Using a docked iPod as a 1V-max source you probably relate to, I could and mostly did crank the Burson Audio HA160D, Schiit Valhalla and Meier Audio Concerto to the max. This gave me perfectly satisfactory SPLs on most music but on some I was still left wanting. For context, any of these amps fully open would clip my ears with the competing Audez’e ortho. That can actually run straight off the iPod and get nearly loud enough. Sonically and on the HE-6, the Burson led this parade followed closely by the Schiit. Both sounded very good. The Burson was ballsier and denser and would be my first choice but the leaner and softer Schiit wasn’t far behind. The Meier however was a distant third. In this context it was clearly outclassed…

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