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Looking for a Quality Headphone Amp for Senn 580/600

post #1 of 7
11/3/10 at 6:35am
Thread Starter 

I own a Single Power PPX3, and I am very satisfied with it.  Now that SP is no more, I am thinking of adding another amp, either tube or solid state.  What I like about the PPX3 is that it sounds great with my Senn 580, and offers great noise performance (noise free as far as I can discern).  I would like to try to remain in the sub-$1,000 category, and I avoid buying Chinese-made equipment.  I saw the TTVJ FET-A.  It seems interesting, but it also seems to have a very "homemade" appearance.  Fit, finish, and assembly quality matter to me.

 

I welcome your comments.

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Gear mentioned in this thread:

Sennheiser HD 580
Sennheiser HD-600
post #2 of 7
11/3/10 at 3:41pm

It's a shame that Chinese amps are off-the-table for consideration. 

 

I've been listening to my Little Dot MKIVse/HD580 for almost two years now and haven't wanted more. I actually had more in phones but sold them because the HD580s give me so much for so little and pair well with OTL designs.

 

The Little Dot's fit/finish is very good (not spectacular) and I've rarely been so satisfied with customer service as I was in dealing with this Chinese company. David Zhe's reputation is well deserved.

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post #3 of 7
11/3/10 at 5:27pm

I have no problem buying chinese products or any imports, but I like the idea of supporting an american business since I live in the USA. I was considering the Matrix M-stage, but I don't use Ebay or Paypal and I don't know if there is a way to buy one without Paypal.

 

My HD-600 seems like a perfect match with my american made Schiit Asgard. I got mine for $200 shipped in the FS forum. I'm pretty happy with it right now. It even powered my DT-880 600 decently.

 

It also seems to work really well with even my new k601.

 

 

 

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post #4 of 7
11/3/10 at 11:00pm

Gilmore X2

At the risk of recommending something that isn't released yet and has no reviews,

it seems very likely to match your requirements perfectly.

Every Gilmore dynamic design released so far is well respected driving Senns,

the ultra clean family sound would contrast well with your PPX3,

HeadAmp products are first rate cosmetically and electrically, and it's built in the USA.

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post #5 of 7
11/4/10 at 7:29am
Thread Starter 

I, too, prefer to support American (and North American) businesses.  My comment regarding Chinese equipment is more in regard to this issue, as oppsed to build or sound quality.

 

I am familiar with the HeadAmp gear, as I once owned a Gilmore Lite and a DPS.  My only reservation regarding HeadAmp gear is that it seems to take quite a while for items to be stocked.  Stock status can also be somewhat unpredictable.  I guess I am "old school" in my buying.  The best way to sell something is to have it available.  One cannot buy an item that is unavailable.

 

I am considering an Elekit TU-882AS.  I am also giving at least some consideration to a Woo Audio 6.  I owned (briefly) a WA 3.  I found that it made a hum (or prehaps a hiss) noise, and I returned it for a refund.  Jack was good in handling the matter.  I like an amp that is dead quiet (like my SP PPX3).


Edited by gtortorella - 11/4/10 at 7:49am
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post #6 of 7
11/4/10 at 10:18pm

Both of the Schiit amps are well under $1K and there's also a 15-day return policy. Another <$1K American-made amp that I discovered recently is the Avenson Headphone Amp, which has a very nice polished-aluminum chassis.

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post #7 of 7
11/5/10 at 6:07am
Thread Starter 

Interesting you should mention Schiit...

 

I meant to post yesterday on this, but my computer was having issues.  Anyway, I bought a Schiit Valhalla.  It seems like it has promise.  Indeed, it has an unusual name (at least, one I would not choose), but I thought it seemed worth trying.  I suppose I will just refer to it as the "Valhalla."  The design is what interested me.  I cannot wait to see how it performs in terms of noise.

 

Any opinions out there?

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Gear mentioned in this thread:

Sennheiser HD 580
Sennheiser HD-600
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