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Author Topic: More Magni measurements  (Read 9621 times)

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ultrabike

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Re: More Magni measurements
« Reply #10 on: January 11, 2013, 02:19:53 AM »
Shut! My reasoning was that the Magni could probably go louder and/or handle more dynamic range (in the time domain, which means many tones) before crapping out, relative to the O2, but so far nuttin!

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Marvey

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Re: More Magni measurements
« Reply #11 on: January 11, 2013, 02:22:20 AM »
The O2 was already maxed at its current gain setting. I think the distortion we are seeing is more from the driver than the amp.
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Solderdude

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Re: More Magni measurements
« Reply #12 on: January 11, 2013, 07:49:41 AM »
That's a good way of showing an HE500 doesn't behave that differently when driven from different amps with test-tones.
Voldemort would be pleased and link to these measurements to make his point, as it seems to show the headphone puts out the same soundwaves through different amps.

It also reveals the THD of the HE500 (+ microphone and measuring equipment) is a good 35dB worse than the amps themselves add.
amps around 0.005%, HE500 around 0.3% ... 60x worse than an amp.

Good measurements, more people should be doing this by lack of he who's name cannot be mentioned.

signed:
Antonin Dolohov

quick question:
How to determine how low the THD of the measuring setup is in relation to the measurements and a headphone as we need a virtually faultless driver to determine that baseline.
Isn't measuring fun when dealing with unknowns ?
« Last Edit: January 11, 2013, 07:56:55 AM by Solderdude »
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Willakan

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Re: More Magni measurements
« Reply #13 on: January 11, 2013, 08:15:34 AM »
This also doubles as a nice example to those that insist the O2 will suddenly rise to >9000% distortion when driving WEEEL HEDPHONES (not referring to anyone on-site).
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rhythmdevils

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Re: More Magni measurements
« Reply #14 on: January 11, 2013, 08:26:54 AM »
What does it say about distortion levels in amplifiers?
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Willakan

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Re: More Magni measurements
« Reply #15 on: January 11, 2013, 08:31:23 AM »
It doesn't really say much about the amplifiers, but it at least demonstrates (unsurprisingly) that neither of them are overwhelmed by driving headphones!
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imackler

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Re: More Magni measurements
« Reply #16 on: January 11, 2013, 04:43:49 PM »
So...I'm going to ask the stupidest question ever. I could have sworn that there was a high frequency buzz with the Magni when the wall wart was plugged into a surge protector, but none since I plugged the wall wart into, well, the wall.

Is this insane?! Is it possible? Is it testable whether there would be measurable differences? Maybe its burn in. Maybe its brain in. But I really think the Magni sounds a lot better plugged in the wall.

Now, I will duck for fear of flying objects...  Please don't take me to the woodshed over this; I am curious though.
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Marvey

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Re: More Magni measurements
« Reply #17 on: January 11, 2013, 04:47:52 PM »
Yup it's possible. Could have been another component or RCA cables tied up with power wires somewhere tho.
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Anaxilus.

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Re: More Magni measurements
« Reply #18 on: January 11, 2013, 04:48:17 PM »
Quote from: Solderdude on January 11, 2013, 07:49:41 AM
That's a good way of showing an HE500 doesn't behave that differently when driven from different amps with test-tones.
Voldemort would be pleased and link to these measurements to make his point, as it seems to show the headphone puts out the same soundwaves through different amps.

Unfortunately a statement like this can lead some to a far more generalized conclusion that doesn't take into account more nuanced considerations in dynamic operation.  But yes, with respect to test tones. 
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tdockweiler

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Re: More Magni measurements
« Reply #19 on: January 11, 2013, 06:43:10 PM »
Quote from: imackler on January 11, 2013, 04:43:49 PM
So...I'm going to ask the stupidest question ever. I could have sworn that there was a high frequency buzz with the Magni when the wall wart was plugged into a surge protector, but none since I plugged the wall wart into, well, the wall.

Is this insane?! Is it possible? Is it testable whether there would be measurable differences? Maybe its burn in. Maybe its brain in. But I really think the Magni sounds a lot better plugged in the wall.

Now, I will duck for fear of flying objects...  Please don't take me to the woodshed over this; I am curious though.

This isn't insane and I have this issue with my Micro Amp. Can't connect it to any of the surge protectors I have because the bass gets slightly bloated and the sound just isn't the same. Probably ultra tiny differences, but enough to annoy me. I don't know what causes this.

On day one of using the Magni I was surprised at how small it's soundstage was compared to my other amp. Somehow I was a bit disappointed that it wasn't all that clear sounding and rather muffled. Turns out this was mainly with my DJ100 headphone and ODAC to Magni. I switched to using the Magni straight to the wall and all problem fixeds! The Magni is now crystal clear sounding and even the soundstage is pretty dang good. Impossible right?

It's really interesting why using my crappy surge protectors seems to  make some of my closed headphones sound warmer and a tad bassier. More muffled sounding. What's weird is that it also fools my brain into thinking the soundstage has shrunk. Bizarre right?

Then if I use my Q701 or an open headphone, I can't really detect any difference. Maybe with the HD-650. There's a chance most wouldn't hear this with my setup unless it was with specific headphones.

Someone once reviewed my amp and claimed that using it with a surge protector "starved the amp of power". Sounded like nonsense, but I now never use any of my amps with a surge protector.

It could be that I was using the cheaper models. I did just spend a little extra on an ISOBAR, to see if that helps. I do live in an older house from the 50s.

BTW my Q701 sounded awful with the Magni right out of the box. Made it sound more like the AD700 or Koss A/250. After 8 hours it sounded a bit better. I'll just say it's probably my imagination. Right now I don't like the Magni+ODAC at the moment with the Q701. You'd think my other amp was coloring the sound of it to be more likable, but it also measures flat apparently. Doesn't always mean much I guess. Right now I only have 8 hours on the Magni. Stupid flu.

Has anyone compared the Headroom Micro Amp to the M-Stage? Any similarities? I imagine M-Stage is like totally nothing like an O2 etc despite possibly measuring flat.

BTW it's so weird how so many people call the O2 and Magni bright yet they measure flat.

I'll burn in my Magni just for a laugh...can't hurt I guess.
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