Amplifier for Beyerdynamic DT 880 (600 ohms) - Page 2

I (from a test I carried out a couple of weeks ago) prefer my Solid State M^3 to my Tube MAD Ear+ HD. Everything sounds clearer, faster and more transparent on the M^3. Treble is remarkably better, but mids a tad worse (not as lush) but bass is a lot tighter and refined. Bargain at the $200usd I paid for it.

I have a Woo 3 with my Beyers 880s (250 ohm) and the combination is phenomenal.

X2, got to hear the combo at a meet.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by hodgjy 

I have a Woo 3 with my Beyers 880s (250 ohm) and the combination is phenomenal.

Just got myself a set of Vintage Revox 3100 / Beyer DT880/600

Sound is great.... but I am hearing a similar problem that I have with many speakers....

Sounds good with simpler music Jazz, Baroque classical, individual voices etc...

But put on something like Beethoven's 9th - especially in the choral sections - where you have a full symphony orchestra + choir - the hugeness is there - quite a lot of impact.... but the micro details get lost... it is a mass of sound rather than a bunch of instruments and voices working together - the seperation between them disappears and the sound gets muddled. (particularly on crescendo's)

(hope I am being clear....)

I have had the same experience comparing most dynamic speakers to electrostatics (had Quad electrostatics for years)...

Is this a property of the HP's - or could I expect to clean this up with appropriate amping?

EDIT: switched from the Analogue output of my media-PC M-audio 2496 through Cute Curve - to HDMI digital into Onkyo TX-SR876 DAC via AVR's HP amp - sound is much less confused - but still not achieving the transparency/seperation it should

(Current amp is completely stock Cute Curve, with OPA2604)

I am hesitant to go down the tube path - but game for some modding, or a purchase of a "reasonably" priced amp (looking at the Matrix M-stage).

Suggestions? Options? - course if its the headphones then I need to search for a different "earspeaker"...

I bit the bullet...

Current collection of amps

Onkyo TX-SR876 HP Jack (NE5532 + Buffer)

Onkyo TX-SR876 + Art Headtap on speaker outs

Fireston Audio Cute Curve upgraded with Creek OBH2 PSU

Matrix M-Stage (OPA2134 with Class A Diamond Buffer)

The M-Stage was delivered today so this is very preliminary - but it seems smoother, more natural, more "airy", with a better soundstage than the others.

The Cute Curve is an improvement in the same way over the two receiver options

I am still working through the differences in the two ways of connecting to the receiver...BUT: Both sound good - both drive the DT880/600's well - no lack of voltage. 

So for those looking for cheap options TRY YOUR RECEIVER OR INTEGRATED FIRST!!

If the HP Jack is no good (may have a basic straight unbuffered opamp behind it) - then try the ART Headtap.... for a mere $50 

The Cute Curve combo I have is a noticeable step up in refinement - but at a RRP of around $350 for the combo

The M-Stage is a steal at $250 and is another noticeable step up from the Cute Curve combo

I find the WA3+ to sound great with my DT770/600's, DT880/600's, DT990/600's, and Tesla T1's! Really this amp is better than the DarkVoice amps by quite a bit.

Hmm the WA3+ seems to get a lot of recommendation with the DT880. I wonder if it is better than the MAD Ear+ HD with DT880...

Highly recommended Lafigaro 339. Read this article http://www.headphonista.com/woo-audio-wa2/

in this article darkvoive339=lafigaro339 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew_WOT 

You can just grab GLite, it has more than enough juice to drive them at 12 o'clock. For the price it's an amazing piece of hardware.

Hmmm... I wasn't aware that the GLite could drive cans of that high an impedance properly. I am currently listening to a pair of DT990 600's using the GLite + DPS and like what I am hearing. But I expect with a beefier amp I will love what I am hearing.

I'm very happy with the M-Stage in OPA627 Class A modded form.

M-Stage started good, the Class A OPA627 opened up the soundstage and made it smoother again