WTB: Advice on headphone amp under $300

Scottdazzle · « **on:** 13 Jan 2009, 02:07 am »

I'm looking for recommendations for a headphone amp for occasional use when the family is asleep.

I have AKG 701 phones that I like very much. Associated equipment will be discs played on a Modwright/Sony dvd/sacd/cd player thru a Modwright SWP 9.0SE preamp. I've been looking at Antique Sound Labs, Creek, Pro-ject, Channel Islands. I need advice from anyone with informed opinions and experiences.

santacore · « **Reply #1 on:** 13 Jan 2009, 02:54 am »

I have used the Channel Islands VHP-2 with K701's and would recommend the combination. The Heed Canamp is supposed to be a dynamite match with the K701's as well. Are you partial to SS or tubes?

doug s. · « **Reply #2 on:** 13 Jan 2009, 03:13 am »

spend a little bit more and get a melos sha-1. (it can also be used as a fine preamp.) according to headfone freaks, it is one of the best headfone amps ever made. i can wouch for its performance as an excellent (but minimalist) preamp...

this one is "sale pending", but it gives you an idea of what it is. also comes in black.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1235686809&/Melos-SHA-1-line-preamp

doug s.

santacore · « **Reply #3 on:** 13 Jan 2009, 03:17 am »

IIRC, the Melos are great with Grados, but not so much other phones. Do some research, as they are supposed to be great headphone amps.

a1p1 · « **Reply #4 on:** 13 Jan 2009, 02:06 pm »

I have a Channel Islands VHP-1 for sale. I liked it in combination with the AKG K701s very much. $225 no fees, free shipping.

AP

Dave G · « **Reply #5 on:** 13 Jan 2009, 02:25 pm »

Scott,

Would you like to borrow my Channel Islands VHP-1 to see whether you like it? I've been happy with it using Sennheiser HD580 headphones. A small, no muss, no fuss amp with a nice sound.

Let me know if you're interested.

Dave

mbakes · « **Reply #6 on:** 13 Jan 2009, 02:41 pm »

I think the VHP-1 may be your best bet for those headphones at that price level. There are some excellent DIY amps that might come in at that price range, like a Millet Max.

jrebman · « **Reply #7 on:** 13 Jan 2009, 05:49 pm »

Scott,

I'm actually very happy with the Decware Zen Head I just picked up. I'm using it with Senn HD-650s, so I'm not sure how well it will do with the 701s, but you could call Steve and ask him.

This is the only headamp that I actually like the crossfade on.

I suppose that I could go and try my Sony MDR-7506s later as they are much closer to the 701s impedance, but that won't be until this evening at the earliest.

Good luck with your search,

Jim

Scottdazzle · « **Reply #8 on:** 13 Jan 2009, 06:36 pm »

Thanks for all the tips guys.

had no idea there were so many headphone amps out there. Some I've never heard of (Heed, Decware). Can the demand possibly keep up with the supply? I will do some more research.

Dave, I would love to try your VHP-1.

Jim, let me know how the Decware drives the Sony's.

Dave G · « **Reply #9 on:** 13 Jan 2009, 06:54 pm »

Scott,

I sent you a PM.

Dave

Tyson · « **Reply #10 on:** 13 Jan 2009, 07:09 pm »

I have a PPA hand build headphone amp that is pretty amazing with AKG's (I'm a bit of a headphone freak, I've got 5 headphones and 4 headphone amps in house right now). I've heard a bunch of headphone amps, and this is one of the best SS amps you can get (for under $300). I might be willing to let it go, PM me if interested.

jrebman · « **Reply #11 on:** 14 Jan 2009, 03:51 pm »

Scott,

With a weak battery (I don't have any spares right now and this is a battery-only amp) and driven directly from the line output of a Sony D25s, and the factory gain and impedance selections, and using a CD with a very low recording level, it gets loud enough, whatever that is. It's not super loud, probably similar to a 70-75 dB average room listening level. I'm sure with a new battery, louder source CD, and the internal switches optimized for the lower impedance phones, it would be quite acceptable, but certainly not concert level.

The CD, btw, was Ry Cooder and Vishwan Bhatt's "A Meeting by the River". A beautiful recording, but very low maximum level.

The KECES HA-171 looks pretty tempting too.

HTH,

Jim

Scottdazzle · « **Reply #12 on:** 14 Jan 2009, 05:05 pm »

Jim,

Thanks. Right now I am leaning toward the KECES.

Scott

Anji12305 · « **Reply #13 on:** 20 Jan 2009, 01:22 am »

A nod to the Perreaux head amps floating around, as well.
This had a very musical feel driving my Sennheiser 650s.
There's one right here in the trading post listings.
<http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=63518.msg574971;topicseen>

It fits into the tape output loop (no processing).

I haven't tried it, but the nuForce icon is in the price range... dunno about the switching power supply admixing noise to the signal.

cryoparts · « **Reply #14 on:** 20 Jan 2009, 02:12 am »

Check this offering out from Whilplash Audio:

I'm not sure of the price Craig (Whiplash) is going to charge for them, but this is a proven design that reportedly sounds very good. I will have one in hand within the next few days and can pass along my impressions if you'd like.

I have one of the Whiplash Audio PIMETA head amps, you might ask Craig is he has any left, it is quite good for an inexpensive amp.

http://whiplashaudio.com/

Disclaimer--I do have a business relationship with Whiplash Audio and Craig, however, I have nothing to do with this amp, or the profits he will make from it.

Peace,

Lee

cryoparts · « **Reply #15 on:** 20 Jan 2009, 02:25 am »

Quote from: Tyson on 13 Jan 2009, 07:09 pm

(I'm a bit of a headphone freak, I've got 5 headphones and 4 headphone amps in house right now).

It's easy to do, isn't it? I can't believe how much headphone gear I have around my house and shop...crazy.

Peace,

Lee

Scottdazzle · « **Reply #16 on:** 25 Jan 2009, 06:04 pm »

Thanks for all the advice guys. I took the plunge and ordered the Keces HA-171 from David in Taiwan. It was $95 over my target price with shipping but seemed to be the best match for the AKG 701's. We shall see. There's another thread with the special he's offering.
Scott

Scottdazzle · « **Reply #17 on:** 29 Jan 2009, 06:39 pm »

The KECES HA-171 arrived yesterday in perfect condition.

Just 4 days from Taiwan to Virginia - amazing! The see-through top is a nice touch, but it's too bad it's on an inner shelf of my cabinet where you can't see it. The front is a nice match for my black faceplate Modwright pre with silver knobs.

I warmed it up and listened to the Glass symphonies 2 + 3 (Naxos label). My initial impressions are all positive. It's quiet, has plenty of gain for AKG 701's, and seems to have no obvious weaknesses. There will be more to tell after it has burned in.

santacore · « **Reply #18 on:** 31 Jan 2009, 06:36 pm »

Any updates Scotthobby? I'd like to hear your impressions now that you've had it a few days.