Balanced Amp recommendations

Keep in mind that almost all of the DIY amps can be built balanced if you want to commission one.  A balanced Beta22 is a fairly popular option.

There are a few other balanced amps around -- Rudistor, Headroom, just to name a few.  A search will probably give you a few more.   The Headamp GS-X and RSA Apache may be "older" models but technically are still considered superb amps if you want to go commercial.   I'm currently waiting for a Headamp GS-X and had no qualms about ordering one despite the rather long turnaround time.  It has an very fine track record in terms of its engineering and SQ, and the amp itself is incredibly well made.  Some people consider it nearly the sonic equivalent of (or even equal to) a Beta 22. I once had a Headamp GS-1, which was a fantastic amp -- was sorry that I had to sell it at the time, but the GS-X should be even better.  

 

I recently tried the newest Headroom Balanced amp (BUDA) but thought it sounded too "hi-fi"-like and sold it.   I can't speak for the others but you have to be aware that they may likewise have a house-sound that may or may not be to your liking.  The beta 22 and GS-X are usually considered the most transparent ("straight wire with gain") of the balanced amps.  

 

Ideally you should try to hear at least some of these amps at a meet, although I realize that this isn't always possible.   In my case, the decision to go with the GS-X was solely based on my very positive experience with the GS-1, although I was initially very hesitant to go this route because of the long wait times.  But in the end I felt it would be worth it.

Eddie Current Balancing Act

Dont forget the Audio-gd balanced options :) loving mine with my LCD-2s

I would agree, the company has shocking price-performance ratio.

 

A definate recommendation.

Interested too.  Anyone have any thoughts on the Phoenix versus the GS-X?

i am really interested to know what does it mean by' hi-fi 'like for BUDA

That is an amp.

 

http://www.headphone.com/headphone-amps/amplifiers/headroom-balanced-ultra-desktop-amp.php

Don't worry too much about the casing. You can buy cases from a variety of companies - I like Par-Metal. You can also order pre-cut panels from Front Panel Express. If you did that, you'd only need to drill holes to hold the boards. This all isn't free, but it would still cost less than a commissioned or commercial amp.

If you've already taken electronics, you probably have the basics down. A little practice with a CMoy would be good and there's plenty of help in the DIY Forum. If you're up for a challenge and a little labor, DIY will save a lot of money and give you a terrific amp.

i've been searching for a balanced amp myself but the more i read the more i get confused.  gs-x, the long wait time.  rpx300, not coming in one piece or something break easy before getting it(actually it was other models that i read).  beta22, two things you need to find a builder you can trust and you need to know what exactly you want to order one.  apache and wa22 maybe the best bet? i actually want a ss amp first.  i have a tube amp but sometimes pick the right tube a really a pain.  plus after getting a balanced amp, i'll be thinking/worrying recable some of my headphones.       

It may not be on your budget, because the price is about the same as a commissioned balanced beta-22 with top components, but I haven't heard anything better than the Rudistor RP010B.

 

Little Dot MK6, great synergy with the K1000

Edited by Audiogalore - 8/7/10 at 10:08pm