Price Paid:  $150.00 from Carn't remember

Summary:
After careful research I decided to get this head phone amp, I use this amp from an audigy 2 to my HD590's. From reading earlier reviews from several sites. 2 tips don't get a early model and try and stay away from second hand units, apart from that no noise at all, no feed back, clear sound, a-bit shouty but that should go once its warn in and it look's great and some people claim the x-can gets hot if that happens take it back. Ive had it for 5 days now and it's barely warm and it’s in between a monitor and my machine, also this is in a small hot room.

Strengths:
great sound no noise, no feed back.

Weaknesses:
Looks nice but it would look better if the base was all scratched metal the volume knob is a bit small but not to much hassle.

Price Paid:  $186.00 from e-bay

Summary:
hi@ll, I allways was looking for a headphone with *valves*...so i did find X-Cans via e-bay! ( i dont`t know the year) so far so good!!! it was OVP and in best condidion..!! but I`m disappointed!!!!! 1) there was a noise flicker and a 50 Hz called *Brumm* depending on the rotation of the POTI (Lautstaerkesteller)...I do schield it up with copper coat! 2) Philosphy: it is not a true class-A Amplifier, because the last stage is an OP NE 5532, now by TI! 3) about valves: I think a ECC 88, also testet E88 CC is not the best choice...because normally this type operates better at high voltages!!! but the best choice was a ECC 86!!! ( this type was *once upon a time* developped for car-radio UKW ) and it works from 6V!! 4) Powersupply: I think it`s ok...so far...because normally you first warm up ...and than powerd High- Voltage.....

Strengths:
very nice case!!! a clear and warm sound! fundamental *bass*!!! listening with my favorite HD 600 and over a Yamha CDX-596 CD-player via optical link to my Terratec EWX-96 card

Weaknesses:
PCB- layout!!! Connectors *poti*

Similar Products Used:
my own system...!!! :-)))

Price Paid:  $200.00 from www.head-fi.org

Summary:
The X-Can headphone amp was one of my first amps to experiment with. Initially, the sound was uncomfortably bright but otherwise excellent with my Sennheiser 580 headphones. I decided to take matters into my own hands and change the tubes. I documented the procedure in an easy format here: http://www.nickdangerous.com/misc/xcans/index.htm The X-Can vastly improves the sound of audio coming from the PC and various other budget sources. I don''''t consider it a high-end headphone amp, but for the money its a good way to get a taste of smooth sounding tube audio.

Strengths:
Inexpensive. Round metal chassis is indestructible and looks great. Female vocals are beautifully rendered. Provides plenty of power.

Weaknesses:
Works best with high impedance headphones. Volume pot is cheap and too sensitive. Can be finicky. May provide little benefit when coupled with high-end sources.

Similar Products Used:
Creek OBH-11 MG Head OTL Corda HA-1 Mapletree Ear 4 Melos SHA-1 Headroom Cosmic Headroom MAX Headroom Little McCormack Integrated Drive

Price Paid:  $200.00 from on-line

Summary:
Read all the great reviews here and found a used
Musical Fidelity X Cans on ebay. This one is the
first version. Let me add another positive take
on this great product. It's very well built, the
only drawback is the "wall wort" power supply but
that can be upgraded at a latter date. Even though
this amplifier uses 2 ECC 88 tubes there are no
vent holes in the heavy metal "can" shaped body.
Yet the unit does not run hot..even after several
of play. Those reviewers that say the X Cans lack
bass must be bass mad hip hop freaks. The X Cans
has PLENTY of both bass and gain for all but the
hard of hearing! The most outstanding quality of
the sound is feeling of depth to every recording
I have played through it. This creates a rich, warm
sound world that makes you listen for hours. I am
using the X Cans with Sennheiser HD 580 headphones.
Find a used X Cans and enjoy!

Strengths:
Great, warm sound. Fine detail, Build quality

Weaknesses:
no longer sent to USA by Musical Fidelity

Similar Products Used:
none

Summary:
I have had this product (the new V2 verision) for less than a week and it's very good. I connected it to my Philips HP 910 headphones and I'm using my Denon DCD 1650 cd plyer, the interconnects is Transparent Audio's Link 100. The amp gives a lot of musicality but does not lack details. Remember that it needs burn in. It does not sound as warm and detailed stright out from the box, I've had it on for 25-30 hours so far.
All of you who is going to buy this pice, it is far better than eny headphone socket on any cd-player so you wont be disappointed.
This is for all of you who wants full quality sound even when it's 2 o'clock in the morning and the rest of the family is sleeping.

Important: This product goes with all types of music, I've tried with everything from Black-Metal to Classic.

Strengths:
Musicality, details.

Weaknesses:
None.