HiFi Subjectivist ¦ Audio Forum ¦ NVA User Group

ljones67 wrote: ↑Fri Nov 11, 2022 12:19 pm Really enjoying this thread, trouble is I'm now wondering whether to get another pair of headphones! I've never used a headphone amp so I like the idea of the Sabaj. I'm trying to figure out how I could use it with an iPad as I tend to use that a lot for music. I could use the headphone output to the 3.5mm input on the front of the Sabaj or use a Lightning to 3.5mm headphone adapter from the iPad to the Sabaj.

I did a search on the replacement tubes to see where I could get them. Would Mullard E180Fs be just as good as the Philips ones? I don't know anything about tubes so any thoughts would be welcome. They are available from Watford Valves in the UK. Are these the right ones?

https://www.watfordvalves.com/product_d ... GSEALw_wcB

Thanks for the interest and apologies to all if I get a bit over-enthusiastic with my ramblings now and again - but I'm having fun!

Tubes - this is absolutely my first experience with them and all I knew was that I needed a 'matched pair' that were compatible with the fitting. The Philips E180F came up and I got them blind, luckily they seem to be perfect. There are a couple of tube experts here on HFS who can give far better advice than me.

The little Sabaj PHA3 does come up as a serious contender with this improvement.

As for use with an Ipad - try and get some sort of streaming device like a Sonos Connect, this can be controlled remotely via the Ipad and the analogue output can be put into the headphone amp (or a stereo system). There are an enormous number of streaming devices available nowadays. A streamer can also be upgraded with an external DAC at a later date if needed.

Edit: I see that Steve has already given expert advice on tubes. Thanks Steve.

Thanks Steve / Fretless.

I didn't think about the tubes needing to be matched pairs. Does it make that much difference? I will have a look on the website to see if they are available like this.

I also listen to the iPad via bluetooth to an arcam rBlink which then goes into an NVA P20, along with a CD player. I could use my P50 but I quite like the idea of a separate headphones only system.

Question is, A10h or PHA3?

Watford Valves has a tube set specifically for upgrading Chinese amps:

https://www.watfordvalves.com/product_d ... sp?id=5258

Price is a little higher than buying the tubes individually, although it doesn't say they are matched. £6 each or two for £18?!

I am running the upstairs set with an NVA P50 preamp. Taking the Rec Out to the headphone amp. This means I can choose between speakers, controlled by the P50, or headphones.

That's great, I might try that if my planned separate system doesn't happen.

I contacted Watford Valves and the tubes (or is it valves?) in the set are military spec and evidently better quality, hence the slightly higher price.

Planning to order the amp and tubes/valves next week. Maybe some Monoprice headphones later!

Fretless wrote: ↑Thu Nov 10, 2022 10:12 am Headphone amp of the day: Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 887



Ha! Just won this in an Ebay auction where there was only 1 other bid. Nice price.
Nearly new and hardly used - bought earlier this year by someone who prefers Stax electrostatics.
This will be powering the Monoprice M1070 in the office.

I really wish you had mentioned that you were thinking about trying this. I have something boxed to send to you that it would now seem you don't need!

Excellent amp - you're in for an experience for sure.

Kept quiet about the THX amp because I didn't want anyone else bidding on it.

Bah! The Teradak Chameleon is making odd 'rustling' noises and I am suspicious that there is a problem with the output transistors.

At first I looked at the tubes in the Sabaj amp but then narrowed the problem down to the DAC.

Temporarily replaced with my 'reserve' Cambridge DacMagic 100 and LPSU. Doesn't sound too bad at all.

Keep on truckin'!

Black Friday coming up on Amazon.

Wonder if they will have any nice DACs on offer.

Don't buy anything. I shall send you one. Will ship it over the next couple of days.