AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Headphone Mania => Topic started by: rob-fi on 2 Mar 2011, 12:01 am
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There are different headphone amps on the market, im curious which one you guys are using? are you happy with it, or considering to upgrade?
Rob.
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I own a Millett Max Hybrid, tube stage with SS output stage. It is my first headphone amp, and I am very happy with it so far, 5 weeks in.
It was a DIY design, but I did not build it. I use it with my modded Grado SR60i, and my stock Alessandro MS1i.
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HeadAmp Pico Slim.
I am very happy with it. It is small, holds it charge for a long time, is well made, and sounds really good with my Shure SE530 headphones and an iPod.
More info here:
http://anythingbutipod.com/2010/10/headamp-pico-slim-portable-amp-review/
(http://headamp.com/picoslim_render_top.jpg)
George
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I went headphone amp crazy and own:
Lil Dot mkIII,
Tadac,
Rudistor II
SinglePower MPX3
And then the out from my Bryston BP-26
The sound from them all is OK. The best of the bunch is the Singlepower with 6SN7 tubes.
I should probably sell some.... LOL!
Anyway my main phones are Sennheiser HD800 with somebodies aftermarket cable.
Added on 05/11/2011: sold the Little Dot via AudiogoN.
I am pretty happy with the Rudistor. Looks to be the ONe i really keep, though i have to listen more to the SinglePower to decide.
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I got a Fiio E5 very cool little amp and inexpensive at $22ish and a Musical Paradise MP-301 the new version is due soon for like $250ish
Here is the Fiio E5...ran it all day during my hospital stay...awesome little gadget
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=43476)
and the MP-301
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=43477)
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I used to have the RWA Isabellina HPA. I really loved its smooth analog sound. I upgraded last summer and bought my Eddie Current Balancing Act. No desire to upgrade now.
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DIY Borbely Headphone amp :thumb:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=41138)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=41139)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=41140)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=43482)
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Just took delivery of the Bottlehead Crack OTL Amp with Speedball upgrade. It's a kit, so I have to put it together just yet, but that won't happen for at least a couple weeks.
http://www.bottlehead.com/store.php?crn=44&rn=442&action=show_detail (http://www.bottlehead.com/store.php?crn=44&rn=442&action=show_detail)
(http://www.bottlehead.com/sc_images/products/442_image.jpg)
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Wow, lots of good stuff on this thread.
I own a HA-160.
(http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQmF16BTGWMZBg_HUlSiI5fV4iZ3RSjXan1EsDBU8eSpWELLlZa&t=1)
BTW..Nice headphone stand TrungT, where did you get it?
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WooAudio 6, it's a keeper.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=43591)
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When I'm in the mood for headphones, I use an AVA 7-SLR preamp it works out great for my needs.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=27149)
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eclein--that Musical Paradise looks sweet, where did you get it?
Lee
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Im will wait for the Fiio E11.
I have an old receiver, where i plug my headphones.
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lee I bought it used never opened froman AC member for $150--these things are made very well and a new version is coming in March-we talk to the designer on another forum and helps us mod them...sweetest 6 watts!!! I was going to use it for cans only but it drives my JBL's easily so it doing double duty---PM me if you need more info and I'll point you in the right direction.
Ed :thumb:
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I use the Sennheiser DSP Pro but I rarely do any headphone listening.
(http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/9048/580dsp.jpg)
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They don't get used much anymore
I have two
MF XCANV2(mod'd with Elna's) Nos Mullard EC88's
GSP Solo with upgraded supply
Sennheiser HD600's with Stefan Audio Equinox cable
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Here's a sweet amp I just picked up from Jim Nicholls. Hand built and very nice sounding. He's definitely a guy I'm going to keep in contact with in the future. This amp is sounding dynamite with my Audeze LCD-2's.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=43633)
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Here's a sweet amp I just picked up from Jim Nicholls. Hand built and very nice sounding. He's definitely a guy I'm going to keep in contact with in the future. This amp is sounding dynamite with my Audeze LCD-2's.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=43633)
NICE! Very nice!
Peace,
Lee
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Main system: Home Headroom circa 2000
Portable: iPod Nano with Fiio E5
PC: Headphone jack on Nuforce Icon combo DAC/Amp
All with Sennheiser HD600's
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=43844)
Grado RA-!
And said, “It’s old but it’s good,”/
Like any other primitive would
- Neil Young, “Ride My Llama”
A much abused design in various online forums, but sounds great to me.
Sennheiser HD-590
Ultimate Ears UE-5 Pro
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Schiit Valhalla, tremendous amp despite being OTL (or because of it).
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=43848)
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Lots of good stuff guys!
im waiting for the Fiio E11 to be released...i have heard good things at head-fi.
Been also tempted to buy a full size amp.
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I got an E11 in my future and the MK2 of my current MP-301
the MP-301 MK2--check the price, nice right, I'll vouch for the sound without even hearing it, the current model is excellent..
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=44040)
http://www.musicalparadise.ca/mp/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=75
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I currently use my AvaStar pre but I have to say the MP-301 MK2 looks interesting. I might have to pull the trigger on that.
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(http://www.headamp.com/home_amps/litepsu/images/litepsu_withamp_front_high.jpg)
Gilmore light with DPS
(http://assets.head-fi.org/8/8b/1000x500px-LL-8b74c160_front.jpg)
cordia Headfivre
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If you want to think about a different idea, I really like Benchmark products. I have a USB1 that is a headphone amp, preamp and DAC into one unit. It sounds superb! I don't know what the latest model they offer is, but it's probably better with HDMI connection. Try audioadvisor.com
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Woo WA22, Luxman P1-u, Blue Circle Hat Peed Thingee, Singlepower Extreme rebuilt by Bolder Cable, Meier Move, Original Master.
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Woo WA22, Eddie Current Equilibrato, Eddie Current Zana Deux, Triode TRX-PM84, Singlepower MPX3, Singlepower PPX3 Slam, Singlepower PPX3, Orb Jade 2, Arte Forma, Blossom, Pop Pulse, Little Dot MKIVSE..and a bunch of others.
I should start a museum...
Peace,
Lee
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I thought I was nuts, you guys ARE nuts, I'm feeling much better now-mentally, ahahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! :thankyou:
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Yeah...don't even ask what cans I have, and I still have another 5-10 amps on shelves collecting dust...I'm sick. :duh:
@eclein--Hope you are feeling better, my thoughts are with you.
Lee
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Lee-Thanks its a daily friggin mess but this audio thing we love helps, and if its any consolation, all my stuff is set up in my bedroom and I have so many JBL's laying around that before I went in the hospital and started the falling thing I would brace myself every step of the way anywhere in my room by holding on to the nearest JBL. My closet for my clothes is 20% clothes and 80% JBL's....LOL....but we have fun and thats what counts!!!!
Thanks again Lee for the kind thoughts...!!!!!
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Feel better!
Peace,
Lee
Lee-Thanks its a daily friggin mess but this audio thing we love helps, and if its any consolation, all my stuff is set up in my bedroom and I have so many JBL's laying around that before I went in the hospital and started the falling thing I would brace myself every step of the way anywhere in my room by holding on to the nearest JBL. My closet for my clothes is 20% clothes and 80% JBL's....LOL....but we have fun and thats what counts!!!!
Thanks again Lee for the kind thoughts...!!!!!
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Thats a nice looking tube amp Ed, what about a SS amp? have you ever used one of those?
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It's nice to see some SinglePower love here :D
My PPX3 Slam can still hold its own against my Woo WA6SE for certain types of music.
I've got a IBasso D10 for work as well, plus a Total Bithead that spends all its time in the drawer these days.
Jonathan
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Thats a nice looking tube amp Ed, what about a SS amp? have you ever used one of those?
Since I started on this headphone thing NO SS yet other than listening to a movie late at night and using an AV receiver..actually I have that little Fiio E5 which technically qualifies now that I think of it although its small..real small..like puny!!
I do have a feeling from the level of enjoyment I'm having modding Grado's and listening to my new IE Woodees that I'll try whatever in the pursuit of THE SOUND!!! LOL..I try and walk a little 6 block trek everyday weather permitting to get used to the cane or walker and strengthen whatever went south on me in my legs and my ipod/Fiio/Woodees rig is essential...got to have rythym!!!! :dance:
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A buddy just sent me an old NAD 3020B integrated amp with a broken faceplate which I just plugged in about ten minutes ago and that has a really good headphone stage on it.
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For those of you with multiple amps, it would be nice to know if you have a favorite or tend to listen to some more than others, strengths, weakness, etc..
Much appreciated...
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For those of you with multiple amps, it would be nice to know if you have a favorite or tend to listen to some more than others, strengths, weakness, etc..
Much appreciated...
This will make things more interesting. A nice idea :thumb:
you can also add...which songs you like the most when using it? headphones?
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My situation is easy-sorta....I use the Fiio E5 when ever I leave home, and the MP301 pretty much exclusively at home when using my Grado's. i also love my little IEM collection with the Sleek Audio SA-1's leading the pack and use them with the E5 only at this point.
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Schiit Valhalla, tremendous amp despite being OTL (or because of it).
Hi fwd and all Audio Circle members.
What make/model of hearphones your Schiit Valhalla is driving?
I now own a pair of Sennheiser HD570 (60 Ohms),
but later I want to up grade to Beyer Dynamic DT-990PRO or HiFi Man using the Schiit Valhalla or Decware OTL CSP2+.
Guy 13
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Finally got around to shooting some pics, here's one. Yes, I am crazy... :duh: I also have a Blossom balanced amp on my workbench, and some other amps somewhere...
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=45410)
Peace,
Lee
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^^^^^
:notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
:thumb:
Very nice.
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They all have their strengths and weaknesses, and some match different cans better than others, it would be hard to pick a favorite.
For those of you with multiple amps, it would be nice to know if you have a favorite or tend to listen to some more than others, strengths, weakness, etc..
Much appreciated...
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Meier Concerto at work.
Mapletree Ear+ Purist HD100 (the finest headphone amp I have ever heard) at home.
PA2V2 for travel.
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Lee--yep your nuts.....LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Very cool :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
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Lee,
A little birdie told me that you like headphones.
Is that true?
Very impressive to say the least.
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I have two headphone amps from Electric Avenues. It's amazing how good these things are, and inexpensive too.
http://www.electric-avenues.com/amplifiers.html
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In addition to the Millett Max Hybrid and Fiio e5, I just picked up a Grant Fidelity DAC 09. Should be fun!
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They all have their strengths and weaknesses, and some match different cans better than others, it would be hard to pick a favorite.
Lee,
Very nice setup.
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Thanks guys, and yes I'm nuts. :duh: Those are all in my office at work, I keep them handy for the long "computer days", and I can't go sit in front of one of the speaker systems.
FYI--here is what is there:
Amps: Woo Wa22, Singlepower PPX3, Singlepower PPX3 Slam, Singlepower MPX3, Eddie Current Equilibrato, Eddie Current Zana Deux. All have crazy upgraded and cryo'd tubes. Blossom with Kingrex supply out of pic on desk (now on workbench).
Digital: Sonicweld Diverter 192, Antelope Audio Zodiac Gold w/Voltikus power supply. Locus Design USB and digital cabling.
Source: iMac with Amarra
Power stuff: Locus Design and CryoParts cabling, CryoParts and Isotek Nova filtering.
Interconnects: Locus Design and CryoParts
Headphones: Beyerdynamic T1, Ultrasone Edition 10, Ultrasone Edition 8, Sennhesier HD800, Sennheiser HD650, Sennheiser HD600, Grado PS1000, HifiMan HE6, Denon D7000. Shure 840, Ultrasone Zino, and Marshall cans out of picture--these three are used direct out of iPad.
Headphone Stands: Beautiful hardwood stands by Audio Elegance (Jeff Dicks); "standman" here on AC.
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Lee--yep your nuts.....LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Very cool :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
Told you I needed another headphone amp like I needed a hole in the head! :lol:
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Huh, headphones? What are they? :lol:
Lee,
A little birdie told me that you like headphones.
Is that true?
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Lee--Honestly and not ball busting because I could easily collect as many or more but do you think some have like less than an hour on them, or do you rotate for fun and keep informal track of what you listened to last and which ones maybe not so much and then listen to them...I'd be like a kid in a candy store and actually try to listen to every amp with every set of cans looking for the elusive---SOUND!!! :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
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Lee--Honestly and not ball busting because I could easily collect as many or more but do you think some have like less than an hour on them, or do you rotate for fun and keep informal track of what you listened to last and which ones maybe not so much and then listen to them...I'd be like a kid in a candy store and actually try to listen to every amp with every set of cans looking for the elusive---SOUND!!! :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
I am mostly into headphones for fun (I don't offer any for sale), so I don't obsess over the details like I do with stuff I actually offer for sale, I try to keep it light and not overthink things so headphone listening stays a "hobby" for me.
I tend to fixate on one pair of cans for a week, or so, and then try it with the different amps, to see which matches the best, then listen for fun. I know what I think sounds good together, but as far as keeping a list, or such, not really.
I do listen critically to a well matched amp/can when I am designing a new cable, or such, as it gives me a different perspective that listening over the "big rig" loudspeaker based stereo. But as soon as that project is done, I try to go back to listening for enjoyment to the cans.
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Wow Lee nice collection. Cool. 8)
I only listen to headphones or in my case IEM’s on the move. I use Ray Samuels P-51 Mustang to drive my Etymotic ER-4S from either Sony Walkman D6C, DC2 or DD9 cassette players.
(http://www.stereo2go.com/fileSendAction/fcType/5/fcOid/215911522726519729/fodoid/215911522726519728/imageType/LARGE/inlineImage/true/DC2%20%26%20P51%20Amp%202.jpg)
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Seeing as how I just can't seem to find the time to build my Bottlehead Crack amp, I decided to get something to use in the interim instead of my silvera-era Pioneer amps and receivers. Wanted something inexpensive, so I got one of these cMoy amps from JDS Labs (www.jdslabs.com)... supplied tweaked at no extra cost for extra gain with my HD650 or DT990-600 cans and running an external linear power supply I had sitting around:
(http://www.jdslabs.com/images/gallery/x203/15.jpg)
Still burning in, but I like it so far. Also bought a different opamp to see how that might change the sound (haven't tried it yet).
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The Schiit "Vahalla." I love this Schiit. Best sounding piece of Schiit I've heard. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
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I used to have a RWA Isabellina HPA, but now I am using the Eddie Current Balancing Act.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=47770)
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Hi all Audio Circle members.
For my Sennheiser HD-570 (30 Ohms) headphones,
I use my Decware SE-84C+ (2WPC/8 Ohms output)
and it works fine for me.
Later in time, I would likle to buy the Hi-Fi Man HE6 (?)
with their dedicated amplifier
and/or
Beyer Dynamic ST-990PRO with the Schiit tube amplifier.
Anyone have something to say/share on my futur choice ?
Guy 13
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Later in time, I would likle to buy the Hi-Fi Man HE6 (?)
with their dedicated amplifier
and/or
Beyer Dynamic ST-990PRO with the Schiit tube amplifier.
Anyone have something to say/share on my futur choice ?
Guy 13
Tube or SS?
Lee, im feeling jealous now...thats a dream setup!!
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I really love my Lehamann Audio Black Cube Linear. Truly awseome amp. Very neutral, no seasonings. Garbage in garbage out sound. Maybe that's why Sennheiser used it at their HD800 press events.
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I have this, which is good for verifying that there's very little difference between opamps:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=48065)
Then there's this, which I built to try out the TPA6120A2:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=48066)
Now I'm building this, which is a variant on the previous, but with a more sophisticated feedback arrangement optimised for minimal distortion, and which can be built to be powered from an onboard Tx or by batteries with an external Tx for charging. The relay and zener are mounted on the front panel...
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=48067)
:)
w
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Keces HA-171
http://www.acoustic-fun.com/catalog/popup_image.php?pID=33&osCsid=2e55f5c494cac41395b61f99fe391e52
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I rarely use my phones these days but there is a Musical Fidelity XCANS V2 and a PPA in the basement. The TC Sounds Impact Twin drives the HD-580's surprisingly well.
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Cool Schiit Milford. ^
Does it drive orthodynamic headphones well?
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hifiman ef2
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Beta22 balanced
WooAudio WA6
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=49498)
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My Schiit isn't at my house yet but I'm told it sounds excellent!!!!!!
Lyr with GE Tubes & HiFiMan HE 5LE Headphones.....when these get to my house in the next few weeks I may be MIA boys!!!!! for at least a week, only to come up for pizza and soda....and for a smoke....LOL, Pretty soon the Bifrost will complete my line of Schiit and I'll be a regular HiFi -Man!!!! :thumb:
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My Schiit isn't at my house yet but I'm told it sounds excellent!!!!!!
Lyr with GE Tubes & HiFiMan HE 5LE Headphones.....when these get to my house in the next few weeks I may be MIA boys!!!!! for at least a week, only to come up for pizza and soda....and for a smoke....LOL, Pretty soon the Bifrost will complete my line of Schiit and I'll be a regular HiFi -Man!!!! :thumb:
Sounds like some cool Schiit is coming to your house.
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Headphones land tomorrow, then I'm MIA....LOL
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I have the decware CSP2 and Taboo custom designed with headphone amp,Matrix M Stage and a Pioneer SX 650 to drive my Beyerdynamic T1,Denon D7000 and Beyer 770 80 ohm headphones. I dont use any portable amps for my Triple Fi 10 UE IEM.
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I really love my Lehamann Audio Black Cube Linear. Truly awseome amp. Very neutral, no seasonings. Garbage in garbage out sound. Maybe that's why Sennheiser used it at their HD800 press events.
Hey DJamtrax, i saw your unboxing video...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVEi5qi0Ufw&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
Really nice indeed. How does it compare to your Lehmann?
Burson loaner program isnt over, from what i see. A nice chance to give it a try.
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Almarro 205A MKII customized with 3 inputs and 1/4" headphone input on front (am told I have 1 of 2 that have been made), Eddie Current HD25 modified by Craig Uthus to HD12 specifications and Eddie Current EC84 (one-off experimental model).
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Later in time, I would likle to buy the Hi-Fi Man HE6 (?)
with their dedicated amplifier
and/or
Beyer Dynamic ST-990PRO with the Schiit tube amplifier.
Anyone have something to say/share on my futur choice ?
Guy 13
HE6 is considered as one of the best headphone in the world ... 990 is a few notches down ... even T1 may not be a match ... for HE6
I have not heard HE6 - but have owned HE5 ...
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=51737)
Manley Neo Classic 300B on order. Should be fun... :eyebrows:
D.D.
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Headroom Portable Desktop
Grado RA-1
Musical Fidelity X-CAN V3
Benchmark DAC1 USB
-- Sanjay
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This is what I built a while ago and use. For the future I do have some ideas for a DHT differential/balanced headphone amp :eyebrows:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=5651)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=5648)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=10291)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=5649)
Best,
Anand.
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Anand - your headphone pre looks dangerously delicious ...
Do you care to provide your listening impressions ...
Thanks
Sunil.
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Matrix M-Stage - with various opamps currently OPA627 modded to class-A (also experimenting with other opamps...)
Firestone Audio Cute Curve (also experimenting with opamps in this one...)
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HE6 is considered as one of the best headphone in the world ... 990 is a few notches down ... even T1 may not be a match ... for HE6
I have not heard HE6 - but have owned HE5 ...
I owned and sold the HE6. Its a great headphone but you need a great speaker amp to get the best out of them. I sold mine and repurchased the T1 which stacks up very nice against the HE6 and is very amp friendly. I prefer tube amps so for me it was an easy decision. T1 all the way also much better build quality.
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There's some really nice stuff on here.
The tubes are breaking in on my "new" Jolida and I'm really pleased with my purchase which was made here on AC.
The Scotch tape over the really bright blue LEDs looks like hell so maybe a drop of clear nail polish would do it?
It doesn't look like they ever made a 120V version for the US market which I think was a mistake.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=52024)
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Schiit Lyr with EH6922's and a pair of Audeze LCD2's...The amp is wonderful has more than enough power to drive most ANY set of cans out there....
You would have to spend a lot of money to do better.....
Alex
:o
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Alex-after I get my Schiit Bifrost in I'm picking up a Lyr next for my HE-5LE's...right now I'm using an AV receiver or my Grant DAC-09 as amps but I really need a dedicated amp....I have the MP-301MK2 from Musical Paradise(tube amp speakers and cans) and it works fine but the Lyr I'm told by my audio dealer just makes the HE's really come to life....I ordered one with upgraded tubes but that number doesn't ring a bell. I think the tubes I got are GE but I'm not 100% sure.
Ed
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I gotta say the Musical Paradise amp is surprisingly good with my HE-5LE's. I have that baby outfitted with Mullard matched pairs in both positions and it gets plenty of gain and the sound stage is big, really big. I hear things that sounded like a nothing sound before that has a bit of detail and actually fits into the song I'm hearing. So I'm holding up on the Lyr. I am going to try using my Virtue TWO.2 as a headphone amp with the adapter that hifiman sells that turns the speaker outputs into a nice balanced? or lo-z? headphone plug the the HE's come with as a supplied extra cable. I'm told by like 5 people at head-fi that use it that way that its the way to go...so I saved my self some major dollars. These cans are really starting to open up more and more and the enjoyment factor is way up there!!!!!
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=52301)
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Another vote here for the Lehman headphone amp. Use it with my Grado GS 1000's and it sound truely awsome. Tried a few, such as the Graham Slee, but none came even close. Never heard the Sennheiser hd800 through it, but would love to.
Cheers,
Bob
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Diamond Dog,
Did that Manley come in?
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Diamond Dog,
Did that Manley come in?
Hi Steve: I heard from Albert Schippitz @ Manley that it was scheduled to ship ( last ) Friday so I'm thinking it should show up here late this week.
:drool:
D.D.
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I have a Modwright LS 100 preamp with a tube output class A discrete headphone amp on order. I can't wait for it to arrive! :drool:
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Guys anyone know about the HA-160DS (http://www.bursonaudio.com/HA_160DS.html)? its an amp/dac, priced around $890. Im wondering how will this compare to the Bitfrost + Lyr combo? which have a similar price.
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Guys anyone know about the HA-160DS (http://www.bursonaudio.com/HA_160DS.html)? its an amp/dac, priced around $890. Im wondering how will this compare to the Bitfrost + Lyr combo? which have a similar price.
Do a search on the web. I remember reading a review of this piece that was glowing.
Dave
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Do a search on the web. I remember reading a review of this piece that was glowing.
Dave
I was wrong. Sorry. This is a new unit. I was thinking of the earlier model.
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Oops, I got a little carried away with the little JDS Labs cMoyBB amps. In addition to the fully built Altoids unit I already had I ordered a couple extra boards, had JDS set them up for use with various impedance cans and put them in my own tins:
- Altoids Tin for low impedance IEMs (16 ohms) I use when traveling for isolation, a very cheap pair of Skull Candy Ink'd I picked up for $9 on sale at Staples but sound remarkably good for that price and really seal out external noise - surprised I haven't gotten stopped with that tin going through airport security
- Zingos Tin for medium impedance cans like my Koss Porta Pros (60 ohms) that I use at work and are still portable enough to carry on trips - good sounding, light weight, comfortable and I can hear around me when the phone rings, someone knocks or comes in the room, etc.
- Cleartop Tin for high impedance cans like my Beyerdynamic 990s (600 ohms), requires a more robust power supply than just a 9V battery, so I put the amp in this tiny tin and use an outboard supply (basic variable one for now, but I've got an 18v linear kit from Welborne Labs to be built yet) - perfect amp for my nightstand being fed from Squeezebox or Netflix on an iPad and looks great in the dark with the blue LED shining through the clear top
I also have four different opamps to swap out in the amps (they are socketed) so I essentially have up to 12 different amps to play around with. Haven't done any serious comparisons with the opamps just yet. Figure I've spent about $150 total for all the amps/opamps, but it's been well worth it thus far for all the use and variation they provide... lots o fun.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=53138)
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Picked up a Schiit Lyr to go with my K701. Even with only a few hours on the tubes (6BZ7) it's sounding very nice. I agree that the build quality on this is unexpected at the price. My current source (Steinberg MR816X) sounds very good through the Lyr, although I have to admit I'm curious about the Bifrost if only because I think the 2 components would look pretty sharp stacked together.
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krikor--GOOD STUFF!!! I dig the tins for the cans, man!!! :thumb:
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Diamond Dog,
Did that Manley come in?
Steve: Manley 300B is in the house!
D.D.
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Review on the Manley once it's burned in some, please.
I'm mostly interested in it as a preamp for the main system and wonder if it might not be too "euphonic"?
Bear in mind I actually watched "This Is Spinal Tap" in honor of 11/11/11.
It's even stupider than I remembered it being.
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Headroom Total Bithead and Schiit Valhalla now.......
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Hi. I am new to the forum, am just now having more time to spend here, what a lovely place from what I have been reading so far.
I have a Meier corda stepdance with the external 15v energizer battery mod which gives oodles of power for my LCD rev1's and Etymotic ER4S's.
Any day now I should be getting the RSA SR71-B as I want to try balanced. Have also just ordered some Toxic cables balanced cable for the LCD's so I am looking forward to what that will do. Have ordered with it an adaptor so I can hear the cable with the stepdance as well.
Have loved the stepdance, it does everything so well, especially with the external battery modification which significantly improves performance to desktop standards I feel having compared it to some good mains amps.
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I was wrong. Sorry. This is a new unit. I was thinking of the earlier model.
Its ok dave, i found one at headfonia (http://www.headfonia.com/burson-ha-160ds/). Looks pretty interesting...i wonder how it will pair the new lcd-3's?
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SPL Phonitor
(http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj243/slwiser/SPL%20Phonitor/1000x500px-LL-0154e01a_IMG_1941.jpg)
Yamamoto HA-02
(http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj243/slwiser/P1010037.png)
Fostex HP-P1 Dac/Amp for iPhone
(http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj243/slwiser/Fostex%20HPP1/IMAG0140.jpg)
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That SPL is quite the unit.
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I have lusted after the Yamamoto for a while, but it's out of my budget.
I hope to have a new amp within the next month, for now I am using a modded Ming Da, I think it sounds pretty good.
Randy
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slwiser, how do you like the foster? I have the Cypherlabs algorythm solo and cord stepdance and sr71b blackbird. I would have been tempted by the foster if it had come out at the same time as the solo.
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I am really enjoying my Fostex HP-P1 but really can't compare them in any way since I have never heard your setup. Your setup is about as maxed out as a portable can be though with the Blackbird. The only advantage that mine could have is in size.
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Yeah, I just got the the blackbird so it is too early to comment on that, also I am waiting for the balanced HP cable to arrive but the sound of my rig with the Stepdance and external battery supply leaves me breathless. I have had a few friends with nice home gear scratch their heads in wonder at what this little rig does!
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Some really nice equipment on this thread. 8)
Currently have a PS Audio GCHA Headphone Amplifier, with Denon AH-D5000 headphones.
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I'm currently using the Mapletree Audio Design Ear+ HD Super II - it's a mouthful but I'm very happy with the performance.
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Schiit- Asgard
Fiio- E11
Fiio- E17
Fiio- E5 (had)
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I am no match for Lee and I have scaled down over the last few years
My current favourite is the Cavalli Audio Liquid Fire , but as Lee noted , merely different flavours as I probably spend as much time with the Stacker. My mood and headphones choice often predict what amp is being used.
Image below is not my own but taken from a German Review of the amp
(http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/9395/seite12.jpg)
my list includes much DIY gear too
Cavalli http://www.cavalliaudio.com/diy.html (http://www.cavalliaudio.com/diy.html) - CTH , SOHA II, EHHA , Bijou
Doobooloo's TPA6120 headphone amp
AMB labs http://www.amb.org/audio/mini3/ (http://www.amb.org/audio/mini3/) mini3
several other prototypes / experiments which may one day manifest themselves on a shelf.
Commercial: WOO WA22 and GoVibe Porta tube
The sickness of this hobby is not that we own so much gear but that we frequently don't appreciate the virtue of what we own until we purchase the next piece of equipment.
..dB
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This is slightly off topic - sorry- but I'm about to buy a set of top o' the line cans (Audeze 2 or even 3, HiFiMan 6, Grado PS1000, or maybe the Denon) and I see I may have to spring for a headphone amp. Or maybe not. My question is, aside from soliciting any votes on my headphone choices, is whether my Yamaha Receiver, the RX-Z7, has the power to juice any or all of these phones -- from the headphone jack. Someone suggested I could splice into the main speaker terminals to get the power. Anyone know if a headphone amp is necessary here?
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The only way to have an educated guess would be to look at the schematics and see what kind of headphone amp is built into the Receiver.
When I investigated my Onkyo receiver, I found a headamp topology that did not differ substantially from headphone amps in the $300 to $500 bracket.
Power supply is excellent in a top end AVR as it is designed to supply 7 channels of full size speakers....
And in top end receivers the PSU regulation is excellent too
So it should have the necessary base.
I compared my Onkyo TX-SR876 to headphone amps, specifically the Matrix M-Stage with various opamp mods, also the Firestone Cute Curve - also with various mods, and the ART Headtap - connected direct to the amp speaker outputs - this one was interesting as I could hear the character of the amplifier I connected to more clearly than through the speakers... differences were greater this way then through the standard headamps - I tried out the Onkyo AVR amps, QUAD 405 and Quad 606. - What I heard with the headtap was differences - but again I could not with certainty rate the headtap better than the headamps - although I could rate the Quad 606 and the AVR power amps as better than the Quad 405.
With the opamp upgrades, and running the opamps in "warmer" class AB than default - I preferred the sound of the head amps.
Running at default - I found no difference.
The Headphones I used were:
1) Revox 3100 (1980's Beyer DT880 600ohm rebadge)
2) Koss Pro4x/+ (another top end 1980's design - piezo 250ohm)
3) Sennheiser PCX450 (both in noise canceling mode and in "bypass" mode)
The results you get will also vary based on the headphones.... high impedance requires more voltage and less current, low impedance requires more current and less voltage - a lot of headamps are capable of one OR the other but not both - which is where the differences can kick in.
Sorry to be of limited assistance but the answer remains "it depends".
I was in your shoes, and opted to try out several solutions and compare - in the end I frequently listen to the AVR HP output, and am very happy with it, and I have deployed the Headamps in other locations.... with their mods they are (marginally) better.
Had I known then what I know now, I would not have bothered with the headamps.
bye for now
David
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Eventually you may want a dedicated headphone amplifier, they are much lower noise than most power amplifiers. Some of the old receivers have mosfet outputs - there is much to read about this on audiokarma.
http://aloaudio.com/miniwatt-headphone-adapter.html (http://aloaudio.com/miniwatt-headphone-adapter.html) this might be an easy solution until you decide , it is an adapter for the speaker outputs of the receiver.
Also consider second hand or DIY amps for sale. - you can get very good value for your hard earned money ..dB
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This is slightly off topic - sorry- but I'm about to buy a set of top o' the line cans (Audeze 2 or even 3, HiFiMan 6, Grado PS1000, or maybe the Denon) and I see I may have to spring for a headphone amp. Or maybe not. My question is, aside from soliciting any votes on my headphone choices, is whether my Yamaha Receiver, the RX-Z7, has the power to juice any or all of these phones -- from the headphone jack. Someone suggested I could splice into the main speaker terminals to get the power. Anyone know if a headphone amp is necessary here?
The Audeze headphones should work, but not the HE6 which requires lots of power. All the phones you're considering are expensive, and it seems that if these are in your reach, it may be that you could afford a headphone amp for them. Schiit makes low priced ones that work well. You would need a Lyr for the HE6.
Dave
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I have Hifiman HE-5LE ortho's and I use Schiit Audio Asgard their entry level amp at $349 and I have no problem driving mine and they are considered as power hungry as the HE6 so it really depends on you preferred listening volume.
I listened way too loud for years while playing music in studio and out so I really prefer enough level to boogie but not earsplitting..the Asgard can split my ears if I want it too but more power could easily be used but the way I listen to my fusion jazz or electronica, the Asgard is just perfect. I have also used them from 2 different AV receivers and they were fine also I just like a dea silent background so a dedicated amp is perfect.
If your near Allentown, stop in and listen!!!
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Matching amp with a high end headphone is super critical ...
LCD2 is a warmish phone while hifiman are to the bright side of neutral ...
Putting a warm amp on LCD2 could result in too cosy an experience ... you get the drift ...
The headphone stage on your receiver is most likely less than ideal for a world-class headphone you are looking at ...
Grado and Denon are very difference from LCD and Hifiman ... for the money LCD2 is hard to beat ...
All these phones are very revealing - they need a good source and amplification ...
I'd stay away from Hifiman if you do not plan on getting a very high powered headphone amp
I find Eximus DP1 (http://www.soundstage.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=346:eximus-dp1-digital-to-analog-converterpreamplifierheadphone-amplifier)to be an excellent DAC and headphone amp - that can easily drive any phone ...
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$3000 for a headphone amp/DAC is a big number and if I had that kind of cash I would probably look into it. I totally understand what your saying but my modest setup sounds great to me and with a bunch of these folks being relatively new to this part of the hobby we wouldn't want to scare them off when its easy to attain very, very good sound without a huge cash outlay.
Don't you agree?
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I'm loving this great feedback (thnx: saisunil, eclein, dBel84, DaveNote and especially dlaloum). For a couple extra hundred HiFiMan offers a bundled headamp if you buy the HE6. I'm guessing my RX-Z7 receiver/Marantz BD8002 pairing is bright/trebly, maybe a tad harsh to begin with- in which case the Auzeze LCD2 might be a good pairing (while the Grado might not?) I'm in rural VT and have to travel to Montreal or Boston to test drive any of this hi-end stuff -so instead I just read a lot and then gulp and purchase. I'm hoping my can choice will be as lucky as my HT2-TL choice was (Salk). Thanks again. Tony
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$3000 for a headphone amp/DAC is a big number and if I had that kind of cash I would probably look into it. I totally understand what your saying but my modest setup sounds great to me and with a bunch of these folks being relatively new to this part of the hobby we wouldn't want to scare them off when its easy to attain very, very good sound without a huge cash outlay.
Don't you agree?
At that sort of money I would grab a Smythe Realiser - which comes with a set of Stax electrostatic headphones bundled in!
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dap7777-------imo i would go for a separate headphone amp if you get topline headphones.otherwise you won't be getting the most out of them.unless you have a preamp with a good headphone amp built in such as a Cary or i'm sure there are others
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[q
The He6 with a pigtail made would work off your speaker terminal and work well on any integrated or any other receiver with some power. The HE6 when I owned them worked best on my 80W Pioneer SX980 off the speaker taps and were special. I own the Decware taboo and CSP2 tube amps with headphone outs. I use them as a preamp and amp also for my Omega Super 5 and Outlaw sub but for headphones they can handle anything except the He6 with large scale recording. The 6 did much better on the Pioneer. I am using the Taboo power for my HE500 and the CSP2 for the T1. The D7000 play both sides well and I have a Pioneer SX650 when I get the SS amp bug. IMO all vintage receivers of the 70's Pioneer,Marantz and sansui have better headphone amps that are currently produced and all are discrete. So dont discard them and seek them out. as they are all well worth to own and admire as they do not build anything like these anymore.
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[q
The He6 with a pigtail made would work off your speaker terminal and work well on any integrated or any other receiver with some power. The HE6 when I owned them worked best on my 80W Pioneer SX980 off the speaker taps and were special. I own the Decware taboo and CSP2 tube amps with headphone outs. I use them as a preamp and amp also for my Omega Super 5 and Outlaw sub but for headphones they can handle anything except the He6 with large scale recording. The 6 did much better on the Pioneer. I am using the Taboo power for my HE500 and the CSP2 for the T1. The D7000 play both sides well and I have a Pioneer SX650 when I get the SS amp bug. IMO all vintage receivers of the 70's Pioneer,Marantz and sansui have better headphone amps that are currently produced and all are discrete. So dont discard them and seek them out. as they are all well worth to own and admire as they do not build anything like these anymore.
Frank, thanks for this. Just to test your view, I took my LCD-2s and hooked them up to the headphone jack of a very ancient (at least 25 years old) Panasonic Technics SU-V303 integrated then called New Class A. It sounded very good indeed, giving the headphones a more open sound than I get with my Schiit Lyr, but not as dry as I get with my other SS device.
Dave
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The first amp I used for my HE-5LE's was an older Kenwood AV receiver I got as part of a CL snag, slightly under powered but worked fine. I also have a Virtue TWO.2 which apparently is great for using as a headphone amp with the $99 adapter hifiman sells its safe to do without harming anything....I have yet to try it but I will someday. Vintage/older equipment is making a solid comeback in the headphone arena!!
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[q
The D7000 play both sides well and I have a Pioneer SX650 when I get the SS amp bug.
Yowza! You jolted an old memory. I had a SX650 in high school for a few months. I had forgotten all about that.
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In addition to the two desktop amps shown above (SPL Phonitor and the Yamamoto HA-02) I will soon will have these in my portable collection: Fostex HP-P1 (already noted with 32 bit DAC) or RSA SR-71B (fully balanced) or ALO Continental V2 (portable tube amp) along with a balanced DAC, the iBasso DB2 (dual internal DACs) to my balanced SR-71B amp feeding my recently balanced Beyerdynamic DT1350 headphones. I may also have to get a balanced cable now for my Sennheiser HD800 headphone since I am getting the balanced DAC (DB2) and Amp (SR-71B).
Pictures will be up when everything comes together.
Edit: All my components are in but to make it better I need a special optical toslink cable that is not a foot long hanging around. The Senn HD-25-1 is sounding much better than it should and so is the Beyer DT1350 both being balanced out of the iBasso DB2 balanced dac and the RSA SR-71B balanced amp.
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In addition to the two desktop amps shown about (SPL Phonitor and the Yamamoto HA-02) I will soon will have these in my portable collection: Fostex HP-P1 (already noted with 32 bit DAC) or RSA SR-71B (fully balanced) or ALO Continental V2 (portable tube amp) along with a balanced DAC, the iBasso DB2 (dual internal DACs) to my balanced SR-71B amp feeding my recently balanced Beyerdynamic DT1350 headphones. I may also have to get a balanced cable now for my Sennheiser HD800 headphone since I am getting the balanced DAC (DB2) and Amp (SR-71B).
Pictures will be up when everything comes together.
Wow, that's quite a gameplan!! :thumb:
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My Citypulse DA7.2xII DAC/headphone amp when I get my Sennheiser HD598's on Tuesday...
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=56776)
Martin
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In a post above, I noted that I took up FrankI's suggestion to look into old amps and receivers as headphone amps, and that I hooked up my 25 year old Technics SU-V303 with excellent results. I contacted Frank about something even better, and he recommended a Pioneer SX980 for my LCD-2s. I was lucky enough to find one locally in very good condition at a reasonable price. Conclusion: Outstanding!
More weight and body than the Technics. More open and airy than my Schitt Lyr, and a lot more slam and detail than with either one. But like the Technics, with none of the hum of the Lyr.
Best headphone amp I've owned. The only downside is that this is a monstrously big component weighing about 42 lbs. which takes up a great deal of room. On the other hand, its performance as a headphone amp more than outweighs this minor problem.
Dave
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J. Sound Lab
(http://www.jsoundlab.com/catalog/images/headphone/5.jpg)
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In a post above, I noted that I took up FrankI's suggestion to look into old amps and receivers as headphone amps, and that I hooked up my 25 year old Technics SU-V303 with excellent results. I contacted Frank about something even better, and he recommended a Pioneer SX980 for my LCD-2s. I was lucky enough to find one locally in very good condition at a reasonable price. Conclusion: Outstanding
Best headphone amp I've owned. The only downside is that this is a monstrously big component weighing about 42 lbs. which takes up a great deal of room. On the other hand, its performance as a headphone amp more than outweighs this minor problem.
Dave
I'm surprised the SX980 is still around. :o Most of them internally burned themselves up in late 70's - early 80's. (They were very popular and most of the ones that I knew about then overheated and died.)
Glad you like it anyway.
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Here are my rigs:
Desktop amps:
SPL Auditor
Lehmann BCL
Yulong A100
Portable amps:
ibasso D4
ibasso D6
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I own following headphones:
SENNHEISER:
HD598
HD600
HD650
HD800
ie8
AKG:
K501
Too many gear, too little time!!
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Yowza! You jolted an old memory. I had a SX650 in high school for a few months. I had forgotten all about that.
Love the old silver era Pioneer stuff! I occasionally use the headphone output of my SA-650II integrated which works OK for headphone use when banished to the living room (still prefer the little CMOYbb amps over this). Haven't tried the headphone outs on my other Pioneers (SX-780, SX-737 and SX-535).
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=9976)
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Here is a picture of my JH3A. It's a 3-way DSP controlled amplifier.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=56909)
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The issue with using really old receivers etc is that they are indeed 'old'.
What I mean is the electronics inside in various circuits may not be what they were 20-30 years ago, caps etc age, things drift etc....
Not saying that they dont or cant sound great....just buyer beware.
I have tried several 'old' pioneers and they sound pretty good..some were original and some were upgraded or rebuilt.
It would be nice to get schmatics of the headphone circuitry and see how they compare what is being made and sold today.
Alex
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Just finished building a Bottlehead Crack to go with my Sennheiser HD600s. This is a very, special pairing.
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Just got an older Antique Sound Labs OTL headphone amp ( a Mk I, I think). With NOS tubes in it, this combination with my HD650's really floats my boat. Also am breaking on some Fostex TR50p headphone that sound great with my Headroom Total Airhead. Might get a Fiio E11 and will be on the lookout for another OTL amp for the future.
Hibuck...
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Just got an older Antique Sound Labs OTL headphone amp ( a Mk I, I think). With NOS tubes in it, this combination with my HD650's really floats my boat. Also am breaking on some Fostex TR50p headphone that sound great with my Headroom Total Airhead. Might get a Fiio E11 and will be on the lookout for another OTL amp for the future.
Hibuck...
The MG Head awesome little amp. I miss mine.....
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Just picked up a Cavali CTH. Great little tube amp for the money: http://www.cavalliaudio.com/diy/cth/main.php?page=overview (http://www.cavalliaudio.com/diy/cth/main.php?page=overview)
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I'm not sure if my ModWright Sony 5400ES counts as a headphone amp but it smoked the Schiit Asgard class A amp. My Sony player was sweeter, better extension and I was amazed that bass was better also. Using Grado SR80 and now Shure 840 and I like alot.
I'm still considering trying a Woo Audio 6, what do you guys think about this tube headphone amp?
Thanks,
Wig :D
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My headphones are the Grado SR325is. I've got a Heed Canamp, but I much prefer my vintage Fisher 400 receiver.
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My headphones are the Grado SR325is. I've got a Heed Canamp, but I much prefer my vintage Fisher 400 receiver.
Nice cans :thumb:
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Here's a sweet amp I just picked up from Jim Nicholls. Hand built and very nice sounding. He's definitely a guy I'm going to keep in contact with in the future. This amp is sounding dynamite with my Audeze LCD-2's.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=43633)
Wow. I should have known Jim makes headphone amps. I have an 8 EL 34 tube amp from Jim and it is outstanding.
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:thumb: I'm now a Stax owner. Picked up a 3050 set from a seller here at AC. Only 30 mins into the experience, but quite pleased running them off a Bifrost.
ETA: (though I guess I could have put this in a 'phone thread rather than an amp thread......)
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Wow. I should have known Jim makes headphone amps. I have an 8 EL 34 tube amp from Jim and it is outstanding.
I don't think he really intended to make a headphone amp, but for whatever reason he added a headphone output and a speaker mute switch. The works well with my Audeze LCD-2's, but is too noisy with my higher impedance phones.
By the way-I've changed over to an all Audio Research rig and Eddie Current headphone amp so this baby needs to find a new home.
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Here is a contest to win a Schiit Lyr
http://gearphile.com/showthread.php?421-Schiit-Lyr-Amp-giveaway
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I have this amp and it's amazing!!!
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I'm currently auditioning and on the waiting list to get Donald North's new Stratus amp. It's a fantastic sounding DHT amp based on 2A3's. I've been running the demo unit for the last few weeks with my Sennheiser HD800's and my Audeze LCD-2's. Both sound the best they ever have with this amp driving them. I highly encourage anyone shopping in this price range to give the Stratus a listen.
John
(http://www.dnaudio.com/DNA-Stratus-1sm.jpg)
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The new portable balanced amp ALO Rx Mk3 under my iBasso DX100 with my Westone 4r earphones (balanced):
(http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj243/slwiser/Portable%20setup/DX100Mk3backside.jpg)
(http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj243/slwiser/Portable%20setup/ResizeDX100Mk34r.jpg)
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I've gone the vintage headphone amp route, but that DNA amp
really has me drooling.
Headroom Total Airhead
Headroom Supreme (2)
Headroom Home
Antique Sound Labs MG1...tubes
Sennheiser HD 598
Sennheiser HD 650 (2)
ATH-W1000
Fisher FA-011
Hifiman HE5LE (on it's way)
Need to stop....really :green:
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The Stratus could just be the amp to make you stop. :thumb:
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Westone 4r and ES5 with ALO Rx Mk3-b amp and iBasso DX100 DAP
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=63098)
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HiFiMan EF5 and Bottlehead Smack. The Smack has really blossomed and takes the Grado's and Denons to a great level!
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=62290)
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Hifiman HE5LE (on it's way)
Need to stop....really :green:
Which amp are you going to use with your HE5LE?
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Have tried several. Actually, the headphone out on my Marantz Ref. PM11S1 does the best of providing the current to make the bass sit up and take notice. My little ASL tube unit sounds great in mids and highs, but is a bit rolled off in bottom end with these phones.
Hibuck...
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Just FYI, the guys at burson have announced their latest creation. The soloist:
http://www.monoandstereo.com/2012/06/burson-soloist-headamp-preamp.html
With 4Wpc it will blow your ears away when using ortho's.
It will be out in July.
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Recently added a Hifiman EF-5 to the stable. Rolled the driver tube,
put it behind my SAS 7a preamp :thumb: :thumb:
Hibuck...
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Anyone else have the Borbely Audio SE HPA besides Trung and I? They were kits a few years ago.
They came with either a fiberglass PC Board or Teflon PC Board depending on the option purchased.
Updated mine to drive my HiFiMan HE500's and really like the sound quality. Changed out the original Alps Black Beauty pot for a DIY LDR volume control with remote control. Sounds cleaner to me.
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A Bottlehead Crack with Speedball upgrade. Headphones are Sennheiser 650's with a Stefan Audioart cable.
It was a blast to build and sounds excellent to my ears.
(http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww171/steniacho/Outside1.jpg?t=1291751062)
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=72269)
Torpedo: An excellent sounding unit.
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WooWA6 with a Sophia 247b rectifier and a Woo WA2 coming next week.
Hibuck...
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NuForce UDac2 with Senn HD 555
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=72279)
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Jan Meier (Meier Audio) loves those little NuForce amps...heard they are huge bang for the buck.
Hibuck: Nice on the Woo gear!!!!
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Grommes PHI-26 ~ don't listen with headphones very often, so I'm glad it is also an integrated.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=148550)
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Woo WA22, Luxman P1-u, Blue Circle Hat Peed Thingee, Singlepower Extreme rebuilt by Bolder Cable, Meier Move, Original Master.
Most of the amps I listed above are no longer in my possession. I sold the Woo WA22, the Luxman P1-u, and the Meier Move. I had to throw out the Singlpower Extreme, as the amp only worked for a short period after Bolder's rebuild. These amps were all replaced by an Eddie Current Super 7. The Super 7 is the best headphone amp I have ever owned by a country mile. Craig Uthus, the driving force behind Eddie Current, deserves his cult following. If you can swing $1600 or so for a headphone amp, you will not be disappointed. (According to Craig, the $3800 Balancing Act is better than the Super 7, but is honest enough to say that the differences are not major and are governed by the law of diminishing returns.)
I honestly have a hard time these days getting enthusiastic about my speaker rig -- which has some pretty pricey components -- so enthralled am I listening to the combo of the Super 7 and my JH Audio JH16 custom IEM's. The sound quality is supremely satisfying. Enveloping mid-range presence and warmth, incredible speed and transparency, awesome bass impact and detail. Listening to my Sehring 703 floorstanding speakers, which only go down to 35Hz just cannot touch the Super 7. (A good headphone rig can really undermine satisfaction in speaker rigs, unless you have a dedicated room and can source speakers that are truly full-range.) I am not sure how much I would have to spend on speakers to match the satisfaction I get out of the Super 7. I suspect I would have to spend more than $10K on speakers -- maybe, Marten Djangos, Acoustic Zen Crescendos, a used set of Magico V3s, a mid-sized speaker from Evolution Acoustics -- to end up with a system that is as satisfying as my $3,000 headphone rig. Any recommendations on full-range speakers that don't cost a fortune, have a reasonable modest physical footprint, and can rival a headphone rig would be much appreciated.
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Hi Minimus - I really appreciate your recommendation of the Eddie Current Super 7. I did some research on Head Fi and many reported that the amp needs some pretty spendy tube upgrades to come close to the Balancing Act - have you done that or are your impressions above based on the stock tubes? Also, any idea how this amp might mate with the ( high impedence) Beyerdynamic T1s? (I recently bought a pair). I was leaning towards a Woo but would go for a Super 7 if it's a good match.
Thank you!
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I honestly have a hard time these days getting enthusiastic about my speaker rig -- which has some pretty pricey components
I never thought in a million years I'd feel that way, but I do...I have beautiful Magnepan 3.6s that I truly love, but for music I've used my headphones almost exclusively over the last 6 months or so. I like being able to just sit or go wherever I want and still have amazing sound...I don't have to worry about sitting in the sweet spot solely for the purpose of enjoying music. I can lay in bed, listen while I surf online, listen on the go, etc. Headphones have won me over for sure.
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Hi MttBush,
The Super 7 sounds excellent with the stock tubes, full stop. If you decide to upgrade the tubes, the most important one is the single input tube. For that tube, I bought a 6F8G-->6SN7 tube adaptor off eBay and a few 6F8G tubes as well. My favorite 6F8G tube is the Tung Sol Round Plate, which has become ridiculously expensive. But some inexpensive 6F8Gs also sound great, including RCA, National Union, Raytheon, etc. Those can be bought for as little as $20 each, so with tube adaptor, you are talking about an extra $60.
Rolling the six output tubes in the amp affects the sound less than the single input tube, but if you want to replace them, go with NOS RCAs. Those are also pretty inexpensive if you are patient and buy in pairs from eBay. (Craig Uthus also says that the tubes in the amp do not have to be perfectly matched, so you don't have to spend a lot of money for matched pairs.)
Bottom line: you don't have to spend a fortune on NOS tubes. Some folks on Head-Fi can be a little snobby about tubes, hence the comments about having to spend a lot on NOS tubes to get the Super 7 to sound good. Those comments seem to come from people who had never heard the amp, let alone own it.
As far as the choice between Woo and Eddie Current, I would go with Eddie Current. The Woo 22 is a good amp with great build quality, but the Super 7 is in a different league in terms of sound quality. Once I got the Super 7, I never really spent much time listening to the Woo again. I initially kept it as a back-up amp, but after 6 months of disuse, I decided to just sell it. I found the Woo 22 to be less involving than the Super 7. I also did not like the fact that the Woo 22 was pretty immune to tube rolling. I couldn't tell the difference in the slightest between stock tubes and a variety of NOS tubes.
I briefly tried the Beyer T1s through a loan from the Cable Company...I thought they were pretty good, but honestly I am addicted to the JH16s. I own a pair of LCD-2 rev. 2s that I never use because I so much prefer the JH16s. I sent the T1s back to the Cable Company after about two days, because they too suffered in comparison to the JH16s.
If you really like the T1s, one new option to consider is an OTL design -- the Eddie Current Zana Deux, the Woo WA2, or the Decware CSP2. In my experience, high impedance cans sound really good when driven by an OTL amp. And OTLs as a rule are often less expensive than transformer coupled headphone amps. (The one exception is the Zana Deux, which is over $2K). Decware offers a trial period, so the CSP2 might be a low risk option.
Finally, if you go with the Super 7, you should be aware that Craig has run sales on the amp fairly regularly. He may have one on now. If not, you can ask if he will sell you one at a discount below the full retail price...that would be a way to save yourself a couple of hundred bucks and use the savings to buy tubes later, if you get the itch to do some tube rolling.
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I never thought in a million years I'd feel that way, but I do...I have beautiful Magnepan 3.6s that I truly love, but for music I've used my headphones almost exclusively over the last 6 months or so. I like being able to just sit or go wherever I want and still have amazing sound...I don't have to worry about sitting in the sweet spot solely for the purpose of enjoying music. I can lay in bed, listen while I surf online, listen on the go, etc. Headphones have won me over for sure.
Good to know I am not alone. Although I am not a big fan of the writing style of 6Moons.com, the editor Srajan Ebaen has written on numerous occassions that a $4,000 investment in headphones and amp can yield better sound than a $25,000 investment in speakers. Good headphones are linear over a much wider frequency range than most speakers. You also aren't dealing with room interactions. And you aren't bothering the wife, kids, or neighbors when you listen to headphones.
Still, there most be speakers out there that can provide as satisfying an experience as a good headphone rig at reasonable prices. I would just hate to spend $15K on Marten Djangos or Acoustic Zen Crescendos and then find myself preferring my $3000 headphone setup.
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I have the Chazz2, an OTL headphone amp from www.diyhifisupply.com. This is an item that they sell fully assembled only. I found this circuit to be unsuitable with 32 ohm Grado GS1000 (since sold), adequate with 62 ohm AKG K702, and excellent with 600 ohm Beyerdynamic T1. I use the MK V solid state headphone amp from www.littledot.net for the AKG's. I think that both of these headphone amps are high value products.
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Bryston BHA-1
Iqube
Nuforce
Fiio
Headphones HiFiman 500 which only the Bryston can drive. It will play with the Iqube but it just misses the mark in all phases where the Sennhieser is fine.
Sennhieser 650
Shure 535
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Any recommendations on full-range speakers that don't cost a fortune, have a reasonable modest physical footprint, and can rival a headphone rig would be much appreciated.
Head on over to the Salk forum - http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=g4mg1jkb7vg3trh9jevrph2gnbbdimg7&board=82.0
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Anybody use the iFi iCan?
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Jan Meier (Meier Audio) loves those little NuForce amps...heard they are huge bang for the buck.
If anyone wants to buy one, I'll sell ya mine - hardly used. PM me.
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I dig my little Asgard especially now with the Amperiors. I'm also now pretty much full time headphones, I now find myself surfing headphone shops and reviews online instead of the same with speakers. A friend sent me a note earlier about the JBL sale on Amazon today and it didn't even phase me. I'm consistently finding deals on low priced iems, I probably have 20 pair right now until my kids come visit, that usually cuts them back again....LOL. I love all the different sounds I find......its a blast.
:icon_twisted: :icon_twisted:
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I never thought in a million years I'd feel that way, but I do...I have beautiful Magnepan 3.6s that I truly love, but for music I've used my headphones almost exclusively over the last 6 months or so. I like being able to just sit or go wherever I want and still have amazing sound...I don't have to worry about sitting in the sweet spot solely for the purpose of enjoying music. I can lay in bed, listen while I surf online, listen on the go, etc. Headphones have won me over for sure.
Even though I love my audio system, I only get to listen to it when I visit home every few weeks. That said, I still often wonder why we spend so much on expensive gear for a 2 foot perfect block of sound in our listening rooms.
I'm ready to start updating my computer audio system which is almost zero at the moment.
"What to buy"?
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Not to totally derail this thread, but if you travel a lot and are home not much, I'd want to incorporate my family as much as possible in the listening experience, thus down with the isolationist headphone setup.
Not to suggest what you should do, but that would be my thinking.
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Not to totally derail this thread, but if you travel a lot and are home not much, I'd want to incorporate my family as much as possible in the listening experience, thus down with the isolationist headphone setup.
Not to suggest what you should do, but that would be my thinking.
Splitters? :lol:
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Even though I love my audio system, I only get to listen to it when I visit home every few weeks. That said, I still often wonder why we spend so much on expensive gear for a 2 foot perfect block of sound in our listening rooms.
I'm ready to start updating my computer audio system which is almost zero at the moment.
"What to buy"?
Mini-Maggies! :thumb:
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Not to totally derail this thread, but if you travel a lot and are home not much, I'd want to incorporate my family as much as possible in the listening experience, thus down with the isolationist headphone setup.
Not to suggest what you should do, but that would be my thinking.
No one but me and my neighbor listens to my audio system, my wife listens in the car only,
otherwise, a great idea.
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The Mini Maggies would be my first choice, too.
What I actually have is a vintage set up: HK tube tuner, NAD integrated, Stax Sigma headphones.
The Mini Maggies sound better by a large margin but I do like the goofy looking old Sigmas too much not to use them.
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thus down with the isolationist headphone setup.
Open back headphones FTW :D