| Author |
 Topic  |
|
Xin
Moderator
USA
2383 Posts |
 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.
|
Edited by - Xin on 12/14/2007 12:13:03 |
|
|
saisunil
New Member
USA
56 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2007 : 13:46:53
|
I wish you can get rid of the LED as well - one less noise bearing component. The user can just charge it every week or a month depending on usage.
I want one - I do not know if I need one ;)
Cheers
"Music is the reflection of your inner soul" -- Sathya Sai Baba |
 |
|
|
mrarroyo
Average Member
USA
556 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2007 : 15:12:30
|
Dr. Xin I have been using the Beta version and the soundstage is huge! I also find that the level of detail and clarity is well above anything I have heard before. You mentioned that the new board has further improvements and I can not wait for it to arrive so I can HEAR the improvements. Thanks.
Edit 1: I see you replaced the lit on/off switch with a plain on/off. Good, as far as the separate light well I could go either way but I think most would want one. |
Edited by - mrarroyo on 05/26/2007 15:15:56 |
|
|
|
Xin
Moderator
USA
2383 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2007 : 16:01:26
|
| The LED won't bring in any noise; if any, the huge cap will filter it out. |
|
|
|
sbulack
Starting Member
USA
25 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2007 : 17:34:55
|
| It's exciting to see this amp listed on the "Cool Stuff" page. Just as soon as there's an "Add To Cart" button next to this item, I'll be using it to place an order for one. I congratulate you, Dr. Xin, for taking on the challenge to offer the purest sound possible through a pursuit of the purity and simplicity of design in an amp that will be its fitting herald. The elegance in the economy of this offering is a joy to see. I'm very much looking forward to the joy of hearing the sound from it as well. |
|
|
|
dle4e_2005
Starting Member
Singapore
7 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2007 : 21:36:19
|
Would there be any Mini or Micro version of the Reference in the near future?
Is there any other colour of the Reference other than black? |
Edited by - dle4e_2005 on 05/26/2007 21:48:07 |
|
|
|
takezo
Starting Member
3 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2007 : 21:44:18
|
is that a 1500 uF or bigger cap? the bass on this unit must sound amazing, full, vast and unfettered!
pumping out 250mA at 6V is right up there with the big boys...i imagine it can drive any full cans with
power to spare! i really respect the minimalistic approach to the shell as well as the circuitry design!
i'll be in line awaiting your latest phenomenal creation dr. xin! |
Edited by - takezo on 05/26/2007 21:45:27 |
|
|
|
Xin
Moderator
USA
2383 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2007 : 23:31:35
|
| Thank you guys. The cap is 15000uF, not 1500. There might be a RE of SuperMini-IV, but the SuperMicro-IV is already RE - there is nothing to be removed/reduced. Silver case, silver face/body and black body/face are available. |
|
|
|
Raphael
Starting Member
Canada
4 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2007 : 08:56:01
|
Hi Dr. Xin.
You mentioned the SuperMicro-IV is already a reference. But is the REF not actually a reference version of the Micro instead of the Macro? It is a simple circuit like the Micro, but I imagine to a higher level of detail and soundstage.
My dear fellow, my whole life is moved by the principle that the one thing which is more important than peace is music. It is because I believe that I am poor. |
|
|
|
takezo
Starting Member
3 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2007 : 10:16:24
|
15000 uF??!!! no wonder the size of that thing! what kind of burn-in time
will it require for it have stable output? |
|
|
|
sbulack
Starting Member
USA
25 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2007 : 19:32:11
|
| Very interesting that the "Soon" price for the Reference is $280, and that a sale price of $250 in July is already being announced. I'm taking it, Dr. Xin, that, given the changes being made to the Reference, and the time that it will take to allow the full, stable sound of the various versions to be known, that you are offering us an incentive to wait to order until this observation and discovery period we are in has run its course, and a more finalized design has been arrived at which delivers that "purest sound possible" for which you are offering us this latest listening instrument, in fact, a Reference listening instrument. If such is the case, then I will wait to order until you are satisfied that this amp is producing the sound that you are offering it for. |
|
|
|
Xin
Moderator
USA
2383 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2007 : 20:27:52
|
| I'm still working on the changes to other IV amps and there are still lots of stacked orders. I don't want any more sales, but I want to thank all of you by offering a compliment price. There are friends want to get this amp ASAP. So, I think this is the best solution. |
|
|
|
mrarroyo
Average Member
USA
556 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2007 : 04:18:23
|
I should point out that although the Reference Amp is a wonderful unit it needs time for its sound to mature. By that I mean that the sound evolves quite a bit during the burn in period.
For example the bass will get pronounced then it will subsize to a normal but punchy level, at the same time the treble extension will go away and then it will come back. Basically I would say that my unit with ony 110 hour (now more since I loaned it to Rob about 2 day ago) has been all over the place and it would not surprise me if it ends up needing 400 hours plus for that big cap to settle. |
|
|
|
slwiser
Junior Member
115 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2007 : 05:02:30
|
quote:
Originally posted by mrarroyo
I should point out that although the Reference Amp is a wonderful unit it needs time for its sound to mature. By that I mean that the sound evolves quite a bit during the burn in period.
For example the bass will get pronounced then it will subsize to a normal but punchy level, at the same time the treble extension will go away and then it will come back. Basically I would say that my unit with ony 110 hour (now more since I loaned it to Rob about 2 day ago) has been all over the place and it would not surprise me if it ends up needing 400 hours plus for that big cap to settle.
I guess it is time for a stupid question. How does Dr. Xin work out the details of his Reference Amp when it takes so long for each evolution to break in? Does he have a set of caps that he has burned in setting around that he moves from one configuration to another as an example? |
|
|
|
mrarroyo
Average Member
USA
556 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2007 : 09:12:54
|
| slwiser, I would venture that for the initial design Dr. Xin uses formulas, math, and his experience. Later after he tests/listens he tweaks. Of course this is all my opinion w/ no basis to fall back on. :) |
|
|
|
slwiser
Junior Member
115 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2007 : 09:45:54
|
| Ok, second question in this series. What does that second cap do, the black upright one? |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
New XIN Reference amp
