The Cavalli Liquid Carbon

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by maxedfx, Oct 17, 2015.

  1. JoshMorr

    JoshMorr Friend

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    You literly pulled the quote from the sentence describing their relationship dude. Slow down and think before you type.

    PS you're the best, don't change.
     
  2. jowls

    jowls Never shitposts (please) - Friend

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    The closest thing I have found to a 'jack of all trades' under $1k (and for a similar price second hand to LC) is the Headamp GS-1. It's well built, reasonably transparent, drives IEMs and (most) headphones well and has preamp functionality. FWIW I preferred it to the GS-X MK2; less resolving but more forgiving (and about 1/4 of the price/size). It doesn't do balanced though, if that's something you really care about. I wish I still had mine...
     
  3. 8man

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    @jowls First of all sorry for the delayed response (I've been sorta' "researching" for options) and cheers for the piece of advice ! GS-1's seem to be pretty rare, especially in EU (I think I've only seen one over a few months ago). As for balanced, it's not really something I prioritize, it's just that from what I've read I thought it drives headphones much better current-wise. I'd been planning to get one of those cables for a while, but I can barely find any under 300 eur and beside that I don't really know which cable structure to get (there is a statement in the manual mentioning to not use a common ground balanced cable as it damages the amp). For example, the HD650s require over halfway through the knob (SE) to get some nice punch out of 'em. Would the GS-1 be the only very good option under 1k ? I'm kinda at a loss for now. Another reason I'd like to switch over to something else is that I don't really need something portable, as I carry the amp in the box when driving to my family's place anyway. On top of that, summers are really hot in this area and the amp gets considerably hotter throughout this season (up to the point that it concerns me).

    Edit: well since I posted, I've got another curiosity. Would you guys consider the Auralic Taurus as belonging to the same category or is that a different ballpark ?
     
    Last edited: Jul 16, 2016
  4. Gravity

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    If you haven't already seen: http://www.head-fi.org/t/771371/headamp-gs-1-silver-230v-595-shipping-to-europe-included
     
  5. murphythecat

    murphythecat GRU-powered uniformed trumpkin

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    guys, do you think the liquid carbon is a good match with hd650 and hd800?
     
  6. brencho

    brencho Friend

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    of the two, it plays nicer with hd800 than the hd650 imo. takes some of the edge off. solid state amps for hd650, something like a jotenheim is likely a (much) better match.
     
  7. ButtUglyJeff

    ButtUglyJeff Stunningly beautiful IRL

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    I am very content with the HD650 and the Liquid Carbon. Its a very coherent and laid back pairing. But going balanced with this amp is a must. You want all the power...
     
  8. BioniclePhile

    BioniclePhile The Terminal Man - Friend

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    Stop advertizing in my sale! :p
     
  9. brencho

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    LOL which ONE?!?
     
  10. Gravity

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    I'm running HD650 with the LC and had to buy it blind since I live in Europe. I wouldn't recommend it if you're only using HD650 honestly, there are better options out there honestly.
     
  11. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

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    The good thing is that the hype on Head-Fi for the LC is strong- lots of dillholes liked to be sneeringly supercilious of people while name-dropping the fact that "I prefer my Liquid Carbon", despite it being just a rather mediocre amp that's hard to get hold of. While the Jotenheim has effectively taken a lot of the shine off it, I'm sure anyone trying to sell an LC could do so quickly for a decent price.
     
  12. Gravity

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    Yes. I don't think it will be a problem selling it, especially since mine is from the first run with lifetime warranty.
     
    Last edited: Nov 3, 2016
  13. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

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    That's a mixed blessing, I hope it's early enough to have the warranty but late enough to avoid the power supply/hum problems (esp on the SE). I suppose it must be fine, as you'd have had it fixed by now if there was an issue..
     
  14. Gravity

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    Don't forget channel imbalance.
     
  15. BioniclePhile

    BioniclePhile The Terminal Man - Friend

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    Now you guys have doomed me to the head-fi sales forums!
     
  16. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

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    Yeah, the list gets a bit grisly, doesn't it? Still, you'll have no issues selling it via HF for good money- happy days.

    Nah, you'd still be able to sell it here- just you'd have a better-informed buyer who'd know what they're doing, hopefully. They'd be able to ask if any of the known problems applied, and what to expect from the fully working amp. You would probably have a better experience, even :D
     
    Last edited: Sep 28, 2016
  17. Colgin

    Colgin Friend

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    I am looking forward to comparing and contrasting my LC with the Jot loaner due in today. I have held onto the LC in part due to having not had time to look for a replacement, its nice form factor and the fact that it is a pretty decent amp, with better and worse pairings. But if Jot is better then the LC will be hitting the FS soon. At that price range in my household there can be only one.
     
  18. ButtUglyJeff

    ButtUglyJeff Stunningly beautiful IRL

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    I think I'm after you, and I'm have the exact same shootout. Though I don't see myself tossing the LC to the curb even if the Jot is superior with the HD650, which I'm kinda expecting...
     
  19. logscool

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    I'll be interested in hearing both of your thoughts as I was considering doing the same thing.
     
  20. Panohm

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