2 replies to this topic

[everyones_shadow]

Hi everyone

I bought a Matrix Quattro balanced headphone amp mid last year and (other than the remote) is a very nice amp. Sound quality on par with the other amps I've heard but not all that different when using a single-ended connection.

I got sick and tired of trying to buy an ASUS balanced DAC and spotted a CEC 3300 balanced CD player on ebay which I snapped up.

Now there wa a real diffference in sound. I'm not convinced it's an improvement but will withhold judgement until the components and I have burnt in.

Briefly

More
Detail
Bigger and more forward soundtage
Dynamics

Less
Smoothness
Relaxing

The 650s always sound like you are sitting on the edge of the stage with your back to the artists. Now the artists have moved forward til they are right behind you. Very intimate.

I'd urge anyone who gets the chance to listen to balanced headphones driven by a balanced source. Whether or not you end up liking the sound it's quite an experience.

Cheers

ES

[L J T]

Thanks for your impressions.
How do you find the components now?

Did you have a special balanced cable made up?

I am looking to do something similar with my 600's.

[everyones_shadow]

Hi 12AU7.

I've been listening through speakers the last few weeks. I really must get back to headphone listening. I'll do a comparison over the weekend and post my impressions. The cable is made by Tam's Audio which is also where I bought the Quattro. $120 for the cable.

In the intervening months Schiit and audiog-d have released their equivalent balanced amps which use XLRs instead of TRSs and pre-made Sennheiser XLR cables are much easier to come by.

ES