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Author Topic: CSP3  (Read 860 times)

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_RingingEars_

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CSP3
« on: October 03, 2014, 01:37:57 AM »
Hey all.
Looking to get a new rig next week based around the HD800.
I was looking at the Schiit Mjolnir and Gungnir, but I really do like tube amps(had a crack with the DT880 and loved it).
I saw the CSP3 and think I'm in love p:3, but first and foremost I want a good pairing for the 800.
My budget is $2000 for amp and dac so yeah, I need a dac also :)p17 Suggestions?

Edit: What do you folks think of the Resonessence Concero?
« Last Edit: October 03, 2014, 02:13:49 AM by _RingingEars_ »
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ericfarrell85

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Re: CSP3
« Reply #1 on: October 03, 2014, 05:20:16 AM »
CSP2+ is a nice pairing with the HD800 and is pleasantly underrated as a preamp too. Not quite on the level of a BA or Zana with the 800, but no notable shortcomings from my experience. I would imagine the CSP3 to be no different.
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Maxvla

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Re: CSP3
« Reply #2 on: October 03, 2014, 08:18:21 AM »
I've heard a rig using the CSP2+ and Concero (regular) and it was very good. I imagine the CSP2+ must be similar to how Marv describes the DNA Sonnett, slightly wet/smooth, but not so much to force a signature change. My friend with this rig said he tried a bunch of rectifiers and found the EML 5U4G to sound best. I would imagine this to be true of the CSP3 as the design is mostly the same.

I've heard the Beeswax caps are no good for headphone use on the CSP3, FYI.
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_RingingEars_

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Re: CSP3
« Reply #3 on: October 03, 2014, 02:34:46 PM »
Great. Thanks for the feedback guys.
Then I think I have put my search to rest.
I was a little concerned about the Concero. I heard the ESS chip can be a little harsh sounding. I only have experience with a couple of units built around the BB and Wolfson dacs so my dac knowledge is a little thin.
Roger on the beeswax caps. I did a little research on this amp last night and saw a couple remarks around the net on that subject with CSP2+. What about the stepped attenuator? Yay/nay? I already understand the pros and cons as far as pots having an imbalance at low volumes and attenuators lack of being able to dial in the perfect volume, but is there a sound quality +/- for these?

Edit: Also I'm open to dac suggestions as well. I had an NOS Valab teradak a few years back that I really liked. I wouldn't mind picking up another NOS dac, but can't seem to find one in the $500-$600 range.
I was looking at the Metrum Acoustics Octave, but can't seem to find it anywhere.
« Last Edit: October 03, 2014, 04:32:09 PM by _RingingEars_ »
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IamwutIam

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Re: CSP3
« Reply #4 on: October 14, 2014, 09:48:57 PM »
Hifi Heaven was the exclusive US Dealer for Metrum (I got both my Octave & Hex from them without a 'hitch')
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