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No idea what amp to get!

post #1 of 10
12/10/09 at 11:55am
Thread Starter 
Yesterday I bought a single pair of Sennheiser HD650s, upgrading from the HD515 Gaming Edition. I've been told that it's a good idea to get an amp for these headphones, but I've got no idea where to start. At the moment, they're plugged into a volume controller from my Logitech Z4 speakers, which are plugged into the audio jack in the back of my computer. What do I need to buy/replace/whatever to get the most out of my headphones?
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post #2 of 10
12/10/09 at 12:08pm
The hd650s are 300ohm phones, in order for them to preform to their best, you definately need an amp. Post your budget and I'm sure others will make recommendations ...
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post #3 of 10
12/10/09 at 12:17pm
Thread Starter 
Not really sure of my budget, but I wouldn't want to spend too much after buying the HD650s. I live in New Zealand so I suppose I'd be willing to spend a maximum of about $400USD. Anyway, I'll take a look at some recommended amps and make my mind up.
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post #4 of 10
12/10/09 at 5:03pm
one of the little dot amps seems to be well recommended for your phones
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post #5 of 10
12/10/09 at 5:08pm
For 650's at a lower price range you're looking at either lower level Little Dot Amps or something like Darkvoice 336i. Anything lower tier than that will most likely sound underpowered. Higher budget in your stated maximum would probably get you a used Gilmore Lite/Darkvoice 332, both reputed to sound very good with the HD650's.
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post #6 of 10
12/10/09 at 5:15pm
DARKVOICE (DV) amps are superb with the HD650s. The 336i, 336se or 336 Classic might be the best for you.

It's important to note that the brothers who owned DV have split. One brother has remained with DV and the other has started his own company - LA FIGARO. They also have a version of the 336 available. There have also been some quality control issues with DV, but if you buy off a reputable seller everything sould be OK.
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post #7 of 10
12/10/09 at 11:54pm
Thread Starter 
Would a Little Dot MKIII or MKV be good?
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post #8 of 10
12/10/09 at 11:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Abruptum View Post
Would a Little Dot MKIII or MKV be good?
would be fantastic!
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post #9 of 10
12/11/09 at 12:03am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by El_Doug View Post
would be fantastic!
Great! I can get either for between $300-$500 NZD so that's not too pricy. Thanks
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post #10 of 10
12/11/09 at 3:00am
I'd also take a look at the Eddie Current EC/SS. With the recent price increase of the excellent Gilmore Lite (highly recommended), the EC/SS is the most affordable solid state amp on the market. Under $500 or so, I think solid state gives you better performance than tubes do. Tube amps are highly dependent on their power supply and you only get a modest transformer and diode rectification under $500. You'll want a tube rectifier ajd a beefy power supply if you want tubes done right. Solid state is a much better option for lower priced amps in my opinion.
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