Graham Slee Headphone Amps - Appreciation For The Novo

Print Page | Close Window

Appreciation For The Novo

Printed From: Graham Slee Hifi System Components
Category: Headphone Audio
Forum Name: Graham Slee Headphone Amps
Forum Description: Questions, answers and product information zone for Graham Slee Headphone Amplifiers
URL: https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5363
Printed Date: 27 Mar 2026 at 2:30am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Appreciation For The Novo

Posted By: Guests
Subject: Appreciation For The Novo
Date Posted: 02 Dec 2021 at 7:30pm

The Novo is a lovely bit of kit. I have tried many other headphone amps, and none of them sound as good. (To my ears)

I'm going to buy another Novo in a couple of weeks time. Had to sell my other Novo to fund for a new shower tray. (Just moved house)

I have tried ULDE, but that is in a different league though.

Just out of curiosity. What headphones you guys using on your Novo?

Replies:

Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 02 Dec 2021 at 8:09pm

Hi Shane, I used my DAK Novo with a pair of entry level Grados, Sennheiser HD-280's, and briefly with LCD-2's. I must admit the Grados were the most exciting and the combination got me into headphone listening. I got a Solo UL and used it a lot with the LCD-2's and HD250/II's until I got better speakers and amps.

-------------
Jon

Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC.

Posted By: Mikeh
Date Posted: 02 Dec 2021 at 8:52pm

I use Beyer Amiron, 250ohm. I'd say they are very smooth and comfortable. With my set up (Novo + PSU1 fed by Cusat50 from Majestic) they not the brightest or deepest sounding headphones I've experienced but easy listening for long periods. Worth reading some reviews and trying them.

-------------
Mike

Technics sl1210g with Victor U-2 or Technics EPC-205C mk4
Accession MM, Majestic + Proprius, Solo ULDE
Innuos Zen mini mk3 streamer
Harbeth P3ESR XD paired with 2x REL t5x

Posted By: Jamesrfisher
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2021 at 8:36am

Probably a very silly question but...

Getting a new main amp that has no headphone socket so looking at getting the Novo (have an Era V Gold phono stage and very impressed).

My question revolves around connecting the Novo, the new amp has a line out but no tape loop. Would it be ok to connect the line out on the amp to the 'in' on the Novo but have nothing coming from the 'out on the Novo?

Thanks

Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2021 at 6:45pm

Yes but you may find the amp level has to be turned up a bit to get a signal from the amp's line out into the Novo. In other words the speakers and headphones will both be putting out sound. I would try this out and it may be fine.

Alternatively if you mainly use one source the Novo allows you to feed through it to the amplifier. Connect the Era V Gold output to the Novo input and from the Novo to the amp's input. Then turn down the volume on the amp and and turn up the Novo for hadphones only, or vive-versa for speakers only. Apologies if I have stated the obvious to you!