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Xin
Moderator
USA
2383 Posts |
 Posted - 03/04/2005 : 01:14:53
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V2.0 of SuperMacro!
The main thing new in this new version is the architecture: true triple mono - separated L, R and ground channels. Most changes/improvements are in the ground channel which also features a new key component for better performance and reliability. This V2.0 has better bass and sound image, sounds quieter and works more stable as well. Also, this version can work at lower voltage; therefore batteries can last longer.
This new version can deploy optimally any popular audio opamps, such as OPA637, 627, 228, 227, 604, AD8610, 825, 797, NE5534, LM6171 etc., at default gain 5 or higher.
Higher current in both battery-save and AC mode, for richer sounding either on road or at home.
The volume pot is also changed for better low-volume control for some very sensitive headphones.
Larger caps: 6800uF (standard), 4400uF (opamp sockets) and 2400uF (buffer sockets), respectively.
Shipping of the new V2.0 will start in 1-2 week(s). All unshipped orders will be held for this new version.
Current owners of SuperMacro will be able to upgrade by replacing the circuit board(s). Details will be set shortly.
Thank you! |
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practitioner
Starting Member
12 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2005 : 06:00:01
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OMG! :)
A version 2, an adapter extension for the a/c power...it justs gets better. I'll be definitely upgrading to these new circuit boards! :) |
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HiFlight
Average Member
USA
826 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2005 : 07:02:35
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Dr Xin....
Although it is hard for me to imagine improving the sound of the SM, I cannot resist getting in line for the upgrade to V2.0!
The hard part will be parting with my SM during the upgrade!
Thanks again for the dedication that you have shown toward your customers by improving and already superior product!
Ron Kerlin
Ft Myers, FL, USA
SuperMacro, Cosmic Headroom, PortaCordaII, ER4S, ER4P, ER6i, EM3, UM3, AH-D6, HD650, AKG501, KSC-35 |
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Xin
Moderator
USA
2383 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2005 : 08:09:09
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Thank you!
If you can open the front panel of SuperMacro, you can simply order the new boards and easily swap them by yourself without having to send your amp back. Then you may send the old boards back for some cashback.
I'll also consider those who just received a SM very recently. |
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Jester
Starting Member
1 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2005 : 09:55:36
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quote:
Originally posted by Xin
Thank you!
If you can open the front panel of SuperMacro, you can simply order the new boards and easily swap them by yourself without having to send your amp back. Then you may send the old boards back for some cashback.
I'll also consider those who just received a SM very recently.
Hello Dr. Xin,
I just ordered a new SuperMacro from you on Wednesday (going to Houston, TX). Will this amp be receiving the new 2.0 upgrade, plus the options that I ordered?
Thanks,
Paul |
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Xin
Moderator
USA
2383 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2005 : 10:51:44
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| If it is not shipped yet, yes, will be all new. |
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darwin022
New Member
62 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2005 : 11:03:21
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Great! I was going to order a SuperMacro next week. Great to hear that I'll be getting more :). Any estimate on ship time for a Version 2.0 if I orer say Monday or Tuesday?
(with the optional switches, 2x buffers, and optional OPA627s soldered on)
Thanks!
-Sasha
edit: A friend of mine talked me out of getting the OPAMP sockets because of "inferior sound quality" With the 4400uF rating with the sockets in the 2.0, would this be noticable? (I'm sorry, I'm not very EE inclined) |
Edited by - darwin022 on 03/04/2005 13:01:06 |
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phillevy
Starting Member
United Kingdom
26 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2005 : 13:01:52
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| Xin, as I've only had mine a few days what can you do to enable me to have the latest design? As I'm in the UK I wish I'd had some idea of this happening as I would have delayed ordering by a week. |
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ghart999
Starting Member
17 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2005 : 13:24:47
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Xin,
I have only had my amp for a week. I ordered on 2/14. Any chance I could switch to the upgraded version at no cost since I am still in the 30 day return period? I also live in Sunnyvale so I could easily pick up the new board direct from you if possible. Thank you. |
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HiFlight
Average Member
USA
826 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2005 : 13:33:27
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Dr Xin...
I will definitely be either sending my unit back or ordering the new boards to upgrade when they become available. I now have the AD8610 opamps. I would like to have the opamp soldered in, in order to preserve the higher capacitance. Would your personal recommendation suggest the OP627 or the AD8610 for optimum results with the new version? I will go with whatever your personal recommendation is when the upgrade becomes available. My main headphones are the Sennheiser HD-650, Eytmotic 4P's, and Westone UM2. Thank you for any suggestion that you could give based on your experience with the new unit. I will be happy to pay for any change in the opamp, based on your suggestion. I would also prefer just a bit more separation in the Xinfeed, similar to that in the standalone adapter, which seems about perfect. I believe we spoke earlier about that.
Ron Kerlin
Ft Myers, FL, USA
SuperMacro, Cosmic Headroom, PortaCordaII, ER4S, ER4P, ER6i, EM3, UM3, AH-D6, HD650, AKG501, KSC-35 |
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Xin
Moderator
USA
2383 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2005 : 17:00:42
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Details about upgrading will be announced later. As always, you should wait for as longer as you can (good for both of you and me).
If you got an amp very recently (such as within 30 days), don't worry, you'll get it for free. But as I just said, no rush. For all current SM onwers, the upgrading fee will be very reasonable, actually more than fair, as always. Just note that all the boards must be replaced, so cost on my side is quite high. On the other hand, SuperMacro is designed to be very upgradable, so feel safe to buy one anytime.
It is very hard to select an opamp as everyone has a different taste. On the other hand, it is also easy, as ALL opamps now sound the best, hard to tell the difference. The most controversy opamp is the AD8610: some love it to death and some hate it. If you listen to middle range and true music (such as piano), you may like it the most. Otherwise get other opamps and you can't go wrong if not the best.
Right now my personal favorite is the OPA604. It might not be the best performer, but it is very special. I then studied its datasheet and realized that BB designed this opamp exclusively for audio and put into it almost all FETs to simulate tubes. I also like the opa227 (not 228) as it is also very special. Right now I'm listening to a prototype of V2.0 plugged with 227s and Grado 60. Very warm and bassy is the least I can tell. |
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Spadge
Junior Member
Australia
105 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2005 : 18:23:57
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Hi Xin,
Sounds like a nice upgrade.
Can't wait to hear about how we can get the upgrade (I'm in the 30-day category :-))
Paul |
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HiFlight
Average Member
USA
826 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2005 : 18:39:25
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Dr Xin...
I have reviewed your descriptions of the sounds of the various opamps, and it seems as though the OPA227 would sound very nice for classical and instrumental listening. I find the AD8610 to be somewhat forward, and difficult to perceive a realistic soundstage. Perhaps the 227 would be better in this regard, as well as less fatiguing during long listening sessions. If the OPA627 would better than either of these, I would opt for it in spite of the reduced battery life as many folks seem to regard this device at the top of the list.
I am sure that the other electronics in the amplifier can have a pronounced effect on the sound characteristics of the device, therefore, I am repecting your opinion, as you are more familiar with the interaction of the op-amp and the construction of the v2.0 than anyone else.
I am striving for a sound that most closely resembles that heard in a concert hall. Most studies show that the frequency response rolls off gradually as the hz increases when measured in an actual hall.
Has your experimentation so far with the 227 in the v2.0 shown it to render a good soundstage and concerthall character to the sound?
I don't mean to take so much of your time, but I think this information would be helpful not only to myself, but to others considering the upgrade and/or purchase of the new version.
My goal is to try to achieve the most natural, realistic soundstage given the limitations of headphone listening. My ultimate goal would be to have the ability to close my eyes, and feel that I am at a live performance. Whichever device would most closely approach this goal would be my choice.
Thank you for your willingness to take time from your busy schedule to address the questions posed by forum members!
Ron Kerlin
Ft Myers, FL, USA
SuperMacro, Cosmic Headroom, PortaCordaII, ER4S, ER4P, ER6i, EM3, UM3, AH-D6, HD650, AKG501, KSC-35 |
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Pete
Starting Member
12 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2005 : 19:08:24
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Hi Dr. Xin,
I have had my Supermacro (order36219525) for just one month, today!
Will you allow a free upgrade for me?
Thanks
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Spektrograf
Starting Member
USA
37 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2005 : 21:14:23
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 WOW! Your great customer service rep is well deserved and earned! I, too, just put in an order (3/2/05) for a SuperMacro and am totally excited to hear that you're going to give people who ordered within the last 30 days free upgrades. While I'm excited to get my amp, if you haven't shipped it out yet, don't sweat it. I'd rather wait for you to ship out the new version rather than get one in and do a swap. Whatever makes your life easier works for me and I definitely don't mind being patient for a great guy. 
Big THANKS to ya!
As far as opamps go, I ordered the the SuperMacro with the OPA627 and 2xBuffers. I have a feeling I'd like to stick with those (the OPA627's) as my opamp of choice.
Thanks again!
Harris Ueng
Belmont, CA |
Edited by - Spektrograf on 03/04/2005 21:40:17 |
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Xin
Moderator
USA
2383 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2005 : 00:58:29
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Thanks guys. As I said, I care all my customers, no matter you bought a SM long time ago or recently, I'll do my very best to make all you happy.
Tonight, I spent seom time with OPA627, 227, 604, 134, 637 and 228. I used HD580, 2x buffers and V2.0 prototype (2000uF caps). I did not notice anything wrong with 627, its sound is totally opened up, while something seemed not so right with 134, 637 and 238. 637 has very booming bass and the sound field pushes, unpleasantly, to the back of my head. This may explain why Headroom used 627 instead of 637 in its top models (thank Kirt for telling me this in a recent meet). Both 227 and 604 have good sound image and tight bass. So you cannot go too wrong with 227, 604 and especially 627, but be cautious with 134, 637 and 238. Kirt also told me that 604 is used in lower models of Headroom amps. The 134 sounded like 637 in that the sound field pushed to my head back. It lacked clarity too. I wonder why Headroom use 2134 (dual version of 134) in its new modules, maybe it matches HA3-5002 buffers better?. SuperMacro uses BUF634 buffers. I'll try AD8610 and others later.
As V2.0 has 4400uF caps even with opamp sockets, everyone should add the sockets and fall to a peace of mind for opamps as you can change to any later.
Note that I used HD580; so other phones may be different. For example, 637's booming bass might be just what ER4S/P need. |
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V2.0 of SuperMacro!
