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Comment from "aspenx" in Head-Fi Forum :

I'm using that with W1000X.
The headamp is basically noise-free for my listening and pretty transparent in my opinion.....Click here to the Forum

 

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Comment from him :

Monday, September 27, 2010, 7:06 PM
hi
2 days passed and it always sounds better! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
I am satisfied customer
ciao

Saturday, September 25, 2010, 11:45 PM
I can already hear 12 hours of your Lovely
WONDERFUL, I cry almost

Saturday, September 25, 2010 6:34 PM
I have eight hours without a break is

1. very good cooperation with Hifiman HE5
2. transparent sound
3. silent between songs is awesome
4. "Lovely" is so accurate that I can remove bad mp3
5. Dire dispute CD sounds wonderful just
6. instruments do not mix in songs, the instruments can locate more - so 
look good

 

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Self assembled by Buyer - Very Good assembled work indeed .

Comment from Buyer :

With surprise has noticed that LC (depth) precisely coincide the size with depth Arcam (!)
Look my photo, please.

At  comparison  OPAs  I  used  cables  Chord Anthem 2 and Nordost Blue
Heaven. Has checked up work LC with headphones directly and then:

Arcam CDP + LC + Arcam A70 + speakers Monitor Audio Gold.

The first impressions...
Together with Arcam CD-192 the best performance is 2111. It is really noble sound. I would name
this sound - sparkling. I think it is possible to hear
on equipment enough high-class.  Thanks you for council to buy it.
For the majority of equipment very much approaches 2134. The sound - pure and detailed. Has tested 627,
it is disappointed - the good bass but the transparency is not present.
Will approach for fans of a heavy bass.

 

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Comment from Buyer :

I got the OPA2111(UK) you sent me just today. I tried it but I have to say that I really prefer the dual OPA627 with my Alessandro / Grado MS-1i but who know, it might be useful when I'll upgrade my headphones... I think the 627 give me tighter bass and a soundstage I prefer for now.

 

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Comment from Buyer :

I am really positive about the performance of the Lovely Cube so far. It seems that it accepts my Sennheiser HD650 (300 ohm) a bit better than my Grado headphone (32 ohm). I know out experience that headphones that have a different impendance can have slightly different listening performance, while testing it with different headphone amps. Anyway, both headphones act well with this little device. The sound dynamic is excellent, best I heard while comparing it to some other headphone amps. The sound is exceptionally detailed and the bass is quite powerful. It seems that it miss just a bit in the high tone area, but only a fraction. But that is maybe only for the trained ears. But let's face it, I am just testing it and the device is brand new. So far, I only tested it with the default opamp.

Testing setup: Marantz CD6003 cd player / Profigold interconnects / Sennheiser HD650 & Grado SR325i.

 

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Comment from Buyer :

The commodity reached on April 21.
This amplifier terribly demonstrates the power of the sound though I chiefly listen to techno, the electronica, the ambient, and jazz, etc.This amplifier is wonderful.
The separation of the sound is also wonderful.
It is a redoubtable cost performance.

Mac→ DDC (lindemann)→ zero dac → Lovely Cube Premium → HD650（ALO cable)

Thank you for a wonderful product.
I will importantly use it.

 

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Comment from Buyer :

The amp is very accurate and fast. It brings lots of details out of music. Music sounds as it should sound. Bass is fast and it has lots of impact. I have now listen it with Grado GS1000 and markl moded Denon AH-D2000. It sounds good with both. Price-quality ratio is better than perfect. I can honestly recommend to give it a change if you even hesitate. I would also like to thank Stephen for good customer service and thanks also for personal looking green led light. Very professional work with amp and with customers. Thank you!

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Comment from Buyer :

Buyer :
I have received Lovely Cube !!! and I'm very happy !!!
It seems very fine and even similar to my Yamaha PianoCraft set.
Sound is great! Bass is very powerful, high tones are clear and bright. In my opinion sound is more selectable than from phones jack output in Yamaha. I like it, LC sounds really wonderful.
But... only the green LED is too bright, it glows almost like laser   ;)
I change it to "normal" green LED and LC is beautiful now.
By the way: You made LC very professionally and with high quality ! My props to You. 
One more question: the biggest capacitors are really warm. I know that transistors, operational amplifier and even resistors are warm, but capacitors ? Is it normal ?
Thank You once again

Stephen :
Very Glad to hear that you like LC very much. 
The photo is very nice .  Do you mind I put your photo and comment onto my website's "Buyer's comment" ? 
The biggest capacitor seems warm because the warm atmosphere inside the case.  It is normal. The biggest capacitor is Nichicon Gold Tune (Type II) with temp. max. 85 degress ( http://www.nichicon.co.jp/english/products/pdf/e-kg.pdf ) . When you touch and feel warm, it means about 50 - 55 degree. In my opinion (someone may not agree with) warm machine can give good sound than a cold machine ( http://www.alicemagicbox.com/lasercollection/lovelycubesecretofheat.html ) .  No worries , relax and enjoy music.

Buyer :
You are right about heating audio equipment. I know that in case of top hi-fi audio devices it is advisable to preheat them before using. Thanks for your's explanations.
Last days I am listening plenty of music using Lovely Cube. Thanks LC the music has more power and sounds are very clear. I discover the new rich sound of my favourite songs with big pleasure. 
Thank You once again and I wish you a lot of  happy customers !

 

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Comment from Buyer :

I've got Lovely Cube from post office a day before yesterday. I've been listening to it using my Sennheiser HD650 headphones for only about five or six hours for now, but I can already say that I do love the sound of it! The sound is very clear, accurate and detailed. I haven't tried it with my Beyerdynamic T1 headphones yet, but I have only the best expectations. 
I am very pleased with the sound and build quality of Lovely Cube, it is an excellent device!
Thank you very much!

looks like twin with BCL (Click photo to enlarge)

on top of CD player (Click photo to enlarge)

Companied with Marantz CD-14 (Click photo to enlarge)

Comment from Buyer :

"The level of performance of the Lovely Cube is very good. All the elements worked out at the highest level. The implementation does not differ from the majority of factory construction.
As far as sound the sound goes, is great, I had the opportunity to compare LC to BCL - their sound at the same level and same style. The Lovely Cube sound feels slightly more bass and slightly more weight. By this it appears that BCL has a softer sound - but the differences are really on the borderline of perception - in a word, Lovely Cube plays beautifully. Well done Stephen, I recommend! "

;)

Thank you again for everything and best regards

(Click photo to enlarge)

Comment from Buyer :

I currently have my lovely cube biased into class A with the OPA627 (3.49mA, 20 gain) driving my HD650's. What comes out of my earphones are simply the most incredible acoustics I have ever heard in my entire life. I've had these hd650's for 2 1/2 years and paired them with MANY amps (some far more expensive), but never have they sounded like this. The sound-stage width is literally 230 degrees around my head; from the back of my left ear to the back of my right ear - unbelievable. Sound-stage depth and height is equally absurd with a beautiful 'air' surrounding every instrument, and sounds that seem to stretch out in front of me for miles. The amp is incredibly neutral (maybe just a smidgen warm), smooth and accurate, and sounds quite fast to my ears when biased into class A. I was actually getting rather emotional listening to old favorites from my collection because everything just sounds so perfect.

Really Stephen, I can't thank you enough for offering such a tremendously beautiful amplifier at the listed price. I'm officially done with buying audio gear now; I feel like my search is over. I'll be keeping this amp for a VERY long time.

Consider me a completely satisfied customer, Stephen. Thank you!!

He spent 1.5 hours to assemble , very neat assembly work indeed. (Click pic to enlarge)

On 12 Oct 2011 , he emailed me and said :

Hi Stephen!Passed one month from the moment I received from you KIT Lovley Cube.
The amplifier has earned at once, without any problems. The sound quality improved as the warm-up. After 2 weeks of sound stabilized. I use headphones Sennheiser HD 555, GRADO SR 80i, German Maestro GMP 400. in 3 weeks made a MOD OPA Dual 627 as shown.На this until stopped.
Lovely Cube has taken a worthy place in my HI-FI system. other than that I have collected another 7 amplifier headphone. Lovely Cube divides the 1st place with my tube amplifaer.i very happy.Sound much better than through the speakers Wharfedale Diamond 9.5, Acoustic Energy Aegis Neo One
Thank you once again for your product..in light of the price( compared Lehmann Black Cube) is a fairy tale.

Stephen :

I asked him to give me some photos of his HI-FI system . He gave me following photos of his excellent HI-FI system . Lovely Cube is proud of being a member among them.

 

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Comment from Buyer :

Dear Stephen

The amp arrived yesterday but since I wasn't home I didn't have the chance to try it until now. I only tried it with my father's AKG K701 and wow, it really sounds great, it's amazing. I am totally satisfied, thank you very much Stephen.

I'd be glad to share my opinion. I paired the amp with an HRT Music Streamer II DAC and then I plugged my Sennheiser HD 25 in and well, they sound pretty good. Ok, they have no need of so much power but the results are still nice, the sound is very detailed  and the dynamic is great. Of course I need to test the LC a little more but I can consider myself really satisfied. I added a pic of how the amp looks like when connected to my pc, I hope you like it.

Best Regards

Andrea

(Click photo to enlarge)

(Click photo to enlarge)

Comment from Buyer :

Hello Stephen,

Thanks for the smooth coordination of my order.
I just like to report that all went well. Ist sonics sound fine to me. I only just replaced the stock OPA with my DIP8 Version of the 2132 (more heat dissapation area, than a SOIC Chip ;) ).But there’s no audible difference between the stock and mine.
However to be honest it would really surprise me if i’d hear a difference between those two. Lol

I like the sound i hear thru my AKG 702 and Sennheisers HD 650 with the LCP. The AKG 702 sounds really excellent with it. Really exiting room presentation. (For a short time i was shocked, because when I heard thru my cans, i first thought my other speakers in behind were ON too. LOL. But they were not. Lol.

The only con i can say is, that it can’t play really loud, specially without adding distorsion in the low end. IMO it has not enough power, to drive my cans clean and loud at high levels without distorting bass. However, nobody listens very long at such high levels that i mentioned here.
But it would be really great if it could do so. For normal listening levels in silent rooms (open cans) it’s a very nice and indeed great headphone-amp for it’s price.
I won’t tweak it more as it sounds now. Pretty good job.

Thanks for all and good luck with your biz. (If you have other DIY-Kits in your stock please let me know.)

Best regards

Michael, Switzerland

 

Stephen :

Lovely Cube Premium is proud of being a member among these professional equipment.

 

(Click photo to enlarge)

Comment from Buyer :

Hi Stephen,

I received the lovely cube today and I love it already! :)

I'm glad that I made this my first amp purchase. I'm using it with a pair of HD650's. It sounds smooth, transparent and gives the cans a nice amount of oomph.

I took some photos if you're interested: :)
http://i.imgur.com/2vt6R.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/WzQ5T.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/KmSNz.png

Thanks a lot!
~BL

Comment from Buyer :

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Hi Stephen.

Since I received the amp, and already mounted.

I really enjoyed making the kit. Everything worked right the first time.

The space required to install the DAC in the box, was very low. But in the end has been possible.

The DAC is based on the PCM 2706 + CS 4398. And the quality of the encoding that makes is excellent.

Part of the power supply of the DAC, has been eliminated and replaced by 15 volt output of the amplifier board.

The sound of the set is spectacular. I am very happy to enjoy this excellent amplifier design with my Sennheiser HD 650.

I'm sending some photos of the assembly process, as well as the finished device.

Thanks for everything.

A greeting from Spain.

Very Good assembly work indeed. (Click pic to enlarge)

			Thirty Party DAC
DAC integrated

 

Mar 11 , 2012 Stephen wrote :

Hi,  Glad to hear that you like the sound of Lovely Cube.

Your craftsmanship is excellent and I am sure the addition DAC is a good partner with Lovely Cube.  You are the first buyer to install a DAC inside lovely cube.  Thank you for your good pics .  How about the heat ventilation inside the case, is it very hot ?

 

March 12, 2012 Buyer wrote :

Hi... 

I also hope to be the first Spanish to your list of feedbacks.

The temperature of the DAC is not much, because eliminated portions of the power supply voltage using the excellent 15 volts output of the amplifier.

The DAC 78XX regulators have to do little work.

Anyway, I will check the temperatures of the power transistors, since they are only a one millimeter of the DAC 78XX regulators.

I have protected the wires with thermoshrinking in anticipation of high temperatures. Although I have no fear that temperature causing damage.

The rated operating temperature of all components are very high.Hovering around 85 degrees or more.

Even so, I will check the temperatures, in case I need to make some passive ventilation window from side to side of the box.

A greeting.

 

Mar 12, 2012 Stephen wrote :


Hi,

I am glad to post your project and pics onto my web's feedback .  I will do it within couple of days. It will be the first feedback from Spanish and first DAC MOD on Lovely Cube.

Since the power supply portion of DAC is eliminated , is it possible to make below further MOD in order to move it away from power transistors to improve heat ventilation :

1) Cut off the un-used power supply portion of DAC pcb
2) Install the DAC board "upright" vertically between RCA and Lovely Cube Board , just opposite to the transformer.

I think if the above further MOD works , it can improve heat ventilation , shorten the signal wires from DAC , prevent damage/influence of DAC chips caused by heat.

 

March 14 , 2012 Buyer wrote :

Hi... 

After evaluating your instructions, and verify that it was possible to change, I've done.

Now the design is the same as the original Lehmann USB Black Cube.

The DAC pcb is still larger than the available space although I cut the power supply. But lifting the transformer a few millimeters, it is possible to integrate it.

I have also put the USB input on the rear panel.

I think the change has been positive, And now not join the temperature of the power transistors with the DAC 78XX regulators.

The sound remains exactly the same as before the modification. No induced noise or interference of any kind.

Best Regards.

 

						Spanish "Golden Ears"

Mar 13 , 2012 Stephen wrote :

Hi,

Yeah, you did what I thought . Great job indeed !

Now you are the first one to integrate DAC to become Lovely Cube DAC headamp.

 

(Click photo to enlarge)

Comment from Buyer :

Hi Stephen,

I just finished my BambooCube. I use bamboo (wood floor) and some aluminium brushed parts.

Here are some photos.

I added a dual WM8740 dac in addition of the lovelycube with an HD650, the quality is just wonderfull (really !) :o)

Thank you very much !

 

Hi resolution 4031 x 2450 (Click photo to enlarge) Lo resolution 1000 x 608 (Click photo to enlarge)

Comment from Buyer :

Hi Stephen,

received LCP in perfect order on Monday and have been using it over the last couple of days with my Grado 325is phones. Swapped installed 2134 OP for DIP8 version of same OP. The LCP runs via tape out rca's of my Audiolab 8000Q and sounds very impressive indeed. Compared to Grado RA1 (battery version), previously used, the LCP has a much more detailed and transparent sound with great bass. The RA1 was a little too "laid back" for my liking. Build quality of the LCP is also very impressive with a very smooth volume control, pleasing to the eye blue power LED, quality RCA plugs at rear and good component fit all round. l know it's only been a few days listening, but this must be one of the best audiophile bargains currently available.

Many thanks,

John

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Comment from Buyer :

Howdy Stephen,

Today, I've received Lovery Cube Headamp Premium.
Everything works fine. I use Lovery Cube with PIONEER N-50 (Network Player), FOSTEX HP-A8 (for DAC) and BEYER T1. It sounds far clearer and smoother than using SCHIIT VALHALLA or SHANLING PH100. I appreciate your great works.
Thank you.

I took photo of my setting. Please check it out.

My Review is following:
I set up Lovery Cube Premium (LCP) with Pioneer Network Player N-50 and Fostex HP-A8 (as DAC), and Beyerdynamic Tesla T1. HP-A8 has a headphone amplifier, but its gain is insufficient for Beyer T1. The LCP has enough gain for T1 even if the gain dip switch is set to the lowest (+0dB). With other amplifier, the high frequency of T1 is sometimes stimulative, but with LCP, the sound is smooth and clear. The sound of the stock op-amp is flat and transparent. When the op-amp is changed to optional OPA2111AM, the sound becomes stronger and brighter. I am deeply satisfied with the quality of LCP.

Greetings,

Click photo to enlarge

Comment from Buyer :

Hi Stephen,

Below my new setup of the Lovely Cube.

I have to say that the work you delivered in the first place is wonderful. Very clean and well produced.
It is a magnificent work of art.

Without mod it sound good. But i like to change a few things which I did.

The DC blocking caps I experimented with a few and finally the combination of the Ansar Supersound caps bypassed with Polystyrene worked fantastic.
Detailing has improved very much. Needed a lot of time to break in actually.

The Op amp caps I exchanged also for polystyrene.
Last I changed the 6 Elna caps for Panasonic FC.
These are much better specially when temp is rising in the amp. The are much more stable and sound is also much more detailed.

Anyway for those who do not want to change the sound is good.
My personal signature works for me.

Once again thanks for the great work.
Happy customer.
Enjoy your weekend!


Marcel

 

Hi Marcel,

Thank you for your comment and the description of your mod process.  It is a great mod indeed. 

If you don't mind, I want to post your comment and MOD process and photo onto my website for others sharing. If possible, please also tell us the sources / price of the MOD components so that others who interest in following your MOD can find and know the cost of MOD.

Have a nice weekend too !

 

Hi Stephen,

Please go ahead.

The Ansar 450 V 2.2uF can be bought in UK. . There is only one reliable source.
www.cricklewoodelectronics.com
The caps are about 7 GBP per piece, incl. postage to UK. Very reasonable for this quality of cap. 
Specifically if you read how they are made and tested even.
I am not sure if the will ship outside UK.

 

The Polystyrene are from also a local source. www.rush-on-line.co.uk
They are:
20nF 125 V : GBP 3.50 a piece
15 nF 160 V : GBP 3.50 a piece
Incl. delivery in UK.

The Ansar are a bit big. The have to be lifted a bit so you can fit the also big Polystyrene caps, which will lie a bit under the Ansar.
In this way you can still close the housing. It all just fits.
They take a while to break in......

Above parts I can supply against cost and all shipment, if necessary.
Drop me a note if you want to experiment.

The 6 * 470uF 35V Panasonic FC I bought in the USA. They are very hard to find actually.
In total incl delivery it was 8.50 USD.
I was not able to find a reliable source in the UK.

I can assure you it will make a big difference to the soundstage.
Wood sound wood. copper sound like copper. Voices are more relaxed. Detailing is better.
(all with the 2604 opamp)

Let me know if you need more.
Keep up the nice work.

Marcel

Comment from Buyer :

Sent: Saturday, October 27, 2012 2:24 AM
Subject: Re: Premium Version Lovely Cube

Hello, Stephen!

I have received package yesterday and it was unexpectedly soon for me. I would like to thank you for packaging especially. All of the things were safe and none of them were broken or damaged.

Amplifier is now warming up and I can definitely say that sound seems great (I'm using HD650). I have had an opportunity to compare it with my own tweaked Essence ST headphone out and found a noticeable advantage in sounding.
As soon as Cube will go warmed up I will sent you another mail

**************************************************************************************************************

Sent: Saturday, November 24, 2012 6:29 AM
Subject: Re: Premium Version Lovely Cube

Hello, Stephen.

I've finished warming up and testing LC with some rmaa results.
I've put them online here: http://mightything.com/lc/index.html
Well, what I would like to say. Figures are as great as a sound. The latter is open, deep and breathing so I can hear every detail in composition. 
I've decided to use 2111AM with 4,3K bias socket as optimal choice. I have not applied other mods yet because I think that's enough for this time. I definitely need to change some other things in my sound chain. I'm going to experiment with capacitors a bit later and I will put all the results on the page mentioned above. Maybe I should play with components pairing. I found a little difference in output voltage levels. The frequency response is a bit different too. 

 

2012/11/24  from  Stephen 

Hi ,

You did a great RMAA test on LC. The figures you got are much appreciated.

When comparing  your data of LC with Lehmann BLC (http://www.lehmannaudio.com/assets/site/home_audio/pre_amps/linear/pdf/EN_Linear_2011_screen.pdf) :

S/N ratio :
LC - about 110dB  , Lehmann - >95dB

THD :
LC - from 0.0005% to 0.0013% , Lehmann - <0.001%

Channel Separation (Stereo Crosstalk)
LC - ~100dB , Lehmann - 70dB

It is obvious that LC data is better than that of Lehmann BLC .