Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Headphone Amps (full-size) › HD580 Amping: EMU0404 --> ? --> HD580
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

HD580 Amping: EMU0404 --> ? --> HD580

post #1 of 10
10/20/09 at 4:32am
Thread Starter 
I've read various threads on selecting an appropriate amp to drive HD580/600/650, but I haven't been able to find any kind of consensus. Is there something in particular that I should be looking for in an amp that can drive the
HD580's well?

I think the EMU0404's amp can drive the 580's but only if I turn the volume way up. So I'm just looking to see if there might be a better alternative. Oh and for the budget, it'd be awesome if there's something <$200 that would do the job.
Thanks!
Reply
post #2 of 10
10/20/09 at 5:05am
Many people seem to like the LD mk3 with the higher end senns, that'd fit in your budget I guess.
Reply
post #3 of 10
10/20/09 at 5:12am
hifiman ef2 drives my hd600 pretty well. 10 o'clock position on the volume dial is quite loud.
Reply
post #4 of 10
10/20/09 at 6:55am
My ld mk2 when using mullard ef92 and 6n6p tubes are ridiculously good with the hd580. I also use the emu0404USB as a dac from my pc in this setup. I seriously doubt anything beating the ld mk2 with these tubes for the hd580 for anywhere near this price. This setup wins against my old hd600 using a Gilmore lite with dps!
Reply
post #5 of 10
10/20/09 at 2:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr C View Post
Many people seem to like the LD mk3 with the higher end senns, that'd fit in your budget I guess.
Count me as one of those people.

When listening to mp3 or hi-res music files, this is my exact setup: laptop->0404->LDmkIII->HD580.
Reply
post #6 of 10
10/20/09 at 3:12pm
Thread Starter 
yyz: how did you connect your 0404 to the mkIII? what cables would i need?
Reply
post #7 of 10
10/21/09 at 3:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by nyjets28 View Post
yyz: how did you connect your 0404 to the mkIII? what cables would i need?
There are two ways to connect them. Either a 3.5mm stereo male to 2RCA male cable, as seen here:


Or, a 2 RCA male to 2 RCA male cable plus two RCA to phono adaptors:

+


There are two outputs on the back of the 0404, which are tied together. Therefore, you only need one of the two ways I mentioned.
Reply
post #8 of 10
10/21/09 at 3:48pm
m^3 but that might be above your budget
Reply
post #9 of 10
1/12/12 at 7:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr C View Post

Many people seem to like the LD mk3 with the higher end senns, that'd fit in your budget I guess.

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by yyz View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr C View Post
Many people seem to like the LD mk3 with the higher end senns, that'd fit in your budget I guess.
Count me as one of those people.

When listening to mp3 or hi-res music files, this is my exact setup: laptop->0404->LDmkIII->HD580.


Still the best option? I was blown away when I took my $200ish MisterX built PIMETA to a buddy's and heard the MKIII for the first time. AMAZING! Just wondering if it would be worthwhile to move all the way up to the MKIV SE? Would that be a gradual step up or as significant as the PIMETA?

 

Thanks!

 

Reply
post #10 of 10
1/13/12 at 6:42am

I really like the E9 + 580. For the price I think it is pretty hard to beat.

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) › HD580 Amping: EMU0404 --> ? --> HD580