soloz2

Update 6/11/07

Updated Test Setup :
Transport : Marantz CD5001
DAC : Upgraded Zhaolu 1.3
Interconnects : Blue Jeans Cable digital coax & Soloz Audio silver RCA-mini
Sennheiser HD580 heaphones with HD600 grills & Soloz Audio Cardas Cable

* These equipment upgrades do affect the sound, but should have no negative influence on the PA2v2. In fact, they give the PA2v2 an advantage over the previously reviewed amps.

PA2v2


Cost: about $65-70
Op-amp: LM4881
Battery Life: 100+ hours (unverified)

The PA2v2 is a good amp for the money. The amp comes in a small plastic case so I cannot give it higher than a B- for build quality. It accepts 2 AA batteries and comes with a wallwart so you can use rechargeable batteries. Also, there is no LED to indicate the amp is on or off. There is no turn-on thump. The amp comes only with a wallwart. You will have to purchase a mini IC separately.

Sound:
I would not describe this amp as a very musical amp, but if you love bass this just might be the best little amp for you. Mids and highs are mediocre, Bass is plentiful with an in your face presentation.

Tchaikovsky
Overall the presentation of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 overture seemed flat and lifeless until the cannons fired near the end of the piece. Even then it was only the canons that really stuck out.

Massive Attack
Very pronounced bass line, but not muddy. The bass is not very extended. The PA2v2 has loads of bass that hits deep, but not as deep as the XP. Mids and treble are not spectacular, but they are not bad either. The PA2v2 retains the stereo separation, but you do have to listen closely to hear it.

Staind
The PA2v2 gives the song way too much midbass. It is overpowering, and drowns out the mids. Vocals are still strong. Highs are slightly harsh.

Updated Conclusion:
The PA2v2 was not my cup of tea. It was far too bassy at the expense of the rest of the frequency band. The amp has a slight boot at the high end as well, but left the highs feeling unrefined. The sound signature is almost like someone turned the loudness feature on a stereo, clicked up about 2 notches too high. This amp would probably be loved among bassheads.

Mister X's XP amp is still the clear winner.

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Please do not PM me general audio questions that should be asked on the open forum. I reserve the right to ignore your PM's.

Current Sound: SA tweaked Auzen X-Fi Prelude > SA Reference IC > Musical Paradise MP-301 6v6 tube amp> Tekton Designs 4.1 single driver loudspeakers

Feedback: Heatware Ebay

Niko-Time

I have recently got a C&C XO amp, I am rather liking it...my mum asked why I had bought a purple hip flask.

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By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

http://www.last.fm/user/niko-time/

soloz2

rofl.

I still haven't gotten my replacement Box+ but It was supposed to be in the mail last week.

__________________
Please do not PM me general audio questions that should be asked on the open forum. I reserve the right to ignore your PM's.

Current Sound: SA tweaked Auzen X-Fi Prelude > SA Reference IC > Musical Paradise MP-301 6v6 tube amp> Tekton Designs 4.1 single driver loudspeakers

Feedback: Heatware Ebay

Niko-Time

They have poor customer service, took ages to receive mine, but when they finally replied to my emails they were very apologetic and sent it to me fastest post possible with tracking and some free cables and stuff.

__________________
By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

http://www.last.fm/user/niko-time/

soloz2

that's cool. I've heard similar stories.

__________________
Please do not PM me general audio questions that should be asked on the open forum. I reserve the right to ignore your PM's.

Current Sound: SA tweaked Auzen X-Fi Prelude > SA Reference IC > Musical Paradise MP-301 6v6 tube amp> Tekton Designs 4.1 single driver loudspeakers

Feedback: Heatware Ebay

Niko-Time

They made it up to me in the end, so I'm happy. BTW, did that fool who scammed you $25 ever refund you? I remember reading something a while ago...

__________________
By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

http://www.last.fm/user/niko-time/

soloz2

well since it went on so long the guy promised to send me the item and the money. I got the item but not the money... so yeah

__________________
Please do not PM me general audio questions that should be asked on the open forum. I reserve the right to ignore your PM's.

Current Sound: SA tweaked Auzen X-Fi Prelude > SA Reference IC > Musical Paradise MP-301 6v6 tube amp> Tekton Designs 4.1 single driver loudspeakers

Feedback: Heatware Ebay

soloz2

I was informed by the owner of the pa2v2 that the amp does come with a mini-mini IC, however it is not high quality and is rather long. I updated my review accordingly.

__________________
Please do not PM me general audio questions that should be asked on the open forum. I reserve the right to ignore your PM's.

Current Sound: SA tweaked Auzen X-Fi Prelude > SA Reference IC > Musical Paradise MP-301 6v6 tube amp> Tekton Designs 4.1 single driver loudspeakers

Feedback: Heatware Ebay

soloz2

Just an update. I don't think I'm going to be able to get my hands on a C&C Box + for free, and I'd rather not spend my own money on it as there are bigger and better things that I want

So, my MisterX XP is for sale, as is my C&C Box v2. Both sales will fund the purchase of a new portable amp. I'll be sure to post my findings of the new amp here.

If anyone has requests you can let me know... but I don't have money to just buy amps, so it would either have to be an amp I plan to purchase, or a loan.

__________________
Please do not PM me general audio questions that should be asked on the open forum. I reserve the right to ignore your PM's.

Current Sound: SA tweaked Auzen X-Fi Prelude > SA Reference IC > Musical Paradise MP-301 6v6 tube amp> Tekton Designs 4.1 single driver loudspeakers

Feedback: Heatware Ebay

cyberspyder

Xin Reference But wait till he has finalized everything. Oh and don't forget the 3 month wait

__________________
AUDIO still in use: UE Triple.Fi 10 (Westoned), Westone UM3x, Styleaudio Emerald, Zaph ZBM4, Audiotrak HD2, JBL Power20 amp, Cowon D2
AUDIO retired/broken/gone: Beyerdynamic DT770 Pros/80 (recabled), UE super.fi 3 (Westoned), UE super.fi 5 Pro's (recabled), Shure E2C

I BLEED TOXIC GREEN

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