Space Audio Space II Headphone Amp Review

[SpaceAudio]

What's the procedure for ascertaining this? Trial and error?

Basically, yes.
I believe that "fanatical objectivism," like "fanatical subjectivism," leads nowhere in audio. You need to combine both approaches and resolve any contradictions between them when they arise.

 

[polmuaddib]

Unsure how to rate this when there's no price!

The point is to rate the device performance, not it's worth!
I even believe that the price information pollutes the rating, because the perofrmance is objective, but worth is not.

 

[shuppatsu]

The point is to rate the device performance, not it's worth!
I even believe that the price information pollutes the rating, because the perofrmance is objective, but worth is not.

We all decide what the point is ourselves. There's no rubric. Rate the performance relative to what? The median headphone amp? All working headphone amps are "great" in that they work. But are they "great" compared to other products similarly situated in the marketplace? Well, we need to know the price in order to know that.

 

[polmuaddib]

We all decide what the point is ourselves. There's no rubric. Rate the performance relative to what? The median headphone amp? All working headphone amps are "great" in that they work. But are they "great" compared to other products similarly situated in the marketplace? Well, we need to know the price in order to know that.

Say you have two devices that measurements show exactly the same performance. If you don't know the price, they are rated the same measurement's vise. Take median if you like or audibility level or you could argue any other aspect.
But then you find out the price of two devices and one is 5x more expensive then the other. Now what? More expensive device becomes worse performer because it is more expensive?
No. It is just not worth the asking price because you can get the same level of performance for less.

On the other hand, someone could say that the more expensive device is fair priced because it has better build material, nicer ID, brand name and brings more joy to someone then the same performing, cheaper device.

 

[pma]

So we have a 3 pin IEC that is not chassis earthed

This would be impossible to place on the market in the EU. There is a dedicated 2 pin IEC socket for such scenario.

 

[shuppatsu]

On the other hand, someone could say that the more expensive device is fair priced because it has better build material, nicer ID, brand name and brings more joy to someone then the same performing, cheaper device.

Sure, all that can factor into a rating.

 

[Lupin]

It is a nice unit with a very nice CNC machined chassis that measures not bad at all but with a rather high price. Noting really wrong so far...
What personally rubs me the wrong way is that by reading the comments I get the impression that SpaceAudio is trying to justify the high price tag with subjective audiophile mumbo-jumbo.

 

[Koeitje]

It is a nice unit with a very nice CNC machined chassis that measures not bad at all but with a rather high price. Noting really wrong so far...
What personally rubs me the wrong way is that by reading the comments I get the impression that SpaceAudio is trying to justify the high price tag with subjective audiophile mumbo-jumbo.

They should just stop talking, this isn't Audiogon. Measurements tell the full story when it comes to performance, anything beyond that is just psychology at work. And if they disagree with that I'll be looking forward to their evidence of that in their AES keynote paper and talk.

 

[solderdude]

Measurements are fine (even excellent).
Price is on the high side but not for handmade amp. The price is going to be well above US$ 400,- (The manufacturer does not know the price yet ... between $600 and $800 ?).
Build quality is good.
Minimalist with quality feel and components.

Unknown: (perhaps @SpaceAudio can answer)
Price (will likely add import duties on top of it)
IEC grounded or not (would be obligated if 3-pin because of metal housing) ?
115 / 230 or both (select-able)
Available when, where and how ?
Shipping worldwide ?
Can be ordered in different gain (custom) or just as is ?
Just one color ?

 

[AudioSceptic]

It is probably best fit to the local market and folks willing to pay some premium for locally made product. It is darn near impossible to compete with high volume players, US or Chinese.

But even so, it needs to offer more for the money. It's simply too basic, regardless of its performance.

 

[Mulder]

Measurements are fine (even excellent).
Price is on the high side but not for handmade amp. The price is going to be well above US$ 400,- (The manufacturer does not know the price yet ... between $600 and $800 ?).
Build quality is good.
Minimalist with quality feel and components.

Unknown: (perhaps @SpaceAudio can answer)
Price (will likely add import duties on top of it)
IEC grounded or not (would be obligated if 3-pin because of metal housing) ?
115 / 230 or both (select-able)
Available when, where and how ?
Shipping worldwide ?
Can be ordered in different gain (custom) or just as is ?
Just one color ?

I wonder if @SpaceAudio clarified to @amirm that the amp sent is NOT a production copy available for purchase but just a promo copy. If I remember correctly, the policy has otherwise been to test only production examples, i.e. those available in the trade.

 

[KenA]

There does appear to have been a ‘Space I’. An earlier prototype?

 

[threni]

Basically, yes.
I believe that "fanatical objectivism," like "fanatical subjectivism," leads nowhere in audio. You need to combine both approaches and resolve any contradictions between them when they arise.

Exactly! Science is a great tool but it can take a lot of effort setting up and accurately performing the tests. If you're not interested in getting the right answer it's a total waste of time.

 

[WalterW]

Very clean and nice, but for this price with tough competition.

 

[filo97s]

specs and form factor are similar to those of the JDS Atom with a way nicer look and weight, but it comes at 4x the price.
If you ask me, it's not worth.

 

[Mulder]

specs and form factor are similar to those of the JDS Atom with a way nicer look and weight, but it comes at 4x the price.
If you ask me, it's not worth.

If looks were the deciding factor, I'd buy a JDS Labs EL Amp. In my opinion, it's the coolest headphone amp I've ever seen. It is also only half the price, has balanced inputs and adjustable gain.

 

[filo97s]

If looks were the deciding factor, I'd buy a JDS Labs EL Amp. In my opinion, it's the coolest headphone amp I've ever seen. It is also only half the price, has balanced inputs and adjustable gain.

yup, nice pick, that little one is really beautiful.
If the design was the only thing that matters, I'd probably go with a Sennheiser HDV 820. Sadly it costs an hella lot and measures like shiet.

 

[Billy Budapest]

There does appear to have been a ‘Space I’. An earlier prototype?
View attachment 394732

That is a great looking unit in silver. The black doesn’t do it justice.

 

[solderdude]

@SpaceAudio are you the same company as this spaceaudio ?

spaceaudio.eu

www.spaceaudio.eu

Similar case styles too