AV123 X-head

[uw69]

Thinking about getting a head phone amp. Any thoughts on the AV 123 X-head. Really only interested in it's quality/sound.

Not interested in te Comapany issues/problems. Thanks

[django1]

Well the first model had issues. I will be getting a new one soon. I'd be interestied in hearing about the new oneif anyone has it yet...

[uw69]

It looks to be similar in size to the Gizmo, is it? Does anyone know if the"new" ones are problem free?

[doug goldberg]

The X-Heads now shipping have a complete re-design of the main PCB. This was done to minimize the 60 Hz feed-through. The basic circuit remains the same (fixed gain, 5W class A amp with passive volume) but the 60Hz is now suppressed by an additional ~30dB. I also tweaked the bias very slightly on the output stage. I'm very pleased with the current production units.

[soloz2]

I would say it depends on what cans you want to drive with it. With Grados there is a bit of noise, but the amp is silent with my Senns. Much better for higher impedance cans IMO. I haven't tried with k701's yet.

[Sparky14]

I went and found my X-Head review from the av123 forum

av123 X-Head Amp
Unfortunately, I have to say my initial impression is not "giant killer". I will give the X-Head credit, it is a very quiet amp, it is not adding any noise. Especially in the volume control, you only hear the volume change and not any additional distortion.....kudos on the choice to not have a volume knob, it was a good decision.

But for me, sonically, the x-head does not add anything to the presentation. The differences in the sound coming from the x-head versus straight from the CD player or the iPod are very very small indeed. The bass sounds a bit sharper, less boomy. Vocals seem more integrated into the whole picture. I'm not getting any L/R soundstage at all. Front/Rear soundstage is good.

This was an early X-Head, hum and all. Hopefully the redesigned X-Head gets better reviews.

I now have a Little Dot MkIII. I am extremely happy with the Little Dot.

[soloz2]

I went and found my X-Head review from the av123 forum

av123 X-Head Amp
Unfortunately, I have to say my initial impression is not "giant killer". I will give the X-Head credit, it is a very quiet amp, it is not adding any noise. Especially in the volume control, you only hear the volume change and not any additional distortion.....kudos on the choice to not have a volume knob, it was a good decision.

But for me, sonically, the x-head does not add anything to the presentation. The differences in the sound coming from the x-head versus straight from the CD player or the iPod are very very small indeed. The bass sounds a bit sharper, less boomy. Vocals seem more integrated into the whole picture. I'm not getting any L/R soundstage at all. Front/Rear soundstage is good.

This was an early X-Head, hum and all. Hopefully the redesigned X-Head gets better reviews.

I now have a Little Dot MkIII. I am extremely happy with the Little Dot.

the new x-head is much, much better.

[skullguise]

the new x-head is much, much better.

Good to know. Do you have other amps to compare? Price-wise, it's close to a good DIY CK2III implementation.

But I'd be curious to see if it fares well against a couple other DIY's, like PPA2 and M^3 (I had each, sold each, then re-obtained another M^3; though my first one had STEPS, this has a wall-wart).

I didn't see any updated thoughts on Head-Fi, so anything you can tell is appreciated!

[soloz2]

Good to know. Do you have other amps to compare? Price-wise, it's close to a good DIY CK2III implementation.

But I'd be curious to see if it fares well against a couple other DIY's, like PPA2 and M^3 (I had each, sold each, then re-obtained another M^3; though my first one had STEPS, this has a wall-wart).

I didn't see any updated thoughts on Head-Fi, so anything you can tell is appreciated!

I currently also have a maxed out Millet Hybrid Max and RSA Tomahawk. In the recent past I've also had a PIMETA, PPX3 and MPX3 SLAM.

I honestly haven't spent too much time with it as my Max is better, but for the price it makes a great desktop amp that does well with higher impedance cans without breaking the bank.

[07Mcoupe]

FYI if you're interested in an X-Head, I've got an unused one sitting in a box from my December Rocket's order. I don't need it as I have zero headphones, and would let it go for 125 Shipped.

Paypal fees are extra.

[skullguise]

FYI if you're interested in an X-Head, I've got an unused one sitting in a box from my December Rocket's order. I don't need it as I have zero headphones, and would let it go for 125 Shipped.

Paypal fees are extra.

You have been PM'd, sir :yes: