I went through dozens of headphones but kept the K181. A bit more comfort and I am through with portable headphones...
The M50 has been (silently) changed to a newer version (from around start 2012) this one sounds markedly different is less boomy and has better mids and highs.
Our modifications take this integrated amp from great value to simply great.The modifications were designed by Chris Johnson, the founder and former president of Sonic Frontiers.The following details our Level-1 mod:1) We add 3 National Semiconductor LME 49720 "SMT" dual opamps to the input buffer, DAC buffer and headphone output buffer.2) We add 2 MultiCap PPMFX Series metalized Polypropylene signal coupling caps3) We add 8 Nichicon audio-grade FW & HZ series power supply electrolytic caps4) We replace the cheap input/fuse holder with a Furutech AC inlet/fuse holder. This is Rhodium plated.5) One sheet of Soundcoat is cut and placed on the chassis to dampen vibrations.6) Four EAR Sorbothane isolation feet are added.7) 10 feet of WBT solder is used in the mod 3 hours labor to complete the mod.The modified unit is more dynamic, has a warmer more liquid midrange and bigger soundstage. Imaging is more stable and hi frequencies are smoother with more detail. The L-1 modified amps are superb value and untouched at this price.Prices The Level-1 mod is $700.00 to your Nova 125 New modified Black Nova 125's are $1880.00 + freight Add $100.00 in cherry or Rosewood One year warranty on new modified unitsWe ship these worldwide in both 120 and 240 voltsWe also offer a Level-2 mod that is the same as the Level-1 but replaces the three National Semiconductor opamps with 3 BURR-BROWN OPA627 DUAL op amp modules for the input buffer, DAC buffer and headphone/output buffer. The OPA-627 is the world’s best SMT single IC op amps. We mount them on custom PCB assemblies to create dual modules.We also add 2 DEXA Technologies “discrete series” Power Supply regulators (+ & - 12V)Prices The Level-2 mod is $900.00 to your Nova 125 New Level-2 modified Black Nova 125's are $2190.00 + freight Add $100.00 in cherry or Rosewood One year warranty on new modified unitsThe Level-2 modified Nova 125 is an exceptionally fine amp that embarrasses most "name brand" $3500.00 integrated amps.
