I am new into the headphone business, so here is what I plan to do, and would like to hear opinions about: I have heard, and read, good things about the CEC HD53R Version 8.0. Is there anybody you has heard this particular version and can comment?
I plan to buy the amp first, here in Moscow where I live, the CEC costs about 850 US-dollars. Are there other amps you would juge to be better in that price range?
I so far have an older Sennheiser HD560, but plan on the new Grado GS1000, or the AKG701.

Welcome to Head-Fi.

I've listened to a demo CEC HD53R several times. I believe there is the HD53R and the HD53 v8.0, but not an HD53R v8.0. I've been told the HD53R is more powerful than the HD53 v8.0, but not as detailed.

I like the speaker outputs and the XLR inputs of both versions. Even though they don't have balanced outputs, the XLR inputs are convenient for use with a balanced source. The dual outputs with independent volume control is also great for two people to listen, especially when using different types of headphones. Each listener also has the option of using 3.5mm or 6.3mm plugs.

I've tried the HD53R with the AD2000, K701 and DT990-'05. All three headphones sound good. It seems to be a fast and punchy amp, with plenty of power.

I've been tempted by the HD53R myself. It would match the CEC DA53 I use. For US$850, though, there are several other amps I prefer, such as the Lehmann Black Cube Linear and Meier Corda HA-2 MkII SE.

Elephas,
thank you very much for your insights. There is, in fact, a new HD53R 8.0, as I found out when browsing CEC´s website. I mailed them with the question how I could distinguish an ordinary HD53 from this best version, today I received the following answer:

"Thank you for your inquiry and being interested in HD53R VER8.0.

You would find a sticker attached to the left side of the front panel says "VER8.0" as well as a sticker on the gift box.
It is sure that HD53R VER8.0 has been sold now.

Best regards,
K. Fujino, CEC Japan"

Funny enough, the reviewer of the German HiFi&Records, who tested first the Lehmann, then the Meier and finally the HD53, found it to be the best of the three. Now I am back to start...

Thanks for the HD53R v8.0 info.

I'm a bit puzzled by what CEC is trying to do with their product names, besides confusing consumers.

The model I listened to was labelled HD53R, with no v8.0 sticker.

I've used the Lehmann Black Cube Linear for about a year, and have been very pleased with its performance. It has a smooth sound that is also detailed. I feel it pairs particularly well with the HD650. It is a transparent amp, and will reflect the quality of the source accordingly.

I posted a few photos of the audio shop where I heard the demo unit.
http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showp...2&postcount=23

How does HD53 sound with speaker output? I wanna get a cheap amp to keep in office and use with electrostats.

Okay I have just got HD53R v. 8.0 and from the first try it sounds amazing. Will update after some more listening.

So far I have only checked headphone output, not speaker one.