[ebag4]

Srajan is possibly one of the few who has heard both of these amps, he heard them on some of the same speakers as well.  I would have thought that the Glow and Miniwatt would have been a natural comparison since both/either could be considered for use in systems with the requisite speaker efficiency.

So Srajan, what do you think? How do they compare?  What did you like about one over the other?

Thanks,
Ed

[Wind Chaser]

Great question.  Direct comparisons can be very helpful, even if you don't necessarily agree.  Some reviewers might not feel too comfortable with this approach but it would be nice if they didn't hold back and call it the way they see it.  Reviewing is a tricky job, because no reviewer can serve two masters (both consumers and manufacturers) without omitting details to potential consumers or hurting manufactures with unfavorable reports and comparisons.  Tough job, but somebody's got to do it!

Another thing I'd like to see from Srajan's reviews is details on sound staging and imaging.  These are very important characteristics and it would be nice to know how the Dayens Ampino and Miniwatt performed in this area.

[Mariusz]

Srajan is possibly one of the few who has heard both of these amps, he heard them on some of the same speakers as well.  I would have thought that the Glow and Miniwatt would have been a natural comparison since both/either could be considered for use in systems with the requisite speaker efficiency.

So Srajan, what do you think? How do they compare?  What did you like about one over the other?

Thanks,
Ed

That is easy...........
I can have both for a comparison next week.
One caveat - the Glow which I can get a hold of was modified by RHB Sound Dezign. I can tell you one thing tho. My buddy who owns Glow Amp feels that he could have saved some money. He also asked me to be placed on the audition tour as the last person in hopes to snatch the tour demo unit. For those who signed up, do not worry......it will be available for the grabs.  aa

I have heard the original version with Zu speakers and it was pretty good indeed.
Its DAC sucked but it should not be a deal breaker for those interested in it.
Comparison between the two would be more valuable if I had them both for A/B test but from what I remember, Glow is noisier and definitely slower then MiniWatt. I believe the middle range is better painted with MiniWatt. MiniWatt also excels in bass definition. IMO

Srajan's opinion might be different then my own impressions so lets see what he might have to say about these two overachievers.



Mariusz

[ebag4]

Mariusz,
I didn't realize you had heard them both.  Good info, can't wait to lay my ears on the miniwatt! aa

Best,
Ed

[Mariusz]

Mariusz,
I didn't realize you had heard them both.  Good info, can't wait to lay my ears on the miniwatt! aa

Best,
Ed

At one point I was considering buying into Glow Amp, mod those units and offered them for those interested. DAC is helpless but mods did brought some interesting improvements. However the total cost of the modified units would reach 1K so diminishing return quickly kicked in and it started to make less and less sense to pursued that idea . MiniWatt doesn't need any work (mods, exotic PCs or rare NOS tubes) and costs a lot less. IMO, sounds better too.

Mariusz

[Srajan Ebaen]

If you guys e-mailed me directly, I could respond quicker - I just don't have the time to canvas all the forums 

That said, the Glow is slower, thicker, fuzzier and less distinct by comparison. The MiniWatt is as the review describes it - fast and extended like an F1 or Decware amp, very lit up on top but not bright, with very articulate controlled bass if not the very last word in sheer amplitude down low.

A few other ways of pointing in the same direction: The MiniWatt sounds like a direct-coupled (capacitor-less) design. Mind you, I said *like*. It could well have lotsa caps though given the size, it's unlikely. But if you have heard a good DC-coupled amp, you might relate to that 'deburred, defuzzed' sound. Or, think ultra thin, solid core, treated silver wire in a cotton sleeve. If properly done, it won't be zippy per se and it certainly won't be bright. It will, however, sound fast, lean, rhythmically alert etc.

Different people like different things and different systems want to be nudged in different directions.

For my tastes as they have developed at present; for my components and so on... I prefer the MiniWatt as the more lucid, exciting communicator of musical emotion. It's more direct, more open, more transparent... and it soundstages like a bandit.

It also seems to me that it should be very easy to rig up a banana to 1/4" headphone socket adaptor thingie and be styling big time on cans if for some reason, your speakers don't respond 100% to the MiniWatt diet 

S

[launche]

FWIW,

Since I found it odd a device like this did not have a headphone option, I emailed miniwatt and they indicated they were working on a headphone output.

[ebag4]

If you guys e-mailed me directly, I could respond quicker - I just don't have the time to canvas all the forums 

That said, the Glow is slower, thicker, fuzzier and less distinct by comparison. The MiniWatt is as the review describes it - fast and extended like an F1 or Decware amp, very lit up on top but not bright, with very articulate controlled bass if not the very last word in sheer amplitude down low.

A few other ways of pointing in the same direction: The MiniWatt sounds like a direct-coupled (capacitor-less) design. Mind you, I said *like*. It could well have lotsa caps though given the size, it's unlikely. But if you have heard a good DC-coupled amp, you might relate to that 'deburred, defuzzed' sound. Or, think ultra thin, solid core, treated silver wire in a cotton sleeve. If properly done, it won't be zippy per se and it certainly won't be bright. It will, however, sound fast, lean, rhythmically alert etc.

Different people like different things and different systems want to be nudged in different directions.

For my tastes as they have developed at present; for my components and so on... I prefer the MiniWatt as the more lucid, exciting communicator of musical emotion. It's more direct, more open, more transparent... and it soundstages like a bandit.

It also seems to me that it should be very easy to rig up a banana to 1/4" headphone socket adaptor thingie and be styling big time on cans if for some reason, your speakers don't respond 100% to the MiniWatt diet 

S

Srajan,
Thank you for taking the time to reply.  It certainly makes me more excited to hear the Miniwatt.


Best,
Ed

[mlgill]

I have a pair of 2A3 monoblocks integrated that sounds so damn good.  I wish Srajan would listen to it. If it is not the best ever heard I will smash it.

[lcrim]

The only opinion about your amp that should matter to you is your own.

Edit: I just noticed that you have a commercial interest in this device from another posting of yours.  You need to properly identify yourself as a manufacturer as was suggested.by Chris (Lonewolfe.)

[srb]

I have a pair of 2A3 monoblocks integrated that sounds so damn good.  ..................... If it is not the best ever heard I will smash it.

 
 
As "best ever heard" could not be any more subjective,  you have unfortunately left yourself only one possible course of action!
 
Smash it.
 
We now return you to your regularly scheduled Glow vs Miniwatt thread.
 
Steve

[ashok]

Thank you for taking the time to reply.  It certainly makes me more excited to hear the Miniwatt.

Ed: Did you hear the Miniwatt yet? Impressions? Thanks very much.

Ashok

[ebag4]

Hi Ashok,
Yes I did, I commented in the Miniwatt review thread here: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=69715.20

Best,
Ed

[ashok]

Ed:

Nice review, thanks. I will probably try one. I have a pair of the Silver Iris, so the power output is plenty.