solderdude
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Post by solderdude on Mar 9, 2017 21:35:17 GMT
I'm 99.9% sure the answer is 'yes' but wondered if I could get a confirmation on something. I currently have a proto Kameleon in-line filter which came with a short power cord for connecting to G1217 amps. So when using the Polaris I have things set up as: Polaris PSU (Mean Well) -> Kamleon -> short power cord + stereo RCA leads ->Polaris. Polaris + PSU. PSU shared between the two. I now fancy trying the Kameleon with a non-G1217 amp. Would I be correct in assuming that the only change* needed is to remove the short power cord from the equation as the amp will have its own power source? So Polaris PSU -> Kameleon -> stereo RCA -> amp (using its own power source) (* and yes I will of course swap the RCA leads over too!  ) Cheers! Yep ... exactly that. |
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jello
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Post by jello on Mar 10, 2017 0:48:35 GMT
Perfect! Thanks tunkejazz and to Frans for clearing up that final 0.0000001% of uncertainty!
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jello
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Post by jello on Mar 10, 2017 11:10:22 GMT
solderdude Hi Frans, I'm thinking of picking up a second power supply so I have a dedicated one I can use for the Kameleon. The PSU that comes with the Polaris is a Mean Well with the part no. of GS25A48-P1J and I have found a UK supplier that has stock and will sell to the public: GS25A48-P1JHowever, I noticed on another supplier's site a suggestion that this PSU has now been discontinued. They recommend this one as a possible direct replacement (product code is very similar): GST25A48-P1JIt's a little cheaper and marginally more eco-friendly when idle and as far as I can tell the specs are near identical. Do you think it would be a better option given the price or would you recommend I stick with the same one I currently have? Thank you!
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on Mar 10, 2017 11:55:33 GMT
It works on 24V as well and as the power supply is internally decoupled you can use a 24V power supply to power the filter. No need to use the 48V, keep that for the Polaris. THIS ONE should do fine. When you want to go for a meanwell THIS ONE is perfect |
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jello
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Post by jello on Mar 10, 2017 14:12:21 GMT
It works on 24V as well and as the power supply is internally decoupled you can use a 24V power supply to power the filter. No need to use the 48V, keep that for the Polaris. THIS ONE should do fine. When you want to go for a meanwell THIS ONE is perfect Fantastic - thanks again Frans. Just ordered the Mean Well. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 18, 2017 21:19:08 GMT
Hello from Mossley........ i was wondering if any one had the Kameleon paired with the Sennheiser HD800 headphones? My idea was to purchase the Garage 1217 Ember with the Kameleon and get filters for my headphones (AKG K712 PRO AND SENNHEISER HD650) and possibly buy a secondhand pair of HD800s to try with the Ember/Kameleon pairing. I do have a Project Polaris currently as well as a CHC HA10SE valve hybrid amplifier.
I was hoping for some feedback/comments about the sound of the HD800s with the Kameleon compared to just the HD800 on its own. The HD800 would be an end game setup for me without costing loads of money; the preowned pricing in the uk is quite good at the moment for the HD800s and i would be happy to pay for the Kameleon to be imported from the USA as the total cost for filter/amp and cans would be quite a bit less than shelling out for the Sennheiser HD 800 S new.
So to summerise i am wondering about the pros and cons of the Kameleon/HD800 combination and would welcome comments about them.
As this is my first post i would like to apologise in advance if this comparison has been covered elsewhere.
kind regards
Rick
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on May 18, 2017 21:44:53 GMT
Hi Rick,
Welcome to DIYAH.
I use a Kameleon with the HD650 and to be honest, I don't particularly enjoy the hd650 without it now. The most common thing said to me by those who think that they know best is that raising the bass in the hd650 raises distortion. Well, if it does, I really am not aware of it at all.
The effect is to reduce the mid bass bloom, extend the audible bass down much further and the treble seems to be more obvious. The overall effect is curious in that there seems to be less bass but it is way deeper. It's the mid bass hump being lowered that takes away the 'thickness' of the sound. With the response being more extended and flatter, you get an amazing sense of inner clarity and for me, so far it is one of the the best combos I've heard.
Hd800 is better as well but that's best left to the people who have the combo.
For me, the HD650 becomes a wonderful headphone once that very bottom end is raised and the hump reduced.
Solderdude designed the Kameleon and he will be able to give all the necessary technical info, but subjectively speaking, it is a wonderful combination. Solderdude will be able to explain exactly why!!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 19, 2017 7:06:36 GMT
Thanks Ian your comments are appreciated.
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Post by tupisac on May 19, 2017 10:23:57 GMT
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on May 19, 2017 10:27:09 GMT
Oh yes ... that's a really good idea.
The biggest criticism I've seen towards the Kameleon and hd650 is something to do with bass distortions, but I honestly don't hear anything untoward at all.
What is surprising is the inner clarity that seems to appear once the bass sounds less bloomy.
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Post by tunkejazz on May 19, 2017 14:44:58 GMT
I also use kameleonized HD650 and the combo is great. I agree with Ian, the HD650 without the filter sounds "empty" to me :-)
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on May 19, 2017 15:06:33 GMT
Welcome Rick,
Currently the best I own is the HD800 + Kameleon.
Advantages of the Kameleon is that it works in any analog audio path.
This means all digital signals remain as they are and are not altered with the chance of digital clipping.
Also the played files remain pure (bit perfect)
Another advantage over digital manipulation (Sonarworks, Dirac or other programs) is that you do not need a PC or platform that allows plugins nor demand extra processing power.
You can use it with vinyl, portable players, phones or whatever other source.
Disadvantage is that it has to go between the headphone amp and a source and needs to be powered.
Also it isn't as cheap as I hoped it could be.
You can use it with other headphones when there are modules for it.
I intend to support modules as long as I can.
I hope that is for many years to come.
What it does for me:
Adds the missing bass.
Bass on the HD800 is there and tight but lacks 'body' or 'grunt' and sounds a bit weak with rumbling sounds.
The Kameleon keeps the bass tight but simply adds a 'foundation'.
No 'thin' sound anymore.
It should be noted that the bass doesn't reach thundrous basshead levels. No TH900 bass. It's bass that suits the HD800 sound and people that love the HD800 but are wanting for a bit more grunt get exatly that.
The other thing that is addressed is the treble peak(s) or should I say plateau.
This elevated treble gives the impression of hyper detail which sometimes is fatiguing and sharp (depends on recording).
What the filter does is bring it to the proper level.
Which means a considerable drop.
This also means that the 'hyper' details are now reduced to 'high quality' details.
Still there but not as 'harsh' on some recordings.
I have tinnitus and the stock HD800 sets it off.
Doesn't happen with the Kameleon.
Another thing people wonder about is stereo imaging.
The elevated 10kHz part plays a role in the stereo imaging which is exemplary with the HD800.
For me (as I left some of the 10kHz peak there) the stereo image is not affected.
It still is 'holographic' but perhaps slightly less 'hyper'.
For me the sound becomes more natural.
So when you find the HD800 lacks bottom end (not necesarilly bass) and is a bit harsh/sharp on a lot of recordings than this is a cure.
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on May 19, 2017 17:37:26 GMT
Here is an idea.
You could post the name of a (well known ?) recording/song you would like to hear on a HD800.
If I have it I will run it through the Kameleon and record it.
When played back on a HD800 you can actually audition the effect before buying.
I could mail it to you and then you can evaluate the sound.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 19, 2017 18:40:22 GMT
Nice one solderdude that is a cracking explanation. The cost in USD before import duties is $360 to the UK (aluminium chassis, power supply, HD800 module and shipping) : total cost in £s is going to be about £340 with import fees. I was going to buy the HD 800 S but they are now £1399 new (with 10 year warranty)and i am not willing to pay this. On the other hand the HD800 are going for anywhere between £450 to £600 secondhand on ebay and you can get them new for £725 (2 year warranty) at the moment. The advantage of the Kameleon for me is the ability to swap out modules for other headphones.
EDIT. i have the AKG K712 currently in use but will not keep much longer (replacement parts cost and repair costs are astronomical and headphones have design flaws)
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on May 19, 2017 19:12:22 GMT
When you are in the UK there is another option.
A member here named Tupisac has bought the last remaining Kameleon boards and is planning to sell them completely built.
As he lives in Poland import duties do not apply.
You can contact him via the forum for pricing and certainly for EU based customers may be worthwhile.
I bought my HD800 second hand as well. The previous owner had put new pads and a headband on.
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