Mapletree Audio OD300 Amp

This looks pretty cool ... never heard of these guys but they are from Canada. I can see the looks being a bit controversial but I think the two chassis design is interesting. Looks handmade for sure. $930. Tube rolling would be cheaper than some other designs.

Very little info out there but here is what I found:

Company Site: https://hollowstate.netfirms.com/#headphone amps

Review: http://headphone.guru/the-mapletree-audio-sugarmaple-od300-headphone-amplifier-one-smooth-player/

Manual: https://hollowstate.netfirms.com/manuals/OD300 Users Manual.pdf

Specs: https://hollowstate.netfirms.com/resources/Mapletree Headphone Amplifier Comparison.html

Cool article about the company: http://wallofsound.ca/audioreviews/...sing-bent-audio-motorized-alps-potentiometer/

I'll be honest, I sort of love how it looks like something a tinkerer would make in his garage. This might make an interesting addition to the sub $1300 tube amp thread.

 

I've had a Mapletree Ear + Purist HD100 since 2006 and absolutely love it. It is (by a large margin) the most non-fatiguing amp I've ever heard.

 

Sweet, I'll have to check out that amp as well.

 

I'm speaking to the Mapletree guys in Canada about getting a review loaner for SBAF members. We shall see what they say. Would anyone be interested in participating in a loaner tour? Just gauging interest.

 

If the tour starts in Canada, I'd be very interested. I've reviewed two other Canadian amps recently as well (Wolf Ear and Neurochrome).

 

I totally love that Lloyd's website hasn't changed in over 10 years...and I see he still has the build queue page, which was always a nice touch. I had an Ear+ HD2 from him in 2007 and he was a super chap to deal with. He also does (or at least used to) custom work...eg, mine had an extra input and he also made a 5-channel switch box for me at a very reasonable price IIRC.

 

I will report back. The design is based on one of Lloyd's earlier designs but it has been updated and is actually manufactured by a guy named Dr. Al Freundorfer who works for Mapletree.

This is what Lloyd said about the amp via email yesterday:

"Hi Andrew, Thank you for your interesting email. Dr. Freundorfer is indeed the designer and builder of the OD300. It has replaced the Mapletree Super II amp that I made for those who wanted more power and use of currently manufactured tubes. Al's OD300 borrows from the output topology of the Super II but uses the venerable 6080/6AS7G tube for the output. I am forwarding this to Al and he can get back to you. Regards, Lloyd"

 

If I can get one of these on loan, I'll bug Andrew at @WolfEarAudio for his Natayo so I can do a shootout with some Canadian tube guys (in *roughly* the same price range)

 

That would be sweet. I'm also interested in the Natayo.

 

I can definitely help out with that

 

Mapletree OD300 vs Wolf Ear Natayo vs Neurochrome HP-1. Let's make it happen ... Canuck amp shootout.

 

I've got a Mapletree Sugarmaple Sidewinder that is a killer tube design. Looks very DIY, but punches way above its price point and synergizes with a very wide range of headphones. On the fence about whether I'm going to let it go in this season's downsizing sale...