Z Reveiw - QES HPBA-2 MkII [Don't Share]

I’m on my second D1 (first broke on Day 2). The second one isn’t perfect, either (occasionally plays feedback/static when music is played for the first time in a day). When it does work, I love what it does.

I did. Unless they send to me its a pass. I bought the HM100 and it was no bueno

ZeosPantera

I have the 789. I haven't hooked it up yet. What are your thoughts on the D1. I love mine minus the popping on power amps.

ZeosPantera

I before E except after C, usually. ;o)

Sadist? Doesn't everybody chain their girlfriend to the stove?

OI BRO, have you seen this? <a href="https://www.brainwavzaudio.com/products/alara-planar-magnetic-headphones" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.brainwavzaudio.com/products/alara-planar-magnetic-headphones</a>

"NOOOOuuuuueeeuuuu" Nouuoouoouoouoouuou" lmao.

“Reveiw”

Tilman

it's like an old Ferrari or Lambo..... good product but with so many 'rules' and compromises.... i'll need to tailor the whole system to this amp instead of this amp being a part of the team... if there're not as many choice available then maybe i'll compromise but in current market..... no thanks

I guess thats why Z doesn't like it, he's a sadist.

Yo Z, Have you ordered the Massdrop THX AAA 789? I have mine connected to the VMV D1 (balanced) and it's a great match

So its a masochist's amp? Sounds perfect............

lol

At 0db attenuation and controlled externally with 13dbu it pushes just about everything almost as hard as needed. BUT I'd expect it to melt things. If I get a full 24+ dac I can really re-evaluate it.

ZeosPantera

My business model is entirely based on jealousy. Its just another day at the office for me.

ZeosPantera

Checking out the quality of components is a good indicator of build, I've found, so what kind of capacitors? Rubycon, Novor, United Chemi-Con (or Nippon Chemi-Con), Nichicon, Panasonic, Wima are all high quality caps that will last. There's load of cheaply made, low cost junk that's at a low price point that do the same thing, but cook out over time... not much time sometimes, especially in a device that gets hot. Audiophiles rave about some capacitors over others for sound quality, which I don't have any experience of. As a guy who's been in electronics for some time, however, I can vouch for the difference between reliable cap's and unreliable types. Cheap ones go pop, especially when they're hot. If they're cheap then, like a typical Italian car, it will be back in the shop before you know it. P.S. Please ignore the jealousy bias... I couldn't afford the thing and having the opportunity to play as you can! ~It looks sooooo pretty~

As a previous Alfa owner I can relate to this, but if it is like an Alfa get rid of it, it’ll break you! I bet it is awesome though, probably $2500+ I think, hand built to order and amazingly awesome.

Neil C

Tremendous! As a previous 70's Fiat owner I can relate. Viewers have now had the Italian Sports Car experience vicariously so they do not have to. Question....does it actually amplify or just heat? 24dBm input translates to about 800mW I think. I have a Yulong D200 balanced DAC with buffered XLR preamp outputs. You can directly connect XLR headphones to the preamp outs, (max out 4.2V) and it plays them fine. So try connecting your headphones directly to the RME ADI-2 and see if it is just as loud. My guess, it has got to sell for 10 grand. But gorgeous knob. I need one like that for my JDS Atom.

George Roch

Clear, Elex and utopia. Another three part series coming

ZeosPantera

Topping D3X Pro when? Also, I tihnk I see Focal Clears (but kinda hard to tell from the cellphone screen.)