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Amp for HD 598 under $500? - Just tried the Asgard but the Bass/Midrange isn't enough for me

post #1 of 51
1/25/12 at 9:00am
Thread Starter 

Hello,

 

   I was wondering if someone had a recommendation for a bassier/warmer amp with rolled off highs to power my HD 598's with. I tried the Asgard, but it wasn't warm/bassy enough for me. I would like to spend less than 500$.

 

Thank you in advance!

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post #2 of 51
1/25/12 at 9:17am

M-Stage? It won't blow up your headphones either. wink.gif

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post #3 of 51
1/25/12 at 9:21am
Thread Starter 

Thanks! I was actually considering the M-stage, but I was afraid of the fact that I won't be able to return it  confused_face.gif  I have read comparisons, but I didn't know if the Midrange/Bass/Treble roll off was significant compared to the Asgard?

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post #4 of 51
1/25/12 at 9:52am
Thread Starter 

What about the Lyr or Hifiman EF-5?

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post #5 of 51
1/25/12 at 2:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by davidvanderbilt View Post

Hello,

   I was wondering if someone had a recommendation for a bassier/warmer amp with rolled off highs to power my HD 598's with. I tried the Asgard, but it wasn't warm/bassy enough for me. I would like to spend less than 500$.

Thank you in advance!

Maybe the HiFiMan EF5? I have it and it's certainly warmer than SS without losing detail.
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post #6 of 51
1/25/12 at 2:56pm
Thread Starter 

Great - thanks! I was considering the EF-5 as well. I notice you have the HD 598's as well - does it add some bottom end to them at all?

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post #7 of 51
1/25/12 at 3:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by davidvanderbilt View Post

Great - thanks! I was considering the EF-5 as well. I notice you have the HD 598's as well - does it add some bottom end to them at all?

It adds a little to the low and mid bass on the 518s, not mushy or bloated, just a little more warmth and extension over my E9. My wife has been bogarting the 598s, I bought the 518 for her but I got stuck with them, so I haven't had a lot of time to test them with the EF5, TBH.
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post #8 of 51
1/25/12 at 5:53pm
Thread Starter 
Great, thanks! Actually I found that Amazon carries both the Matrix M stage and the Hifiman EF-5, so I will probably return my Asgard and order the EF-5 (30 day return policy).
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post #9 of 51
1/26/12 at 5:31pm

I use a Little Dot MK VII+ with great satisfaction. It's also balanced for future upgrade possibilities.....

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post #10 of 51
1/26/12 at 7:14pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks - so I'm guessing it fills in the low end nicely? I'm weary about ordering from china and having to return it.
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post #11 of 51
1/26/12 at 7:22pm

A used PS Audio GCHA seems to have all the characteristics you're looking for, and can be had for ~$400.

 

 

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post #12 of 51
1/26/12 at 7:27pm

Try the Bellari HA540. Great little amp.

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post #13 of 51
1/26/12 at 7:44pm

I thought that the Senn HD598s are not super bassy headphones.

I have the Senn HD558s with the rubber black tape removed. my HD-558s have a decent bass

and as the HD558s & HD598 have the same driver, I would assume the HD598 & HD558 are are close to the same bass.

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post #14 of 51
1/26/12 at 8:12pm
Thread Starter 

Great! I will look into both of those amps as well! Yeah the HD 598's arent very bassy, but I love the Mids and Highs, i just wish I could find an amp that would give a little more low end and even more Mid range, then these would be perfect! I also have an audiosource EQ - I guess I could try that and see how it works.

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post #15 of 51
1/26/12 at 8:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by davidvanderbilt View Post
Great! I will look into both of those amps as well! Yeah the HD 598's arent very bassy, but I love the Mids and Highs, i just wish I could find an amp that would give a little more low end and even more Mid range, then these would be perfect! I also have an audiosource EQ - I guess I could try that and see how it works.

How long have you owned the HD-598 and how many hours of use on them?

Also on Head-Fi there is the "Sennheiser HD-598 appreciation" thread, someone there might have a good idea on an amplifier for the HD-598.
 

 

 

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