Entry-Level Headphone Amp? - Page 2

I think that you'd really appreciate a JDS Labs cMoy BassBoost 2.02. It complements my Zune very well with both of my full-size headphones and my s4s. It's also available as a DIY. John Seaber's site is here. It's definitely worth checking out.

I've run the M50s through a variety of amps and it really doesn't improve that much to be worthwhile. Unless you want something to fiddle with the sound signature (like a cheap DIY with bass boost), save your money for a dac/amp combo.

Any portable headphone amp will color the sound signature, based on the opamp used.

The BB2.02 isn't "cheap" as in your pejorative connotation. I noticed in your amp inventory that you've also had an E5... now that's a really cheap bass boost. From the E5 to your D10 Cobra, you've come a long way! If you haven't used this cMoy, which also allows for rolling opamps, with a Zune and the M50s, as I have, your rec comes off as somewhat elitist. The OP asked for an entry-level headphone amp recommendation. Hmmmmm... what's more "entry-level" than a cMoy? And this is a very good one. Seaber has sold thousands of them because of it. Oh, and the boost is switchable - I don't use it. It's more fun to play with opamps.

I passed up buying the M50s due to a great deal on my 440's, but the combo of the Zune, this cMoy and the M50's was "full-bodied" and a significant upgrade from the Zune alone. It also allows the Zune to be played at a lower volume which increases its charge life. I've built two Mini^3s and I still like the BB2.02 more with my Zune. The Mini^3 sounds better with my iPhone, IMO.

I'm into budget-fi solutions. I like good music reproduced economically. This cMoy has been one of the best audio purchases I've made in the last 2 years. If the OP listens to a wide range of musical genres and is looking for portability, the combo of the Zune, his M50s and this great, "inexpensive" cMoy is a very viable option.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Armaegis 

I've run the M50s through a variety of amps and it really doesn't improve that much to be worthwhile. Unless you want something to fiddle with the sound signature (like a cheap DIY with bass boost), save your money for a dac/amp combo.

I wasn't trying to be elitist; just stating my experiences. I honestly feel that the M50s do not benefit enough from an amp to justify the cost (in comparison, the Shure 840s benefit slightly, the M-Audio Q40s improve dramatically). My recommendation is to just stick with the M50+zune for now, and save up money for a bigger headphone and separate amp/dac in the future.

Check out the Creek OBH-11.  There is one for sale on the Canuk Audio Mart in Canada for $140.00.  Very nice little amp for a reasonable price.  

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dubwicht 

Check out the Creek OBH-11.  There is one for sale on the Canuk Audio Mart in Canada for $140.00.  Very nice little amp for a reasonable price.  

How does the creek OBH-11 and OBH-12 compare to other amps in its price range? do they compare well or are they just starter amps? i see them a lot and wonder if its a good buy or whether its better just to save money for a better amp. 

That is a good question.  The Creek is the only headphone amp I have used.  Good reviews led me to the purchase and I am very satisfied.  The differences in the price range will probably be very subtle.  In my experience the real difference in sound is the Headphones/speakers and not the amplifier.  I remember reading about a blind sound test with a group of audiophiles and they couldn't tell the difference between a tube and transistor amp.  

I agree with Armaegis, some headphones by design are built to perform without the aid of a dedicated amp.  Technically the Zune does have a built-in amp and while its probably not as good as many of amps you read about on head-fi.  If you are interested in buying a more serious headphone then things start to get more complicated.  You have budget for a good source, amp and the headphone.