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goto2003
Average Member
626 Posts |
 Posted - 06/03/2006 : 14:29:01
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| I set the Coby to 12V for charging. The 9V would take forever to fully charge the batteries. |
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alanz
Junior Member
134 Posts |
Posted - 06/03/2006 : 14:40:10
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I received a SM-IV today. I've been comparing it to an original SM-3... I don't recall which opamp is currently in it.
I've been smiling for the past few hours while I've switched back and forth between the two amps. Considering that I really like the way the SM-3 sounds, I wasn't sure what kind of differences I'd hear with the SM-IV.
Also, consider that the SM-3 has hundreds perhaps thousands of hours on it, and the SM-IV is out of the box.
I'm very impressed with the SM-IV. I've been listening to an iPod through a Sik RamDin connection. All music is mp3 ripped at 256kb variable bit rate. This is what I've sort of standardized on for my preferences.
For my intital tests I'm using Etymotic ER-4p phones.
What I'm finding across the board is that the soundstage seems a bit wider, but there is more of a presence of music in the center than before... very welcome.
The bass is lovely... again very welcome with the etys. Turning on the bass boost has more of an effect than in the SM-3.
What particularly impresses me is that I can hear separation in voices in music where the singers more or less ran together before. In James Taylor's Lonesome Road (an a cappella performance), the voices in the center are absolutely distinguishable, and the voices on the sides don't overshadow them. This is a beautiful representation of the music, the best I've heard so far.
I've been listening to Queen, Aerosmith, Neutral Milk Hotel, Paul Simon (Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes is stunning), Blondie, Carly Simon (De Bat Fly in My Face is a great bass test), Wicked cast album (Defying Gravity), and I don't want to stop. I listen to sections over and over with the SM-3 then switch to the new amp, and find myself smiling again.
The SM-3 is a tough act to follow... the SM-4 is a delight so far... and this is with only a few hours on the clock.
I'm looking forward to many happy hours with the new amp. I'll make some photos that hopefully do justice to this little jewel.
Congratulations Xin, you've set a new bar. |
Edited by - alanz on 06/03/2006 14:42:09 |
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William
Junior Member
107 Posts |
Posted - 06/03/2006 : 22:20:51
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quote:
Originally posted by Zoide
I noticed the new maxed-out configuration for the SM-IV, below. Has anyone compared how it sounds vs. the default AD8397 + dummy buffers?
Thanks.
quote:
Originally posted by Xin
This picture shows a very expensive setup: 2X stacked buffers (BUF634) in Hi-C mode with OPA637. Such a top-end configuration is only found in few $$$$ home headphone amps and it is unseen in portable amps. OPA637 and 2x buffers drain lots of power which is beyond the capacity of 9V batteries that are used by almost all other portable amps. Thanking to 8 AAA cells that power up SuperMacro-IV, we have plenty of power here and we still get decent 20 hours play per charge (based on standard AAA Ni-MH of 1000 mAh and a full recharge takes only 3.5 hours). In comparison, 9V batteries can play only 4 hours for such a powerful system.
This is basicly what I received a few days ago !{except,my config is OPA637, with 1x BUF634 in Hi-C mode}.,Zin said the 1X buffer saves battery life !!,
this amp sounds fantastic,and I still have quite a bit of break-in time on both the cans and the SM1V.
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aufeuer
Starting Member
12 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2006 : 07:51:31
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| Hey, alanz. How long did it take for you to receive your supermacro? I ordered mine last week, and it seems the order still hasn't been processed. |
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sparks
New Member
USA
63 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2006 : 10:46:16
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aufeuer,
From my experience, having ordered several amps, you will not see any indication of an order being processed. Dr. Xin does not charge your credit card until the amp is ready to ship. At that point, you will receive an email that a package is being shipped. If I remember correctly, one time I didn't even get an email but the package showed up at my house as a big surprise. I know that the anticipation can be difficult, but it's definitely worth the wait.
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pds6
Starting Member
37 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2006 : 15:25:03
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This is a short review. I am no expert and it is only my opinions formed from my prejudices:
I just took delivery of the new Supermacro-IV (Max). I also own the Emmeline SR-71 which is also still in production. For portable headphones, I have a pair of Etymotic ER-4S's and a pair of Shure E5's.
Everyone has their prejudices: The Shure headphones have two drives, cost more and for the most part have received better reviews. Nonetheless, if I could only keep one pair of headphones, I would keep the Etymotics. I also prefer in-ear headphones to full size headphones. I'm not saying am right or wrong -- It is what I prefer.
I intentional purchased the Supermacro-IV to be used with the Etymotics. I was not happy with matching the Etymotics with the Emmeline SR-71. On the other hand, the Emmeline SR-71 and the Shure E5's seem to be a very good match and produce great sound.
I allowed 30 hours of burn time for the new amp. I am using an iPod, line-out to the Supermacro amp. All my recordings are mp3's at 320 bits.
The Supermacro produces a much cleaner and sweeter sound than the deeper and mellower SR-71. The Supermacros and the Etymotics are made for each other. If you like your sound more resolved you will love the Supermacro. For head-thumping, you may be happier with the SR-71.
The Shure headphones sound great being driven by the Supermacro. Without a source, the E5's. are relatively silent when connected to the Supermacro. When the E5's. are plugged into the SR-71, they hiss like a snake.
The first time set-up is relatively easy. Eight AAA batteries and the tightening of two thumb screws and you are done. Plug the amp into the battery charger which is set at 12 volts and the on-off button will flash green for about three hours. When solid green, your good to go.
I would not like to be using eight disposable batteries with this amp. Replacing the eight batteries is not that difficult, but a bit of a pain. Also, the thumb screws that keep the back locked look to be easily lost. Do yourself a favor, BUY RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES BEFORE DELIVERY OF YOUR AMP!
The Supermacro is a true portable. It can easily be taken on a long walk and used when engaged in moderate exercise. This is not true with the Emmeline SR-71. The SR-71 is a bit of a brick. It is good for short walks and sitting.
What is of great interest to me is the ability to shape the music with the four toggles on the front of the Supermacro. The second toggle, Amplify Gain, is the least subtle of the toggles. It shouldn't be needed with most in-ear headphones. I needed a boost when I plugged in my Sennheiser 580's. With the Amplify Gain toggled, the Supermacro drove the Sennheisers just fine. The only objection, I found the combination of Amplify Gain and Crossfeed a bit boomy.
The third toggle is the Bass Boost. If your looking for head-thumping, this is not the switch. It adds a bit of placed bass, but not much. It seems directed towards the lower end and leaves the highs alone. It helps a pair of Etymotics, but they still won't sound like a pair of Grado headphones.
The last switch is the Crossfeed. As with Bass Boost, it adds a bit but doesn't go crazy. The Crossfeed is more pronounced on a Beatle recording, but adds littie to more compressed recordings.
The first and I would guess the least used toggle is Output Impedance. It is said to be helpful for those owning a pair of Etymotics ER4P (powered for use without amp). I didn't use this switch.
The fit and finish is first rate,
The only issue (and I am not sure it is an issue) is with the toggles. The toggles are very small and low profile. As a result, they won't be accidently turned on or off. At the same time, once the input and headphone jacks are connected, it is very difficult to change setting without removing the in-out jacks.
The Supermacro and the SR-71 are going to be compared. They are both portable amps and are similarly priced. They are both at the top of the market.
So, which is best? The Emmeline SR-71 seems to be the Mercedes and the Supermacro-IV the BMW. Both are great cars, but geared to different audiences. The Mercedes is bigger and has more heft. The BMW is smaller and more agile. I favor the BMW, but they both are great rides. |
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Xin
Moderator
USA
2383 Posts |
Posted - 06/05/2006 : 01:21:30
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Thank you guys for the impressions and reviews!
Some comments came out my mind when I read:
* I did some very hard work to make the noise level down to the bottom. Technically, 4-channel offers the lowest noise possible over other designs. Noise at idle (hiss) is easy to feel. There is another type of noise: noise at large signal, which is not easy to feel. 4-channel also drags this type of noise down to the bottom.
* While 2x BUF634 and hi-C mode are extremely transparent, 1x buffer and lo-c mode are warmer and richer. For friends who like SR-71's sound type, they should go 1x buffer and lo-c mode.
* Right now I'm still finding the best chipset. Once I'll come up with a very good configuration, the upgrading will be simple and free.
* An expensive configuration is not necessarily the best sounding setup. At this moment, my favorite is LMH6643. On specs, it is no compare to AD8397 etc., but I personally like its sound very much.
Thank you guys again! |
Edited by - Xin on 06/05/2006 01:32:40 |
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lcp
Starting Member
5 Posts |
Posted - 06/07/2006 : 08:27:45
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quote:
Originally posted by hentona
Xin,
Can the supermini work with HA5002? And will you also sell the HA5002 with SM?
What is the sound different between HA5002 and BUF634? |
Edited by - lcp on 06/07/2006 08:29:05 |
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mrarroyo
Average Member
USA
556 Posts |
Posted - 06/07/2006 : 17:40:28
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| Here are three newby questions: what is Hi-C, what is Low-C and what does the difference do to the sound? Thanks. |
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Xin
Moderator
USA
2383 Posts |
Posted - 06/07/2006 : 23:50:10
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| SuperMini cannot use HA5002, hard to tell the difference. BUF634 has a pin to set it to high-current mode. HiC mode has lower distortion. |
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irvin
New Member
South Africa
81 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2006 : 11:18:25
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Just got my SM-IV. Thanks Xin.I've only listened for a few hours with the NE 5534 OB's-so it's far from burned in, but I can already hear what a great amp this is. To my ears it is a big improvement on the last model (which was of course also excellent). Most of what I've noticed has already been commented on in previous posts so I'll be brief. What has really impressed me is the detail/transparency and soundstage. I was quite surprised to hear previously unheard details in a whole range of songs. The sense of intimacy and "being there" is really special-and all this whilst retaining great musicality and texture, avoiding the analytical sound that can often accompany a very revealing amplifier. In short warm, rich, engaging and revealing. At least as impressive is the improvement to the soundstage, which I find completely enveloping-my iem's really just seem to disappear as I am engulfed by the sound.
I also find the overall balance of the sound to be exceptional-highs, mids and lows are all where they should be with no undue emphasis of one over the other. I find the bass boost better implemented, I found myself toggling it on and off in the previous model, whereas now I just leave it on.
On a purely physical level, I prefer the slim form factor of the new volume knob, both looks wise and ergonomically.
All in all, yet another great product from Xin, the best so far and definitely a worthwhile upgrade. |
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goto2003
Average Member
626 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2006 : 11:28:44
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| Probably Xin should implement a five-channel SM V to get further improvement, if it's possible:)Not totally crazy though as I am moving forward to give it a trial. |
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slwiser
Junior Member
115 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2006 : 14:17:11
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You could skip that step and go directly to 2x4 of the Version 4.
How would that be?
quote:
Originally posted by goto2003
Probably Xin should implement a five-channel SM V to get further improvement, if it's possible:)Not totally crazy though as I am moving forward to give it a trial.
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goto2003
Average Member
626 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2006 : 21:17:22
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| IV is a joke:) But it seems Dr. Xin really cooked his amps to a much higher level in the past two days. I hope I could have a chance to keep the IV updated and try it out this weekend. |
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Xin
Moderator
USA
2383 Posts |
Posted - 06/09/2006 : 13:16:22
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Goto was right, we just did some very important changes to "IV". It is now indeed more like "V", 4 active channels plus 1 passive. This latest design combines the virtues of "III" (all passive) and original "IV" (all active). At least in the view of circuit design, it is perfect. So far all my tests have proven this latest design is far more stable than before. Soundwise, more bass, air and punch and quieter, to say the least.
If you have received a SuperMacro-IV before today (6/6/9), you may return it for free upgrading. Please wait for 1 month though, because then I'll be less busy and turnaround will be quicker. Also, there might be some more (small) changes in the next few weeks.
If you are waiting for your new amp, shipping has been held right now and should be re-started next week. If your payment is credit cards, we won't charge you until shipping is ready (I did charge few cards last week right before I decided to hold shipping for above reason). If your payment is paypal, please don't withdraw unless you are sure you no longer want the amp. We don't need your money advance (all I need is always time), just unecessary transactions slow down things further while I'm already swampped out. |
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New XIN amps with 4-channel technology
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