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Proprius As Headphone Amp |
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Ash
Senior Member Joined: 18 Mar 2013 Location: Dorset Status: Offline Points: 4334 |
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I disagree that the Proprius are inferior to the Solo ULDE; I consider them equal for some loads. Depends what they are driving and where the dials are set.
Why do you think I was happy enough to sell the Solo ULDE originally and just keep the monoblocks for my headphones? Very close, they are. I only bought another Solo UL some time later because I was trying to cost-cut my system and see if I could get everything I wanted out of the headamp. But I had to put both the dials right up when using the Maj-Solo into K1000, to the point where noise/distortion was being reached and the dynamic range reached compression, as though I'd reached a limit of useful gain or ran out of current allowance. I want ONE "no holding back" DAC and one "no holding back" amplification device, preferably all in one product. That is my objective. But I can only achieve this if Graham makes it, as I will not be going to another manufacturer for my product and do not have Graham's skills and knowledge/experience to make it for myself. An integrated amplifier is of great interest to me and I would like to be involved in the development of this product as much as possible. I was thinking along what Graham has suggested; headphones and speakers being driven from one, adaptive output. A Majestic-Proprius type of design in one aluminium case, alleviating the need for interconnect cables between DAC and amp. A mega-Bitzie, you could say, in terms of bare-bones excellence. I will be watching with ever-growing interest.
I agree; electronics isn't perfect, which is why I am happy to accept the imperfections of my monoblocks. Phase/timing is what seems to make the music great for me. Hiss can still be made insignificant without sacrificing timing. I want to see you keep things simple yet excellent, using your current Maj-Pro achievement as a guide. I have no attachment to your products; all I care about is your circuit designs and how they can be best implemented to make them as small, compact and formidable sounding as possible.
Edited by Ash - 15 Jul 2015 at 8:40pm |
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miT
Senior Member Joined: 07 Jan 2009 Location: London Status: Offline Points: 890 |
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Who said the Proprius is inferior? As Ash said they are equal but one has more power behind it, useful for inefficient headphones (or speakers).
I too am looking forward to the integrated amp as it will suit my needs perfectly.
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Graham Slee
Admin Group Retired Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Location: South Yorkshire Status: Offline Points: 16298 |
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Using the Majestic and Proprius I found 12 o'clock to be just right for me with the Majestic VC set to 10 o'clock using the HD250II. I could not detect any hiss at all using the HD250II. This would suggest the use of a -20dB "dim" L-pad (attenuator) on the input of the integrated's power-amp inputs. If using less sensitive headphones I am sure turning the Majestic volume higher would have given satisfactory results? (based on the Proprius 12 o'clock position) |
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That none should be able to buy or sell without a smartphone and the knowledge in how to use apps
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Ash
Senior Member Joined: 18 Mar 2013 Location: Dorset Status: Offline Points: 4334 |
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For more sensitive loads, I personally turn down the Proprius pots and turn up the Majestic pot, as only the Proprius gain seems to influence the level of audible noise. This is what I have found with my equipment. Your HD250II and my HD540II are more or less the same headphone; their characteristics are almost identical.
The more sensitive the drivers or the lower their impedance, I am under the impression that amplification noise is more easily heard. I've only used 300 Ohm Sennheisers and 120 Ohm K1000 with them though. I'd imagine that even at lowest pot positions on the Proprius, it would still be unsuitable for devices like IEMs (In-Ear Monitors) I'd guess that less sensitive loads would be driven as well from Proprius as they are from Solo. Some devices may ideally require the extra current that the Proprius can supply.
Edited by Ash - 16 Jul 2015 at 8:37pm |
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Fatmangolf
Moderator Group Joined: 23 Dec 2009 Location: Middlesbrough Status: Offline Points: 8960 |
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Echoing Ash's comments I have effectively set the volume controls on the Proprius amps just over half way. It lowers the subtle hiss to inaudible in my listening environment and also means I can use more of the range of Majestic's volume control.
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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. |
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Bags
Regular Joined: 14 Apr 2018 Status: Offline Points: 80 |
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What cables are you using between the Proprius and your headphones?
I'd like to try something similar into my HD600s. |
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Ash
Senior Member Joined: 18 Mar 2013 Location: Dorset Status: Offline Points: 4334 |
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I cut open a short fairly inexpensive oxygen-free copper 3.5mm male to 6.35mm female adapter cable at the jack end to expose the bare wires. I essentially connected the negative terminals of the Proprius together as they converge at the female end of the cable, then just worked out which channel was which by trial and error with the positive leads. The "common ground" did not give me any trouble so I think it is okay. Remember to set all dials low before you begin then carefully raise the volume. HD600 is a nominal 300 Ohm load with similar sensitivity to the Senns that I tried. I would set the Proprius dial to 9-10 o'clock and fine adjust with the Majestic or pre-amp of choice.
Edited by Ash - 06 Jul 2021 at 8:19am |
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