New, Cheap Dynalo...

[spritzer]

TS into TRS could work but it really depends on the pinout. If the tip is + then it will work.

[episiarch]

Thanks for those impressions, Shahrose. I've been wondering where to slot the HA-006(++, etc) into my mental map of the amp landscape, and this is very helpful.

[LarsMarkelson]

TS into TRS could work but it really depends on the pinout. If the tip is + then it will work.

Yeah I ended up getting 4 of these: TecNec Cables & Connectors 1/4in Phone Male To RCA (Phono) Female Audio Adapter 1/4 Phone to RCA Adapters at Markertek.com

And it works! I like the Nano Patch but haven't extensively tested to see if I'm losing any resolution/detail. One of the Output jacks doesn't hold the 1/4" adapter firm like the other slots though, pretty annoying. Pretty sure I'm going to return this thing as it is now.

[LarsMarkelson]

After a bit of listening here are my thoughts on the HA-006++ (the new upgraded one):

-It's smoother and slightly warmer than the M^3 (AD8610) and Gilmore Lite (the Glite is the thinnest/brightest of the 3 amps as far as I can recall)

-It is not a fast-sounding amp. The transient speed (most noticeably in the bass) isn't as good as the M^3. Basically the M^3 has more control.

-Its dynamic range is not as good as the M^3. The M^3 also has a blacker background between notes, as well as a slightly more airy presentation than the HA-006++

-The soundstage is larger than the M^3, but also a bit more diffuse. Both amps have great layering within the soundstage. The HA-006++ just produces "larger" aural images, as if it's playing in a larger space.

Conclusion: I find the HA-006++ to have a more pleasing tone, a larger soundstage, more bass and less treble than the M^3. OTOH, it also has less dynamics, slower transients, less top-end air/microdetail and more diffused imaging than the M^3.

The HD800 certainly benefits from the slightly tubey (and forgiving) sound of the HA-006++ at times, but the M^3 is the technically superior (and more transparent) amp IMO.

Hey Shahrose, I see you now have a GS-1 DACT. From what you remember of the M3 and HA-006++, how does it compare to those two?

Also does that DACT stepper make any noise (like the occasional click on the HA-006++) when changing steps?

[Shahrose]

Hey Shahrose, I see you now have a GS-1 DACT. From what you remember of the M3 and HA-006++, how does it compare to those two?

Also does that DACT stepper make any noise (like the occasional click on the HA-006++) when changing steps?

Still waiting for my GS-1 to arrive (bought it second hand). It should be here early next week...I'll post a quick update then.

[Shahrose]

I got my GS-1 with DACT stepper + HiFi Tuning L/R channel fuses yesterday. My impressions may change later as I get accustomed to its sound, but so far here's what I think:

1) I like the M^3 just as much as the GS-1. The M^3 has significantly more bass punch, without being boomy and is smoother, without being veiled. The GS-1 has less decay (less natural to my ears) in the lower part of the frequency spectrums (bass to lower midrange).

2) The GS-1 has a larger and more holographic soundstage (without blurring), as if sounds are actually emanating from around you...nice

3) The GS-1 has slightly higher resolution and is a bit more revealing of upstream gear (changing ICs and DACs made a bigger difference than it did with the M^3 or Sheer or Violectric amps)

4) The GS-1 is a better amp than the Sheer HA-006++ overall...better transparency, resolution, transients, focus, dynamics, background blackness, and treble extension (bass ext is equal). But, the Sheer is more forgiving of source material, is bassier/smoother and has a more pleasing tone with quite a few recordings.

5) Justin's amps look and feel great. The GS-1 makes the Sheer offering look like DIY in terms of aesthetics (though I think the Sheer amps have solid construction as well).