Quicksilver Audio Headphone Amplifier

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by snatex, Feb 25, 2021.

  1. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

    Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    7,467
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Winnipeg
    Bottom right corner of the post, just above the "Quote/Reply" buttons, you'll see five little icons.
     
  2. iFi audio

    iFi audio MOT iFi Audio

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2017
    Likes Received:
    1,284
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Many places.
    Home Page:
    I don't have these for some reason, perhaps as a manufacturer etc. I'll ask at the HQ then. Thanks nonetheless!
     
  3. snatex

    snatex Facebook Friend

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2019
    Likes Received:
    74
    Trophy Points:
    33
    Location:
    Dallas, TX
    This Forza Noir Hybrid HPC has been my favorite cable among all that I have tried. It's sound is very neutral and detailed. Functionally, it is super light, moves well and has a premium build quality.
     
  4. Pharmaboy

    Pharmaboy Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    May 3, 2018
    Likes Received:
    2,463
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Goshen, NY
    To "Like" (or dislike) any post, you hover your mouse over the symbols shown in screenshot below (each will highlight/appear when cursor is above it). The press the thumbs up = like button.

    BTW, you didn't ask the Forza question of me, but I'll answer anyway. I have a number of cables--FAW's HCP Noir; a ZMF silver; a ZMF stock cable (new type for Verite); stock cables for Kennerton Odin; and (formerly) Danacable Lazuli. Here's what I've found:
    • The Forza Audio Works HCP Noir equal or betters all the other cables but the Lazuli sonically. Mind you, the differences are quite small. Still, it's my sonic preference.
    • It also beats all the other cables (handily) in ergonomics, which is surprising considering it's the thickest/most substantial in built. Nonetheless, it is light, very flexible, and has zero microphonics.
    • I just sold the Danacable Lazuil (which cost me about 75% more than the FAW cable) because it wasn't better than the FAW sonically (they sounded identical), but was less easy to use ergonomically.
    Soon I'll buy another TOTL copper cable: it's a horse race between another FAW HCP Noir (slam-dunk there) vs Norne Audio's Drausk--but only if Trevor starts offering the transparent cable shield color again.

    Screenshot.jpg
     
  5. iFi audio

    iFi audio MOT iFi Audio

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2017
    Likes Received:
    1,284
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Many places.
    Home Page:
    I dig Matt's work as well, but above all else I like the fact that he doesn't charge an arm and leg even for his top drawer stuff. That's very rare.
     
  6. snatex

    snatex Facebook Friend

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2019
    Likes Received:
    74
    Trophy Points:
    33
    Location:
    Dallas, TX
    I don't have those symbols showing on my screen either.
     
  7. Pharmaboy

    Pharmaboy Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    May 3, 2018
    Likes Received:
    2,463
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Goshen, NY
    Sorry to hear that. It makes no sense at all--those symbols were part of some reprogramming SABF did...along with the new "List" feature that appears one you like someone's post. Your screen-name is not shown as the person who gave the "like," as in past--now you can see your name by clicking on the new "List" feature.

    Do you have another computer to use for this? I'd be interested if 2 different machines failed to see these new site features.

    But if you're using smartphone, perhaps those things don't display there? (really guessing now).
     
  8. loadexfa

    loadexfa MOT: rhythmdevils audio

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    Dec 26, 2017
    Likes Received:
    2,544
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    SF Bay Area Peninsula
    Perhaps try clearing your browser cache?
    @Pharmaboy just tried on my iPhone and the new buttons work fine. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
     
  9. Biodegraded

    Biodegraded Friend

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    May 28, 2017
    Likes Received:
    7,984
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Vancouver BC
    Probably a Friend/Contributor only thing, as the ability to 'dislike' used to be in the old system. Meaning, if you want the capability, make a donation :D

    Back on topic now please, I'm enjoying reading everybody's impressions of this little-known amp.
     
  10. iFi audio

    iFi audio MOT iFi Audio

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2017
    Likes Received:
    1,284
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Many places.
    Home Page:
    Aye, it seems that way, which is fine. Thanks!
     
  11. Darkstar1

    Darkstar1 Facebook Friend

    Contributor
    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2019
    Likes Received:
    173
    Trophy Points:
    33
    Location:
    Brooklyn, NYC
    Guys I am bored and could not resist. I just put in order in for the Quicksilver unit. I also have an order in for the shortest way 4th batch.

    I will also be able to compare it to V281, Vali 2, and Asagard 2. I will have all on hand at the same time.

    I also had the DNA Sonnet for a time. Never heard their higher end stuff but I would not describe the sound as incisive. It was not a aggressive or punchy sound. More of a natural effortless sound. Almost liquid but not artificially too liquid. Nice sound stage and layering. Just listening to the amp in isolation it would be hard to point out a fault with the sound. Love the look personally.

    Sold it off to fund Utopia purchase. Not because I didn't love the amp but more so because I don't care for the HD800 (which was what I was using the amp for). Oddly enough I knew that it would have been really good with the Utopia. After actually getting the utopia I am sure of it.
     
  12. Pharmaboy

    Pharmaboy Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    May 3, 2018
    Likes Received:
    2,463
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Goshen, NY
    I look forward to your sonic impressions (and feel envy that you ordered it).

    I'm still battling a persistent ground loop in my main system, where the Quicksilver would become the 2nd headphone amp (courtesy of dual RCA outputs from the DAC. I wanted to banish the ground loop before making equipment changes, but that may not be possible: I've tried many things & just have a couple tricks left to try.

    Hopefully it won't matter to the Quicksilver. The main effect this ground loop has is on whatever amp/preamp I use in that system. So far it seems not to have any effect on the 2nd (non-preamp) amplifier.
     
  13. sbaf217

    sbaf217 New

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2020
    Likes Received:
    41
    Trophy Points:
    13
    Location:
    Atlanta, GA
    Appreciate the review. FWIW, my personal experience with Quicksilver has been good. I have their linestage preamp in a secondary system that I picked up pre-owned very inexpensively. It had stock 12at7x2, but they say on their site that it was meant to function well at lower gain with 12au7s, as well. I even made cutouts on the casing top to accommodate 6cg7s and 6sn7s (pictured). I have no doubt they can pull off a competent headphone tube amp that can punch above its weight.


    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2021
  14. Darkstar1

    Darkstar1 Facebook Friend

    Contributor
    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2019
    Likes Received:
    173
    Trophy Points:
    33
    Location:
    Brooklyn, NYC
    Nice stack of gear you have. ls the Utopia and Zana combo something to behold? I will eventually spend at least some time with that amp. Any color on that would be awesome.
     
  15. Darkstar1

    Darkstar1 Facebook Friend

    Contributor
    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2019
    Likes Received:
    173
    Trophy Points:
    33
    Location:
    Brooklyn, NYC
    I think I have seen you talking about the quicksilver in forum internet land. Had to be you.
     
  16. sbaf217

    sbaf217 New

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2020
    Likes Received:
    41
    Trophy Points:
    13
    Location:
    Atlanta, GA
    Thanks! That pairing puts a big smile on my face :) Maybe a touch less detail than SS or the MZ3 I have, but ?thicker and more holographic sound. Highly recommend it. Would make sure you get one that has adjustable output impedance. The original Zana didn't have this, but the later SEs and ZDS both have a low setting and sound great with the Utopias...
     
  17. Pharmaboy

    Pharmaboy Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    May 3, 2018
    Likes Received:
    2,463
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Goshen, NY
    Probably was me. I've posted here & in the other forum. Have the same username there (w/a different picture).
     
  18. snatex

    snatex Facebook Friend

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2019
    Likes Received:
    74
    Trophy Points:
    33
    Location:
    Dallas, TX
    I'm excited to hear your take on the Quicksilver and how it stacks up to your other amps.
     
  19. Darkstar1

    Darkstar1 Facebook Friend

    Contributor
    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2019
    Likes Received:
    173
    Trophy Points:
    33
    Location:
    Brooklyn, NYC
    I am hoping I will get it by next Friday. It should ship out from CA tomorrow.
     
    Last edited: Apr 2, 2021
  20. ckhirnigs

    ckhirnigs Friend

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2020
    Likes Received:
    685
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Alabama
    Like @Darkstar1 I also couldn’t resist the desire to try out this little-known amp. I ordered one to pair with my Bifrost 2 and Verite Closed. I’m also waiting on an SW51+, so I look forward to comparing these two once I finally have them both in my possession.

    As a preface for my impressions, these will be my very first tube amps after 15+ years in the headphone game. In the last 6 months or so I have upgraded from Mod House Argons to the VC and from a lowly Topping E30 to the Bifrost 2. A better amp is the next piece of the puzzle. Right now I’m using a JDS Labs EL Amp II.

    Needless to say, my expectations are high, maybe a bit too high. Here’s hoping I’m not setting myself up for disappointment!
     

Share This Page