Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Headphone Amps (full-size) › Low impedance cans - looking for a nice tube amp
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Low impedance cans - looking for a nice tube amp

post #1 of 30
5/5/08 at 11:16am
Thread Starter 
Hello Head-Fiers

As I'm completely new here, let me introduce myself. I'm from Switzerland and an audio freak for more than 30 years now. My favourite thing is building loudspeakers. No kits - my own constructions only.
For some months now I'm infected with the can virus. I bought myself two nice ones, as I suppose: Alessandro MS2 and Denon AH-D2000. Low impedance as you all know. Actually I drive them with a Shanling PH100 pure class A headphone amp. And I'm really happy with this little amp. I performs great for that price!
But now I'm looking for something which pleases not only my ears, but also my eyes. Glowing tubes would be nice. Should not be a replacement for the Shanling, more an addition.
Any recommendations in the price range up to 500 US$, which can drive low impedance cans? I'm a beginner. I'm learning.

Thanks and regards

Barbaresco
Reply
post #2 of 30
5/5/08 at 11:22am
There are many out there. Perhaps the two most popular on this forum are the offerings from Little Dot and Dark Voice. Shanling also makes a hybrid headphone amp that has a tube preamp and a solid state amp that would match your PH100A nicely.
Reply
post #3 of 30
5/5/08 at 11:32am
Thread Starter 
Hi VeipaCray

I've seen the Shanling hybrid. I'm more into something like the Darkvoice 336. But are these able to drive loads of 32 and 25 Ohms? I like punchy bass.

Barbaresco
Reply
post #4 of 30
5/5/08 at 12:18pm
I'm running a Woo Audio 6 tube amp with my D5000 & AKG K701's. Loads of volume and dynamics...and things aren't even broken in yet.

Getting glorious sound here. Others are using the Woo with similar setups and results.

Haven't heard some of the other top tube amps, so can't help you there, but I can definitely recommend the WA6.

EDIT: Saw your budget....my amp is optioned out, but the standard WA6 can be had for about $100 more if you're willing to stretch. Good luck with your search!
Reply
post #5 of 30
5/5/08 at 12:30pm
Thread Starter 
Hi Bob

Yeah, Woo Audio 6 looks really nice. But misses the output feature. I'd like to use both headphone amps on a single asymmetrical output.

The Woo Audio 3 has this feature. Do you know number 3?

Regards

Barbaresco
Reply
post #6 of 30
5/5/08 at 12:45pm
I can speak highly of the Little Dot MK IV. I'm using it on a pair of 32 ohm Grados and it does quite well.

The Little Dot MK IV (and SE) does have line out from the amp. So you could use the LD as a tube preamp before your shanling PH-100.
Reply
post #7 of 30
5/5/08 at 12:53pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks VeipaCray

so, I'll have a closer look at the LD.

Barbaresco
Reply
post #8 of 30
5/5/08 at 4:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Barbaresco View Post
Hi Bob

Yeah, Woo Audio 6 looks really nice. But misses the output feature. I'd like to use both headphone amps on a single asymmetrical output.

The Woo Audio 3 has this feature. Do you know number 3?

Regards

Barbaresco

I only know the 3 by reputation. I would assume it's right up there sonically with the 6. You would need to look at the 3+ in order to drive your cans low impedences.
Reply
post #9 of 30
5/5/08 at 9:06pm
I'm a happy owner of EARMAX.
STEREO - http://www.stereo.com.sg
Reply
post #10 of 30
5/6/08 at 1:46am
millet hybrid w/dDB or Millet MAX works wonders for grados/alessandros
Reply
post #11 of 30
5/6/08 at 2:29am
well i just purchased a musical fidelity x-can v8. it is being discussed here; http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/mus...can-v8-299541/. Here is the website of manufacturer Welcome to Musical Fidelity

it is supposedly able to drive headphones of any impedance. and be a really good bargain for the price of 550 (musicdirect.com) the tubes are however inside the case.
Reply
post #12 of 30
5/6/08 at 2:44am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for all your ideas

It's really a wide choice. But I guess I fell in love with one of the WooAudios. I'll try to get a 3+ or 6 with an extra output. I'll keep you posted...

Barbaresco
Reply
post #13 of 30
5/8/08 at 5:03am
Thread Starter 
So...I decided to go with the WooAudio 6. They make me a special version with a passive RCA output. Nice!

Barbaresco
Reply
post #14 of 30
10/7/08 at 2:38pm

Bringing back from the dead ...what is dDB??

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rednamalas1 View Post
millet hybrid w/dDB or Millet MAX works wonders for grados/alessandros
I know the TTVJ Millett Hybrid Portable tube amp but what does "with dDB" mean?
Reply
post #15 of 30
10/7/08 at 2:52pm
Diamond buffers. I'm not familiar with this amp, you have to ask more knowledgeable people, what does it really do .
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Headphone Amps (full-size)
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Headphone Amps (full-size) › Low impedance cans - looking for a nice tube amp