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OLDER DECWARE GEAR SUPPORT >> CSP, CSP2, CSP2+ >> General questions about using it with solid state
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Message started by Steve Deckert on 02/15/10 at 20:16:24

Title: General questions about using it with solid state
Post by Steve Deckert on 02/15/10 at 20:16:24

Quote:

Dear Steve

I came across your amp on head-fi. I have been looking for a good tube headphone amp that also acts as a pre-amp. I have gone down the route of considering various chinese amps such as Ming Da, Yaqin, Transcendere etc and then having them modified, but there has always been some sticking point that meant they didn't quite suit.

Then I came across your amp. It seems to be exactly what I am looking for. I intend to use it primarily as a headphone amp to drive Senn 650's and akg k702's. I would use its pre amp output to run into a Burson Audio PI-160, an integrated amp with one input that runs as a power amp. This is a fantastic quality amp made here in Australia. Their gear is sold in the US but I'm not sure how well known it is. This then runs into another Australian made product, the Lenehan Audio ML-1 stand mount speakers.

As an aside, I wouldn't mind hearing your thoguhts on pairing one of your tube pre-amps with solid state power amps, and particularly on the off chance you had heard it with a Burson amp.

I can't find anything locally like your amp, and I don't know anyone who has one. The tube amp profucers here don't really think about the headphone output as a priority, so it is only thought if it is there at all. The chinese alternatives are less palatable to me. I try to support local manufacturers where I can, and smaller overseas producers. Apart from a couple of pieces of the Australian Burson gear, I also have bel canto and channel islands audio gear.

Mark

Hi Mark,

The CSP2 sounds great with hi quality solid state amplifiers. Again, tube rolling to compliment the signature of the amp is possible. The stock tube set is generally warm. You can dial in the "hit" easily with any amplifiers input impedance/sensitivity with the output level controls. Helps facilitate low level listening.

Steve

Title: Re: General questions about using it with solid state
Post by markm1111 on 03/15/10 at 01:25:44

Ok, this may sound a bit air-headed, but I am just about ready to place my order for the CSP-2. My dilemma is, which base do I choose?

I love the look of real timber, but the walnut base is a little, let's say, bland.... The black base looks great in the pics for its shaping, but I don't really want black.

So, what are the general opinions on which of the available bases looks best?

I would go custom but the amp itself is at the top of (actually over...) my budget.

Thanks

Title: Re: General questions about using it with solid state
Post by Rivieraranch on 03/15/10 at 23:43:19

I think you should get the walnut base.

I have both. You could always get some decorative hardwood moldings later and jazz up the walnut base on your own, but I would not recommend it.

If you want to sell the unit, it would be easier if it is in one of the stock configurations.

Title: Re: General questions about using it with solid state
Post by Lon on 03/16/10 at 00:58:46

I have the walnut bass on my Mark III. I really like it. It looks better colorwise in person than in the photo.