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Portaphile V2^2 Maxxed Since I sold my Supermacro III Version 6 I have been looking for that special amp which would become my very special portable amp. Over the last few months I have done an extensive search and have found some very nice amps, some very close to what I was looking but always lacking in something or other.
For example three amps, which I have previously tested and which have ranked the highest, are:
- Dr. Xin’s Supermicro IV: this is a little jewel that can. It simply has the best presentation. Its soundstage and impact is second to none. However IMO I wish it had a gain switch, I also wish the case was stronger and in an ideal world it should have crossfeed.
- Ray’s SR-71: what a wonderful amp! Yes for the most part The Hornet “M” and the Tomahawk have taken center stage nowadays. However IMO the SR-71 is a far superior amp, it has a wider soundstage, silky smooth, clearer and a more balanced overall presentation. I wish it had a gain switch, a method to recharge the batteries, and as stated above crossfeed. Note: The SR-71 is my borderline portable amp, and I am stretching it to make it so.
- LaRocco PRII: Everything that applies to the SR-71 can be applied here. The PRII does benefit from a built in charger and a variable bass boost. However this amp needs a gain switch and you have to add $$$ to have them install the AD744 which IMO is the best sounding OP-Amp in the PRII. BTW following with my previous comment this amp needs crossfeed as well as the rest. A beautiful and great sounding amp that is just too big to truly be a portable amp.
Portaphile V22  Well the above takes me to the Portaphile V2 2 Maxxed with LT1210 and the 1500 Black Gate upgrade. I had seen this amp before but for some reason never had an interest, however in mid/late December 2006 I decided to order one. Well to my dismay Cesar was not making it anymore, but then I got lucky! Cesar decided to make a small batch and I snagged one of them. The Portaphile V2 2 Maxxed with the LT1210 and the 1500 Black Gate upgrade is priced very competively at $249 including S&H. On the wish list for the Portaphile would be crossfeed and an internal battery charger. Yes I purchased the unit with the DC plug that allows the use of a PSU at home. However this does not resolve the one and only flaw this amp has. What is it you ask? The fact that with an alkaline 9 volt battery the amp can only operate for 2.5 hours!!! Yes I realize I have all the switches set a max (except for gain which is set at low).  I hope to hear soon from a couple of Head-Fiers that I know have this unit so they can suggest on a way to increase battery life. Chances are it will mean purchasing either a bunch of rechargeable and carry them along or one of the new and expensive disposable Li-Ion. Sound Well lets get back to the review, specially how does it sound. I will start by saying that we all have biases and preferences. What I like may sound horrible to the guy/gal next door. Having said so I will state that the Portaphile sounds fabulous! The bass is as tight as I have heard, it has the punch down right and it is very quick.
Soundstage
Next is the soundstage, I am tempted to say this is the Heed of the portable amps. It has the width that some home amps can not even match. But on top of the width it has layers that allow you to hear music whithin the music. Yes it sounds weird but those who have a Heed and a K701 know what I am talking about. The SR-71 is at times its equal, in this they are close. Only the Supermicro IV can surpass the Portaphile.  Mids/highs are sweet. Yes the amp has more extension than most but it is not tiring nor overwelming. Once again the SR-71 is very close with the SR-71 having a tad more extension and being a bit smoother. Conclusion
IMO this would be my ideal portable amp, however due to the way it eats batteries I do not see that happening. It is a pitty because the overall sound and its presentation is simply unique and at $249 it is an steal. I certainly hope someone has suggestions, for example I hope someone with the Portaphile is using the iPower 500 mAh rechargeable batteries and is getting better run times.
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