Massdrop Cavalli Tube Hybrid Amp

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by purr1n, Aug 11, 2017.

  1. Ice-man

    Ice-man Friend

    Pyrate Banned
    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,455
    Trophy Points:
    113
    I'm surprised that more folks haven't chimed in about the difficulty with the 1/4 jack. Mine is also VERY rough inserting or removing. I've also begun the process or reterminating headphone cables to circumvent the problem. It's a shame that this otherwise wonderful amp has this problem.
     
  2. bilboda

    bilboda Florida boomer

    Pyrate Banned
    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2016
    Likes Received:
    834
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Miama
    I don't see the jack as that much of a problem. Rough yes, but no wear on the plugs and I imagine it will soften over time. I noted it but didn't see it as an issue. I am doing a lot of plugging/unplugging recently. Currently comparing to an Ember with about 7 different tubes using a HD 650 and...the Ember is winning with certain tubes.
     
  3. lerrens

    lerrens Facebook Friend

    Joined:
    May 19, 2017
    Likes Received:
    189
    Trophy Points:
    33
    Location:
    Taipei
    Here's my comparison between MCTH and Jot, arriving at 30 hours of burn-in.
    Using Gungnir Multibit Gen 5, I was using balanced from Gungnir Multibit to Jot and SE from Gungnir Multibit to MCTH.
    I’ve been mainly listening through HD650 & HD800S.

    1. Pairing with HD650 (connected via SE 1/4” plug)

    Starting with HD650, the sound from MCTH is very organic and lively. Having been using SS amps all these years, (Asgard, O2, Jotunheim) there's an immediate sensation of sweetness & smoothness on first listening to MCTH. Vocals are incredibly real and full of emotions, emanating waves of sonic pleasures into the space around my head. The bass was a tad soft but in a very relaxing way. One could easily float in this pool of music, liquid music and forget about anything else.

    Plugging into the Jot, the whole sound signature changes. As if woken up from a dream, everything became more transparent and imminent. The leading edges of sound from different instruments became more apparent, especially from violins. When needed, the edge brings satisfaction to the music and vocals became really clear and pure, opposed to the wave-like presence from MCTH, Jot makes vocals sound like they just happened in space, touching less of the air around it and emanating less into the space. For longer listening sessions or when dealing with recordings of lower quality, however, the slight brightness and analytical characteristics of Jot would become too unforgiving.
    MCTH is slightly veiled and dark comparing directly to Jot with less macrodynamic slam and punch, but overall is still resolving enough with the same details.

    Being fast with it's transients, micro-details come and go faster on the Jot, while on the MCTH they are more approachable and enjoyable. Because of this, the soundstage is more fulled with delicate sounds spreaded around and overall staging seems to be a bit larger on the MCTH. (Or this might be the effect of the Jot being more focused sounding therefore have a closer imaging)

    It's a bit astonishing discovering such radical sound differences between two amps. MCTH makes HD650 sounded kind of STAX-like, showing sweetness and the special liquid glow of electrostatic headphones. Dynamics are a bit compressed yet music became easily enjoyable.
    Jot on the other hand brings out HD800-like technicalities to the HD650: powerful sound, precise edge and the best dynamics I've heard from a HD650.

    For HD650, I think the MCTH complements the Jot with a different flavor and approach to sound reproduction. Being more used to the macrodynamic slams provided by Jot, I find myself liking the Jot better. But I also know that depending on the mood, there would be times that I'd find Jot to be too aggressive and would want to just chill with the sound of MCTH. I’d rationally argue that Jot brings out a more ‘accurate’ sound, and at the same time, my body tells me that I’m having more of those goosebumps moments from MCTH.

    Another thing to note is, I find the MCTH a bit meh for rock and metal, maybe a tad too slow and soft? Especially compared to Jot+HD650 which work wonders for the genre.


    2. Pairing with HD800S (connected via 4-pin XLR)

    Sound impressions are mostly the same as above. MCTH is softer and sweeter, Jot is more muscular and more transparent.

    However, being used to the technicalities provided from Jot+HD800S, I'm feeling that the MCTH is somehow pulling down the performance of HD800S. Jot always have the sheer might and strength to pump up the drivers when needed, creating a very full and meaty sound. Especially in movie OSTs or orchestral music, the pair can really pull off speaker like explosives and dynamics. At times the MCTH is too gentle and becomes chaotic when music gets busy. There are even times that the midrange to lower treble suffer from graininess because of the drivers are not driven by enough force.

    While the much lighter, wetter touch of edges from MCTH is beneficial to HD650, creating a dream-like experience, for HD800S it actually sounded a tad smeared over and takes away the high-definition capabilities of the headphone. In fact, to my astonishment, I found a lot of songs that HD650 actually out-performed HD800S when using MCTH.

    There's something really magical about the pairing of Gungnir Multibit+Jot+HD800S that I've noticed from the first time I set up this combination: Very holographical, realistic and true to life sound recreation. Not only the music feels right, but also the air and atmosphere sounds right. Sometimes even the noise in the room sounds right and you can sense the absent of it and feel that someone/something is present in the recording studio not making a sound but blocking certain noises.

    Changing anything in the chain would always break the spell and the MCTH is no exception. There's such a serious synergy between Gungnir Multibit+Jot+HD800S that I can't live without.

    Without knowing Jot, I’d say the MCTH is a pretty nice pair for the HD800S, especially at the price point. I wouldn’t notice anything missing listening exclusively to MCTH. But once compared directly to Jot, I’d say Jot holds the upper hand.

    Conclusions:
    • For HD650, the MCTH is an insane value amp that I’d say performance is on par with Jot with a different approach in sound reproduction.
    • For HD800S, the MCTH is ok, but I love my Jot.
    • Jot + HD800S = Gungnir Multibit magic instruments
    • MCTH + HD650 = unprepared goosebumps.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2018
  4. msommers

    msommers High on Epipens

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2016
    Likes Received:
    2,750
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Calgary, Alberta
    Home Page:
    @shanchandi To keep CTH news here. Yes I'm surprised shipping was that fast, but they used UPS which is faster but of course got nailed on brokerage fees (which shouldn't even been allowed given the service used). It was funny timing actually, got an email about the CTH w/ dac "now available" followed 2 seconds later by a "your package has shipped email." -- There goes that option...
     
  5. shanchandi

    shanchandi Acquaintance

    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2016
    Likes Received:
    49
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    Toronto, ON
    Fair fair. And thats crazy! I thought i was pretty quick pulling the trigger on that but I guess not lol
     
  6. luximal

    luximal Made things right

    Contributor
    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2015
    Likes Received:
    234
    Trophy Points:
    43
    Location:
    Markham ontario
    CTH + SDAC review + comparisons

    [​IMG]

    Sdac vs Audial model S (not a fair review but it's the only other dac I have on hand)

    [​IMG]


    The sdac is a perfectly fine dac that does surprisingly well vs a dac more than 10X its price. Tonally it’s very similar to the dac built in the m9xx which make sense since both dacs are from Grace. It has a bit of that velvet akm sound but it’s minor like in the m9xx’s dac and it doesn’t have upper mid peaky issues that plagues some of the akm dacs I’ve heard (like the cayin idac-6). Pretty linear and non coloured and certainly less warm and upper mid forward than the audial. It offers good dynamics and resolution and clarity.

    Of course it goes without saying that it doesn't quite match up to the audial. The audial has a certain musically that comes from it’s warm, smooth and slightly soft sound that is presented with a high level of resolve, clarity and dynamics. Combine that with it’s upfront vocals and nice background it’s a dac that never ceases to satisfy me even with it’s and weaker staging, imaging and bass compared to other similarly priced dacs like the Gungnir Multibit and sfd-1.

    The sdac on the other hand while less clear, less dynamic, has less detail, sounds more grey and is overall less fun and involving, is still a dac that has no short comings worth mentioning at its 99-dollar price point. Off the top of my head, when compared to something like the Modi Multibit, the sdac is far cleaner sounding. The Modi Multibit meanwhile has the Gungnir Multibit’s tonality and some of it’s dynamics but none of the technicalities or clarity. This is my opinion, but I don’t think r2r dacs NOS or otherwise sounds good until you get to around the 1k price point.


    Cth vs magni 3 vs Decware mini torii
    Audial model S for the dac and using he-6 and ma900 for headphones


    Left me first say the CTH is a very good amp. Compared to the decware, it’s more forward, a bit brighter and less soft sounding. It has a bit of a mid bass bump that gives bit more bass weight and impact vs the Decware. And while brighter it doesn’t sound harsh or peaky either. If anything it brings the treble detail forward. Image scale is larger on the cth as well.

    That being said I still think the decware is overall better amp. It has the more stereotypical tube sound that’s a bit softer, warmer and smoother than the cth which some people like (or hate). But it’s has more resolution/plankton, superb clarity, images far better and has a deep and wider soundstage. It’s airier, has a better black ground and offers better dynamics. Sound as a whole is more nuanced than the cth.

    But like I said the cth is still a very good amp.

    I honestly thought the cth would blow the magni 3 away, that is not the case. It’s brighter than the cth, but like with the comparison before it’s not brighter in a way that introduces harshness. It has a surprisingly smooth (smoother than cth) sound that when paired with good dynamics, makes for an enjoyable sound
    But the magni does sound a bit too smoothed over which impacted resolution and clarity and made it a bit more laid back and veiled in comparison to the other 2 amps and for that I’d give the win to the cth.

    [​IMG]
     
  7. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2015
    Likes Received:
    4,801
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    San Jose, CA
    Mild report on tube rolling, cuz I got the chance to do some tube rolling with @brencho yesterday:

    1. Stock EH tube: nice and clean/neutral sounding. A bit tizzy/harsh on the upper end, though. Didn't annoy on HD580 or HD600 but very annoying on HD800 so I'm guessing that's that. Also I've easily left the tube on for longer than 150 hours so I don't think burn-in is the issue here.

    2. some Sylvania 6922 w/ green letters: smooth, soft, almost compressed-sounding but still quite airy. It's a blurry warm blanket thing. I'd approve this for bright and harsh sounding headphones. Made HD800 sound very tame. I'd bet this one will be fantastic for Utopia. Also this one easily has over 80-90 hours of burn-in time.

    3. Amperex ECC88: not sure which one this was since I didn't take a closer look at it. I think @brencho can tell us more about it. It was used in his pre-amp. Basically sounded like the Sylvania but with better clarity, better impact, moar bite, and overall cleaner but more relaxed than stock EH tube for some reason. This one is probably very well-burned.

    4. Mullard 6DJ8: also another tube from @brencho's system. This one was in the DAC. Basically sounded like the Amperex but bass was a bit hazier/bloomy, much like the Sylvania. It was like a cross between the Sylvania and the Amperex.

    I think Amperex was best. And since @purr1n mentioned an A-frame Amperex 6922, I've hunted one down on eBay for like... $25 (seriously) to see how that one will do.

    Tube colorations are very mild indeed but with something like HD800, it's still pretty noticeable, I think.

    Or hey, I could be going crazy and it's all placebo, so... take all that with a grain of salt. :bow:
     
  8. brencho

    brencho Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2015
    Likes Received:
    7,978
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    LA
    The amperex was a 7308, but I'm also getting some 6922 and 6dj8 orange globes at some point so we can try those out over the summer or whenever I get around to it.
     
  9. BrianM

    BrianM New

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2018
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    3
    Location:
    Atlanta area
    I burned in and tried the stock tube, but I prefer the Siemens 6922 since it has slightly more tube intimacy/warmth and is just as detailed as the stock tube with HE560 and pulse fi dac. I wouldn't say it is a huge difference but it is noticable. I will probably try a d getter Amperex, which I have on hand, at some point. Still trying to get my power supply up and going. I think I need to replace some caps.

    Also as far as I know Amperex only made A-frame 6dj8 not 6922. You want to check if the eBay tube has factory codes for Amperex production, triangle for Holland.
     
  10. msommers

    msommers High on Epipens

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2016
    Likes Received:
    2,750
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Calgary, Alberta
    Home Page:
    Received my unit and have had it running for 5-6 hours using the stock tube with HD650 and DSJr for dac/streaming duty. Preferences are on the spatial large scale, slight bass bump, definitely leaning warm with big points to reverb lasting naturally or slightly longer (not being cut-off prematurely, added reverb is more obvious).

    Initial impressions:
    - Soundstage appears much wider than deep. Depth seems to extend just beyond my forehead while not feeling congested or enclosed horizontally or L - R (keep in mind the 650s)
    - Seems a little zingy up top - cymbals, high hats etc have a bit of tzzz to them. Clarity is wonderful.
    - Bass is well defined and not flabby which I'm very happy to hear.
    - Mids sound very neutral - not in your face but not boring either.
    - Acoustic guitar (which I love) has great body and string texture but nothing seems emphasized.

    Ergonomics: Fantastic. (A) The knob doesn't get hot or even really warm, super smooth and feels substantial. (B) Power switch is on the front! (C) LED light is very subtle but functional. These little things just add better value to the amp for me.

    In a nut shell, this was a sold purchase for my preferences. The performance/$ is actually pretty stunning and if this is what a Cavalli amp sounds like, generally speaking, I wish I bought something more expensive from the Crypt Sell-Off. That said, this little amp has surprised the hell out of me and certainly won't be going anywhere anytime soon.
     
    Last edited: Mar 26, 2018
  11. dirt

    dirt New

    Contributor
    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2018
    Likes Received:
    27
    Trophy Points:
    13
    Location:
    WV
    Got a couple of 6dj8 JAN Sylvania in this morning. Put one in for a few minutes to check it and it failed. One channel dead, protection led red. Put back the EH and all well. Tried the other JAN and it was a bit noisy. That might have cleared but I am sending them back. Ordered another 6dj8 and a 7308. Don't know what I'll get until they are here. When TubesandMore has a sale, there is no choice of tube at the sale price. But sometimes you get lucky.

    That said, I installed a NOS old RCA 6922, made in W. Germany. I suppose it is Siemens. Only been on a couple hours and it already sounds better than the EH which has around 40 hours. I think the EH just became a backup. Still have another NOS RCA, made in Great Britain. Got ridges on top so may be a Mullard.
     
  12. lefty

    lefty New

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2018
    Likes Received:
    11
    Trophy Points:
    3
    Location:
    Saskatoon
    Mine just got delivered to my work... $39.60 brokerage fee, which I expected since they were using UPS. Just about to do some listening with my Dragonfly red and Mr Speakers Alpha Primes with the stock tube for the time being. Initial listen revealed a dead silent background, even at full volume, although I'll have to bring in my Meze Classics to see how it fares with these far more sensitive cans. A little bit of noticeable fuzziness when turning down the volume. We'll see how it compares to my Schiit Vali for sound quality... more to come...
     
  13. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2015
    Likes Received:
    4,801
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    San Jose, CA
    Yeah, you're right, it's 6DJ8/ECC88 on the tube, but not 6922.

    Will burn this in for a week and then let you guys know how it fares. It's made in Holland indeed.
     
  14. vanjim

    vanjim New

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2018
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    1
    Location:
    Vancouver, Canada
    Hi. I just received my MCTH and it seems to cause a bit of hum/buzz when plugged in and connected to my Amp. The MCTH doesn't even have to be switched on. I was wondering if this is normal in peoples experience? Also wondering if I did want to replace the power supply with a LPS, which one do people recommend? The 28V seems to be a less popular spec out there..... Thanks!
     
  15. Elnrik

    Elnrik Super Friendly

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2017
    Likes Received:
    8,973
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Denver CO
    Home Page:
    You connected your MCTH to an amp?
     
  16. Ringingears

    Ringingears Honorary BFF

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,659
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Northern Californium Valley
    I’m not even going to say anything, except did you mean to say headphones? It’s not meant to be plugged into an amp.
     
  17. JK47

    JK47 Guest

    After getting a chance to try this little fella out at @brencho 's musical paradise courtesy of @Bill-P, it left an impression on me that I couldn't shake. Polite and fun, it brought back the simpler days of yore. With care free listening, just enjoying the music play.

    I wasn't willing to pay a premium or a go through a multi month wait, if it ever dropped again. I noticed @PTS also picked up a unit for a reasonable price locally. He was at Brench-Daddy's place the day I was, hanging out and had a chance to audition the MCTH as well.

    The new drop arrived with a minimal wait and I was in. It will serve as a bedside amp for the time being with my lightly modded Fostex T20RP mkIII (fully sealed for tighter bass ala T40RP, 4pin XLR mod, a few cotton balls inside the cups, and Dekoni pads) think of a better extended in the low end HD600 sound wise. They sound reasonably nice with the MCTH, lacking the visceral punch that my 2 channel power amps provide them off the speaker taps, lol.

    All in all, a fun little bedroom system, that will put a smile on my face

    IMG_0785.JPG
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 27, 2018
  18. Sqveak

    Sqveak Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2015
    Likes Received:
    915
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    NSW, Aus, Terra, Sol.
    @vanjim Do you mean that it's hooked up to a pre-amp or the pass through of another amp?
     
  19. jexby

    jexby Posole Prince

    Staff Member Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2015
    Likes Received:
    8,145
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Exit stage left....
    just to be clear, are you saying:
    @brencho has a "little fella"
    and you tried it out in the bedroom and it put a smile on your face?
    :p

    rock on boys! that is so ~hot~ no further impressions necessary!
     
  20. Elnrik

    Elnrik Super Friendly

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2017
    Likes Received:
    8,973
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Denver CO
    Home Page:
    Just going to leave this here...


    IMG_0785.2.JPG
     

Share This Page