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#1
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Hello,
Has anyone used the Deckard headphone amp with a stand alone preamp? I wonder if the Deckard would offer improvement over the built-in headphone amp in my Mcintosh C 2300. I am using the LCD-2 headphones. I have an opportunity to acquire a Deckard. I would not use the built-in DAC. Thanks!
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McIntosh MC 2102, McIntosh C2300 (Gold Lion Platinum), McIntosh MR 78, Linn Majik DS, Linn LP 12 (Afromosia Plinth, Cirkus Kit, Majik Sub-Chasis, Trampoline Two, Lingo 3, Ittok LVII, T-Kable, Ortofon 2M Black), Dynaudio Special 40 Speakers, Woo Audio WA6-SE Headphone Amplifier, Audeze LCD-2 Headphones, Shunyata Hydra AV |
#2
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Although not having any experience with the headphone amp in the C2300, I can say that the Deckard is a very capable headphone amp when used with my LCD-XC closed back headphones. It never runs out of power or feels like it's being pressed too hard. It compares well to the iFi Pro ICAN tube type amp I also have although I do like the sound of the NOS GE tubes in the ICAN.
If you can try before you buy or otherwise have a satisfaction "guarantee" why not give it a try? |
#3
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Thank you, Blue Sky!
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McIntosh MC 2102, McIntosh C2300 (Gold Lion Platinum), McIntosh MR 78, Linn Majik DS, Linn LP 12 (Afromosia Plinth, Cirkus Kit, Majik Sub-Chasis, Trampoline Two, Lingo 3, Ittok LVII, T-Kable, Ortofon 2M Black), Dynaudio Special 40 Speakers, Woo Audio WA6-SE Headphone Amplifier, Audeze LCD-2 Headphones, Shunyata Hydra AV |
#4
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realize this is an old post, but i use the Deckard as HP amp only for my LCD 3's and it's quite good.
My only challenge is my pre amp (CJ GAT ) inverts phase, which I take care of by reversing polarity of the speaker cables. Since i cant do that with my HP Cables (other than having a custom out of phase set built), I probably am not hearing the full capability of the Deckard in my system. But it drives the LCD 3 very well - no hint of compression, so just wanted to share my experience. |
#5
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Thanks, mallen 123. I ended up getting the Woo Audio WA6SE, which pairs up real well with my LCD-2's. Have you compared the LCD-2's to the LCD-3's? Thanks.
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McIntosh MC 2102, McIntosh C2300 (Gold Lion Platinum), McIntosh MR 78, Linn Majik DS, Linn LP 12 (Afromosia Plinth, Cirkus Kit, Majik Sub-Chasis, Trampoline Two, Lingo 3, Ittok LVII, T-Kable, Ortofon 2M Black), Dynaudio Special 40 Speakers, Woo Audio WA6-SE Headphone Amplifier, Audeze LCD-2 Headphones, Shunyata Hydra AV |
#6
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I have a Deckard on my desk as well. By itself it is a very smooth class A amp/DAC that is warmish and musical but I use the DAC and Deckard variable output to drive my Woo WA6 headphone amp. In this setup the results are fantastic as I can dial in the “pre-gain” and get the Woo amp to sing in the range it likes and sounds best.
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#7
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I enjoy my Deckard as well. I have it connected to my desktop for those times when I can't play loud music through the main system. One of the better bang-for-buck values among my audio purchases! My headphones are a set of open-backed EL-8's, which are just dandy but I'm certain that the Deckard would serve me well if I chose to upgrade to a higher-end set of Audeze 'phones.
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Luke 2-ch system: Simaudio Moon 740P preamplifier / 760A amplifier / Sonus Faber Olympica III loudspeakers / Marantz TT-15S1 turntable / Schiit Yggdrasil LIM DAC with Unison USB / Uptone Audio EtherREGEN switch / AURALiC Aries G1 streamer / NUC-7i5 (Roon server) / Manley Chinook phono preamp / Furman IT-Reference 15i HT system: Anthem AVM60 / MCA325 (LCR) / ML Motion 60XT, 50XT, FX (x2), LX16 (x2), EL-IC (x4) / PlayStation 5 / Emotiva XSP-1 (HT bypass) / XPA-5 (Surrounds) / BasX A-500 (Atmos) / SVS 13-Ultra (x2) Coming soon: I'm pretty satisified with gear for right now! Maybe a good LPS and inexpensive clock for the EtherREGEN at some point though... |
#8
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