Review of headphone amplifier Bravo Audio Ocean — for music lovers

Sometimes after a sufficiently long period, it's nice to look back and see the rest behind the way. Sometimes you can remember something from the past, nostalgia and redefine the object from the point of view of new experience. Such were the thoughts going around in my head when I decided to do a review of one of my first headphone amplifier Bravo Audio Ocean.

Bravo Audio is a good example of a Chinese brand of new wave. Starting with simple models that received the trivial names of V1, V2 and V3, they have gained popularity as developers are good and inexpensive hybrid headphone amps. Model Ocean — the most expensive in their portfolio, the recommended price is around $ 150, but for her, Bravo tried to make the most good and body, and sound. In Ukraine the company is , people in other countries can use the store Bravo Audio.

The amplifier Circuit is quite simple and traditional Chinese devices of this kind. Lamp (in this case 12AU7) running in cascade preliminary, providing that the «tube» softening of the sound, but the main strengthening exercise power transistors. Thus, good power, interesting sound and a decent price.

the

specifications

the

the
• gain: 30 dB
the
• input Sensitivity: 100 mV
the
• Input impedance: 100KΩ
the
• Recommended load impedance: 20Ω – 660Ω
the
• frequency Range: 10 Hz – 60 kHz (±0.25 dB)
the
• the Ratio signal/noise: >90 dB
the
• Dynamic range: 84.6 dBA @ 300Ω, 89.8 dBA @ 33Ω
the
• Total harmonic distortion: 0,016% @ 300Ω, 0,45% @33Ω
the
• Dimensions: 115 mm × 82 mm × 78 mm
the
• Power: 24V

the

Packing and delivery

Bravo thought even the packaging for its flagship: an unusual cubic box impresses with a nice mix of light shades. Inside, protected by a solid insert, foam-rubber, the amp is in separate box — 24-volt power supply.

The box is a compact manual, but it's hardly needed for such devices.

the

Design and control

The Developers have managed to achieve amazing for Chinese products results: Ocean looks at the same time not cheesy and not kitschy. The case is metal, interesting shade of sea waves, sinuous white lines complement «ocean» effect, highlighting the model name. Bravo Audio has even gone wrong, and did not further illuminate the lamp with a led, as required by Chinese Code of Peliculaseroticas. The device is quite compact and due to this perfectly cope with the role of fashion accessory, and finds beside a computer owner.

On the back side placed connectors: a pair of RCA and a pair of the same RCA outputs, so if you want you can use «Ocean» in the role of a preamp (though I doubt the feasibility of such a scenario). The second line is made in the form of a 3.5 mm socket, so to connect your favorite smartphone or notebook can be a simple wire with two «Jack». There is also the power input, the amplifier «eats» 24 volt voltage from an external power supply. The PSU itself is made in a traditional box and charger resembles a typical notebook average power.

On the front panel, put the main switch, the red led indicator turn on, the pen volume control and two headphone outputs: 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm. the two outputs are very handy and allows you to use the headphones without adapters. If you want, by the way, you can connect two headphones, power device does not hold. Since the inside of the amplifier used good enough components, the volume control also did not disappoint: the noise during the rotation no adjustment is smooth, the imbalance of channels in the initial position quickly disappears.

At the Top is a lamp, protected from the tribulations of life metal arch. If suddenly someone decides to do experiments on her replacement — just Unscrew the top 4 screws, two on front and two on the rear, and remove the cover. However, I don't think changing the bulb in a budget device makes sense, the developers obviously are referring to it, complicating the process.

In the course of the work, the amplifier can become very hot, not for nothing that the side walls act as additional radiators for MOSFETs output stages, but for this device it is normal. In General, the only thing I can criticize in the design of this baby — the lack of any feet that protect against scratching the bottom side. The manufacturer obviously would not hurt to invest in a set of at least self adhesive silicone half sphere from 3M. However, I have long discussions with Chinese products, so I have a stock like that, for such cases.

the

Sound

To listen To the following equipment was used.

the

the
• and in the role of DAC
the
• Apple MacBook Pro Retina 2013 as a source
the
• the role player
the
• and an extra sources
the
• Headphones: , , , , and others.
the
• Recording high-resolution Lossless-formats (Dr. Chesky have The Ultimate Headphone Demonstration Disc and others)

Since this booster is a lamp, it requires warm-up. With warm-up and primary, and each time you switch. Initial warm up I was somewhere around 80 hours, and each time the device requires little more than a minute for access to «core audio».

In General, the amplifier does exactly what is expected of him — softens the sound a little, it messes with it, giving the feeling of vintage and, of course, increases. The power reserve are very good, and overall it shows better yourself with more vysokoemkie models. The total flow has a slight emphasis on bass and treble, however, is not large.

If you take into account the price, the amp is very good. The sound is very lively, energetic, but not exhausting. With the right headphones it plays a versatile and vovlekayut.

Naturally, the comparison with more expensive models allows to identify some shortcomings in the sound «Ocean», but it is well kept even in comparison with models in half to two times more expensive.

The Bass is slightly emphasized, it is of moderate depth, faster average speed, but the textured appeal and hlestkost to top models falls short. Feeding bass are very much alive, but micro-contrast occasionally make itself felt in a particularly saturated tracks. Bass in the execution of the model provides the physicality and slightly exaggerated massiveness.

The MIDs — served with the softening and retouching micronians. The amplifier is not trying to play on the top devices, offering the listener a super resolution and sharpness of the sounds. Ocean hides the smallest details, however, bad records, it sometimes is highly beneficial. A good amplifier and emotion, it accentuates vocals by adding to it a fraction expression. Imaginary scene about average in width and slightly less than the average depth, which is typical for devices with intimate flow.

Treble is also a bit emphasized, which is well compensated for by softening the flow amplifier. Of course, thanks to tube «podcrash» to seek from the Ocean of this field difficult (attack on HF here not the fastest), but a small effect stoppage of airiness in its supply is. Of course, the exact transmission overtones there does not have to wait, but stalling HF Suistamo mess either. In General, for the money the HF in this model is normal.

the

Compatibility

As the amplifier is quite powerful, its use with sensitive in-ear headphones looks rather foolish. It best reveals itself with vysokoemkie (or not) full-size headphones average price: Beyerdynamic DT250, 770, 880 and 990, the older model German Maestro, Fostex RP series, may 6×0 series Sennheiser — that's why it was created, and what will show.

Generally, Ocean is well-suited for the role of the center on budget setup for music lover who wants to get quality sound, not breaking a hole in their own budget. To the Ocean you can add headphones ($300 approximately) and budget DAC type products or and get around the 500 dollar bundle with a very decent sound.

Genre device gravitates to vintage jazz, rock, metal, classical, well recorded pop music. However, some other styles are not the type of orchestral classics and electronic music he is also normally possible.

traditionally, several tracks as example

Herbie Hancock — Chameleon. One of the classic jazz standards composed by the brilliant innovator. In the first place draws attention to an interesting bass line and funky bits, which for the time sounds fresh and interesting. Bravo Ocean perfectly emphasizes this feature by adding the track page.

Barb Jungr — First We Take Manhattan. What to do when some sort of song among favorite pall already so that is not particularly pleased with? Of course, look for interesting cover versions. And what could be better than jazz treatment, with a change of vocals for the female? The only option from the barb Jungr, filled with all its charm and emotion. Easy vintage that adds to the track amplifier Bravo Audio, works like the patina on antique things, emphasizing the charm of the performance.

Dave Brubeck — This Can't be Love. And, perhaps, will not deviate from the topic of jazz. Another virtuoso of black and white keys and his brilliant ensemble accompaniment. Add to this ...