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jlingo
Starting Member
35 Posts |
 Posted - 12/10/2006 : 04:17:30
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Burning in my Supermacro MAX-OUT OPA627, High-C buffer now 200 hours.
GOD I have to come back, again!! Supermacro IV becomes a totally different beast!!! BIG SOUNDSTAGE!! it's very very close to SR-71 in terms of soundstage but with much better resolution much more involving! The first time I received my supermacro I thought, hmmm, it's a different synergy, with SR-71 being very airy and airy. But WOAH! supermacro IV has completely converted now, very very open and airy! I can't believe it.
So now after 200hrs Supermacro has the soundstage close to SR-71 with the resolution and depth beyond SR-71, you feel like moving your head and body, you are part of the music. SR-71 sounds as if you are listening to the music from a distance, less involving. It's like SR-71 is trying to put you in a more relaxing sleepy mood, and Supermacro IV is more like SR-71 on Red Bull Caffeine drink!
So it's no longer about the synergy, instead it's about the mood. you want to be part of the music? or you are about to go to bed listening to your headphones :)
CONGRATULATIONS XIN!!
I can't wait for my LE version to come! Still hasn't seen any charges going through my credit card just yet. I guess it would still be a while before I see my LE version. :) |
Edited by - jlingo on 12/10/2006 05:18:46 |
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pds6
Starting Member
34 Posts |
Posted - 12/12/2006 : 12:57:24
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I don't disagree with most of your observations.
Interestingly, for me it was the SR-71 that has taken more time for me to come around.
I use the XIN with Ety ER-4S's and the SR-71 with Shure E5's.
I'm happy. |
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jamato8
Average Member
USA
539 Posts |
Posted - 12/12/2006 : 17:11:11
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I had the 71 for 5 months or so and listening often. I had the SM3 6 at the time to compare. With the 3-6, after a period of time I found that the 6 was more involving and had greater detail. I would listen to the 71, which is a very good amp, but I would plug the 6 back in because it had more of everything. I found unlike the above post, that the soundstage on the 6 was a little larger. This I suppose related to the greater detail and reverb I could hear, which gave a better since of acoustical space. Now the IV is a whole new story and it bolts ahead, as in another league. This was before the latest upgrades and the IV is on its way back to China so we shall see. Great things are happening in portables.
Jishou City, China
www.pbase.com/jamato8 |
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cntw8
Starting Member
5 Posts |
Posted - 12/13/2006 : 00:57:37
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currently have: sr71 (5months).. and sm4 (1 month)..
and finally bought plastic case and a portable leather case.. the sr71 is in the plasti case , the sm4 in the leather case. So far, sm4 comes with me everwhere and sr71 lies in the box..unused
no prize in guessing which will stay with me.. might get a backup sm4.
HUGE SOUNDSTAGE...I don't care much about customer service...i know that i will get my order ultimately.. |
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tnmike1
New Member
USA
52 Posts |
Posted - 12/15/2006 : 07:04:31
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| cntw8: leather case? Where? Tell me more, 'cause interested in a source for a good case |
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cntw8
Starting Member
5 Posts |
Posted - 12/15/2006 : 19:14:16
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quote:
Originally posted by tnmike1
cntw8: leather case? Where? Tell me more, 'cause interested in a source for a good case
.. from an old nokia 6170 phone
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swcwong
Starting Member
Hong Kong
7 Posts |
Posted - 12/19/2006 : 19:32:41
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I got my updated Supermini-III back this week. It was very generous of Xin to offer upgrades to the IV circuitry. I also ordered the ST-WV with LMH6643. This thread discusses the comparison between the Supermacro-IV and the SR-71, but since the circuitry is the same in the Supermini-IV, I thought I would add my comments.
Firstly, the upgraded Supermini does seems to have improved sonics from the original Supermini-III. The sound stage seems to be the biggest difference. It is immediately wider and fuller. Although, this may be due to the change in opamp to the ST-WV from the AD8397. With my UM2, there is still some background hiss but with my HD600, it is completely silent.
In comparison to the SR-71, the sound stage is not as large although much improved. Also, the details and dynamics of the IV are not as clean and present as with the SR-71. The place which it does seem to excel is with acoustic music. The presentation of acoustic music is very pleasing. Nice natural sound to the instruments and vocals. In general, I am very happy with the improvement although the SR-71 remains the better performer. That said, the Supermini-IV does make a nice complement to the SR-71 and is very portable.
BTW, the quality of the upgrade is very good. Looks like new and Xin also tightened up the volume wheel to prevent acccidental volume changes. Great job!
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jamato8
Average Member
USA
539 Posts |
Posted - 12/20/2006 : 08:36:50
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How much time do you have on the mini? Something doesn't seem right as the soundstage should be a little larger than the 71 and every bit as smooth, from all I know about the IV upgrade. I am very familiar with the 71 and while I enjoyed it there were areas that earlier SM's excelled and soundstage was one. Dynamics and transparency was a little better on the earlier SM's so I am not sure what is going on but your ears are the best judge.
Jishou City, China
www.pbase.com/jamato8 |
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swcwong
Starting Member
Hong Kong
7 Posts |
Posted - 12/20/2006 : 22:52:28
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On the original Supermini-III, I've got many hours with about a year's regular use. My impressions of the upgrade were straight out of the box with about 2 hours of play time. I was thinking that the amp was already burned in from my previous use, but I guess if some soddering was done it may need some burn in. I hope that is the problem because I think the Supermini is a great little design.
It may also be the ST-WV difference which might not be agreeing with me. I may swap it out for the old 8397 to compare. In any event, I'll give the Supermini-IV(upgrade version) some burn in time before making any further comparisons with the SR-71.
However, I am surprised with your comments on soundstage. With the Supermini-III there was no comparison in soundstage. The SR-71 soundstage was easily bigger and more realistic (using DT880, HD600 and UM2, with CD and Applelossless). The Supermini-IV (upgrade version) has much improved soundstage but only with less complex music such as acoustic. In either case the SR-71 is still bigger and natural. Did you use akaline batteries with your SR-71 or NiMh? I understand that the SR-71 does not perform well with NiMh due to the reduced battery resistance, hence I only use alkalines. Maybe that is why we are hearing differenct results. Or maybe it just that everyone hears things differently. Anyways, that for your comments and I'm sure I'll enjoy the journey of finding out more about the differences after some burn in.
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jamato8
Average Member
USA
539 Posts |
Posted - 12/21/2006 : 02:27:46
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I am sorry, I was referring to the SM 3 and then the SM3 V6. With the SR71 I always used the alkaline battery, I never got NiMH for it. I found the SM3 V6 more dynamic, transparent and slightly more open (soundstaging). I felt the SM had more in the way of transient response.
Jishou City, China
www.pbase.com/jamato8 |
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Supermacro IV Vs. SR71!
