AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Owner's Circles => Virtue Audio Owners => Topic started by: jelt2359 on 4 Dec 2014, 10:13 am
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I just got my personal Black Friday gift (ok, one of many, but still)- a One.3 at $50 off. I got both the 130w psu and the new battery. I used to own a Sensation M901 but that died on me. I also have a standalone Dodd Tube Buffer but after testing it seems that that now doesn't work either. Frankly I don't miss it too much. I remember the sound of the M901 to be better (cleaner, tighter, more dynamic) without the Tube Buffer. But the Tubes add some nice Tube warmth. Gone now, but ah well, that's life.
Anyway, I'm one of a rare breed here in that I use this only for my extremely inefficient Headphones- the Hifiman HE6. Upon plugging it in, the first thing that hit me was the refined sound. It's extremely smooth. This was what I loved about the Sensation, so glad it's still there. Will post more impressions as I listen in over the next few days, and with comparisons to my previous amp, the Temple Audio Batam Gold. Will also be switching out the PSU and the Battery to see what the differences are. Again, only with Headphones so YMMV.
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Battery power vs 130w PSU:
The battery unit adds a lot more dynamics. I was stunned by the clarity and PrAT that was added. The lushness and timbre of the mids and treble also sound amazing.
The bass however is a mixed bag. There's slightly more punch, but the warmth and overall body is reduced. Soundstage also seems slightly smaller.
PS, on both battery and the 130w, the blackground is pitch black.
Honestly, it sounds like a completely different amplifier. For now I prefer the battery power.
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vs Temple Audio Batam Gold (not battery):
Bass on the TABG is more well-rounded, but not as punchy. The mids are more recessed, and lacks the lushness and magic of the One.3. Treble energy is weaker. Clarity is about equal. Speed and dynamics is better on the One.3.
I'll be using the One.3 on battery as my go-to from now on. :)
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After a few more hours of listening...
Wow. The One.3 really just hits you with a nice balanced sound- I now realise that the bass actually has punch when its supposed to, and simply doesn't appear when it's not called for. The overall signature is just incredibly fun. I have a few albums I use for auditioning everything (for consistency), so I know them inside out and frankly I'm getting a bit sick of them. (That's what listening to the same albums with multiple amps, dacs, IEMs and headphones does to you). With the One.3 however I found myself bobbing my head and dancing to the music. Incredible!
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Thank you so much for the awesome impressions.
Won't somebody offer me an HE6 trade (PM) so I can get some of the same vibes?