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Amp recommendations for HE-4

post #1 of 11
3/15/11 at 3:38pm
Thread Starter 

Thinking about picking up a set of HE-4 cans, but not sure if my LD MK3 would be able to drive them properly.  The Schiit Lyr seems to be a pretty popular choice for a high-power amp, but I'm wondering if my LD would be able to stand in adequately (or if it would do fine itself) until I can swing a heavy-hitter tube amp.

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post #2 of 11
3/15/11 at 3:58pm

a great ortho amp is a Cavalli CTH (compact tube hybrid).  They are known for being phenomenal and outclassing amps that cost hundreds more. i certainly experienced that as the case when i did a 4 amp showdown.. the CTH won....  They are DIY only but you can often find them for under $300 on the forums. 

 

if you do look for this.. just tell the seller that you'll be using it for the HE-4's and ask the person if they need to change any of the components to suit them.

 

when i bought one from a DIYer for my Thunderpants, he made a few "optimizations" so it would be best suited for them.  I also asked for other people's opinions on his changes before i bought it, which gave me peace of mind, because others concurred.

 

 

 

 

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post #3 of 11
3/15/11 at 7:37pm
Thread Starter 

Well, I'm trying to stay away from having to buy another amp right now - I'd rather put off buying the HE-4s and a decent amp for them for a bit until I can buy both at once, if the LD won't have enough power to really drive them properly.  No reason to spend $450 on a set of headphones I won't really be able to enjoy for a bit.

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post #4 of 11
3/15/11 at 8:59pm

the title of your post makes it sound like youre looking for another amp. 

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post #5 of 11
3/16/11 at 11:04am
Thread Starter 

Ah, my bad...I'm sort of looking for both - another amp in the future for just the HE-4s, and any shots in the dark as to whether it's worth buying those cans and running them on the LD until I can get a more powerful amp, or if it'd just be better to wait and buy both the new amp and HE-4s at the same time.

 

Bad wording on my part.

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post #6 of 11
3/18/11 at 8:09am

Or you can get the HE-4/EF5 combo in which case you will only pay $250 for EF5. Hifiman's EF5 should work very well with HE-4. i am listening to it right now. i can't imagine if you can find any amp which performs even closer to EF5 for $250.  

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post #7 of 11
3/18/11 at 4:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DemonicLemming View Post

Ah, my bad...I'm sort of looking for both - another amp in the future for just the HE-4s, and any shots in the dark as to whether it's worth buying those cans and running them on the LD until I can get a more powerful amp, or if it'd just be better to wait and buy both the new amp and HE-4s at the same time.

 


I'd wait to buy a nice amp for them. 

 

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post #8 of 11
3/18/11 at 4:48pm
Thread Starter 

Talked to Jason as Schiit, and he said the Asgard would match up pretty nicely with the HE-4; the Lyr would be even better, but another $1000 on noise gear is a bit tough on the bank.

 

I was thinking about the EF5/HE-4 combo, but the website said the deal ended at Thanksgiving...haven't emailed to check whether it's still good or not.

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post #9 of 11
3/18/11 at 5:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DemonicLemming View Post

Talked to Jason as Schiit, and he said the Asgard would match up pretty nicely with the HE-4; the Lyr would be even better, but another $1000 on noise gear is a bit tough on the bank.

 

I was thinking about the EF5/HE-4 combo, but the website said the deal ended at Thanksgiving...haven't emailed to check whether it's still good or not.


don't worry. it's still good and with free shipping.
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post #10 of 11
3/18/11 at 5:41pm
Thread Starter 

Hm.  Same price for each then, tube vs solid state.

 

Hmmmmmm.

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post #11 of 11
3/19/11 at 10:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DemonicLemming View Post

Hm.  Same price for each then, tube vs solid state.

 

Hmmmmmm.


In SS amps, have you considered the HA-160? It would be a nice match as well. 

 

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