In Reply to: Ultrapath bp and Sennheiser HD600 posted by TRTim on June 06, 2003 at 08:34:28:
I have just finished the Welborne Labs Ultrapath bp kit (with dual-mono ladder attenuators and a matched-pair of Telefunken tubes). I configured one set of output jacks for use with the 300-ohm
output transformer tap, intended by the designer for headphone use.
The sound quality is characteristic of what one might expect from the HD600's driven within the distortion-minimized low power portion of a single-ended triode's output curve.
The top end is clear and clean without harsh edges.
The midrange is presented forward, spatiously, and with the warmth expected from tubes.
I was especially impressed with the depth and tightness of the bass response.This is not a high-gain device(10db),as befits well-tamed control amplification, and does not drive the HD- 600's to high output levels without distortion. It is first and foremost a pre-amp, and really shows what it can do for the proper matching of power amplifier and full-range speaker when given the opportunity.
Upon my first listening test I found myself sitting in the middle of the room, simply forgetting about the equipment, and just drifting away on an ethereal wave of velvetine music-- for three hours!
Hope this helps you in making your decision as to whether or not to invest the time and money in this kit.
Liked it muchly, I did!
HIGHLY recommended.
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