| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Xin |
Posted - 05/26/2007 : 13:13:43
I refused to make an amp this simple, because it has no challenge to me. Anyway, I was too bored during the recent sick days so I did it - the Reference Edition of SuperMacro-IV, or simply put as XIN Reference. On the other hand, you can think of it as a mega version of SuperMicro-IV that's loved by almost all its owners.
All the chips are full FET type, there is not a single bipolar component in this amp. What does this mean? The most tube-alike sound possible. The circuit is as simple as possible. All the audio signal traces are as short as possible. As far as I know, no any amp on this planet has shorter traces and smaller components except the huge cap. There is no any extra features to possibly compromise the sound. All these mean the purest sound possible.
Although the battery (4 AAA) last at least 200 hours, it has more than enough power to drive any of your headphones with phenomenal bass. Look at the huge cap, it is the promise. The chips are tiny, but they can output up to 250mA at full 6V (headroom unnecessary)!
The style of this amp is totally different than all my other amps except the same small metal case used by SuperMacro-IV. There are lots of unused space in there. This means that I did not do any compromise, otherwise I won't have wasted so many space for a portable amp. Don't get it wrong, it is still insanely tiny - 0.9" thick and smaller than a Visa card. This is the smallest case required to hold all the hi-quality caps, jacks, volume pot, power switch and the AAA batteries (I hate 9V battery). I don't want to use the spare room to add any features, in fear of any unnecessary touch to the audio; otherwise, it cannot be reference-class. If my other amps sounded that good, you can't be wrong to imagine how good this one will.
The input and output jacks are well separated, for easy cabling and the least interference. You can use your biggest cable for the best sound possible. The power switch and the metal teethed knob are both easy to access. The super blue LED is cool and its brightness is set to be just right to not be a torch in your dark bedroom.
In one word: audio. This is the amp designed all for the purest audio possible, for nothing else.
Available for $280 in about a week ($250 on sale in July) under Cool Stuff.
|
| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| mrarroyo |
Posted - 10/06/2009 : 17:25:08
The main cap is 22,000 uF. |
| LionPlushie |
Posted - 10/05/2009 : 23:48:26
mrarroyo. you know what is the value of the caps in the C5?
thanks. |
| Suic |
Posted - 05/18/2009 : 19:09:52
hmmm ive always wondered if that bass boost would end up being more or less than the bass from the reference considering that I've heard the reference has no problem dealing with bass with that massive capacitor. I may end up ordering a micro for my truly portable rig and a reference as a semi-portable option for setting up in hotels and such...I'll just have to save up a little longer :S O and thanks for the reply :) |
| mrarroyo |
Posted - 05/18/2009 : 11:27:27
I believe the C5 would fit the bill, unless you are a bass-head. If so then a Supermini IV or a Supermacro IV w/ the bass boost might be in order. |
| Suic |
Posted - 05/17/2009 : 21:12:28
hey even that much information is help. Now that I know that the 5 series is the latest, I can order it without wondering if I am getting the latest iteration. Also, I noticed you used ATs to test at some point...I have a pair of ATH-AD700s that I really enjoy using, but I feel that if those have any weak point, it is a lack of a bass that you can really feel although the accuracy is still spot on(and i have heard that is characteristic of ATs). Do you feel like the C5 would be the best for helping that out(as opposed to B5 or D5)? Don't get me wrong I don't want to sacrifice sound quality, but I do listen to rap on occasion (I enjoy listening to any and everything from classical to jazz to hardcore to techno; I enjoy music for music's sake). Anyway just thought I might ask for a final opinion before I put in my order. |
| mrarroyo |
Posted - 05/15/2009 : 15:14:17
Suic which I could provide more information. But the last version was the Reference "5 series" and they sound very nice. |
| Suic |
Posted - 05/14/2009 : 11:07:53
it has been quite a while since a post...just thought i would bump to hopefully get some recent impressions on how things are going from mrarroyo since you still seem to be the best informed about the direction of the product |
| boscogne |
Posted - 04/16/2009 : 10:20:35
For those that have received their Reference (BushGuy?) how are they sounding so far? |
| sbulack |
Posted - 04/13/2009 : 07:07:40
See Dr. Xin's first post in the "Reference Versions" topic in the "Support" sub-forum of Xin's Cool Talk. Dr. Xin invites his customers who are waiting for a Reference order to be shipped to let him know which Reference version they'd like (B,C,D) for their order. Since then, numbered versions (2,3,4,5) of each of the Lettered Reference versions have been built and tested. The best way to purchase a C5 or D5 would be to order a Reference, get the order #, and then to specify in the order process if possible (or send Dr. Xin an email afterwards if the order process does not allow comments/requests) to specify the Reference version and number you'd like to be shipped to fill your order number. I've sent Dr. Xin emails with no reply in the past, but, when he's turned his attention to my order, he has known the content of those emails, even though he did not reply at the time I sent them. There's no way to determine, however, how long you may have to wait to receive your order. Like many, I ordered a Reference Amp in August 2007, and I have not yet received it. Best wishes for good fortune and a happy outcome to you. |
| wagen |
Posted - 04/13/2009 : 06:36:34
When available for sale C5 and D5? |
| chaozh |
Posted - 04/06/2009 : 23:53:03
Yes, I sent him mail many times but not get any replies. |
| boscogne |
Posted - 04/06/2009 : 09:52:38
For what it's worth, I haven't gotten any replies either. Not sure what he's up to but the order number hasn't changed for a while now.. |
| chaozh |
Posted - 04/04/2009 : 22:14:11
Xin is still working on amp or busy for his job?
No any reply from him. |
| mrarroyo |
Posted - 04/03/2009 : 14:26:19
For my music (jazz), my gear (Yuin OK1, AT ESW9, and Denon D2000 w/ MarkL Mods) and my ears the C5. |
| boscogne |
Posted - 04/03/2009 : 00:41:10
If you had to pick a winner between C5 and D5 which one would it be and why? |
