp for many months now. I waited maybe an hour to let the tube warm up before starting to listen. Compared to the A90D the tube mode on the Schiit Lyr is a lot warmer and not as thin sounding when comparing both amps. The bass hits harder and vocalists have a more warmer body to them but I think the stereo imaging isn't as precise as the A90D and the sound signature is definitely more relaxed but somewhat more enjoyable in most of the music I compared.

I am running the stock tube and I have ordered more that people have recommended so the sound can change a lot when tube rolling but this is just the first impressions with the stock tube.

Overall a great first impressions by the Lyr and I am excited at swapping the tube to see what results I can get going forward.

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