I have a pair of Senheiser HD650 headphones that I love. I am currently running them off of either my Anthem surround sound pre-amp processor (that is my D/A for digital sources), my Bellari (tube) VP-130 phono stage with headphone output, or my Creek OBH-11 headphone amp. Here are my impressions:
-Anthem doesn't drive them worth a crap. The headphone jack was an afterthought. This is, in my opinion, the only flaw in otherwise excellent Anthem equipment.
-Bellari sounds good, but is a little thin and a little underpowered for these headphones. Need to run almost flat out to get volume to a comfortable listening range. Also, I can only listen to vinyl with the Bellari. Out of luck with a CD.
-Creek OBH-11 has better power, but is still a little too small for these headphones. Not as well controlled at the bottom end, and it gets a little bright and fatiguing at the top end.
I once owned a McCormack micro headphone drive (and am trying to find one used to purchase). I got out of headphones for a while and sold it, and now I regret it. It was the best sounding headphone amp I had ever heard.
With that said, do you guys (and gals) have some suggestions for headphone amps? I would love to find another McCormack Micro Integrated, but they are rare and hard to find. Also,I am trying to stay on a budget ($200 to $300). I like buying used when ever possible because it offers good value. I also am not scared of building my own from a kit.
Thoughts?
Edited by Bernie530 - 9/26/11 at 6:56am
