drewski
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Dec 17, 2002
- Posts
- 386
- Likes
- 10
I purchased a used Sugden Headmaster a few months ago. I tried it, but wasn't impressed at all by it. I first used it with my old AKG K340's that I dug out of storage. The sound was distant and a bit harsh. I thought the problem was because the K340's were so darn hard to drive. So I went ahead and purchased a pair of Senns, and much to my regret, answered a wanted add on Audiogon and sold my beloved K340's. After further break in of my HD600, I realized that the Sugden was still quite harsh and not very musical, even with the senns. As a last ditch attempt to keep the Sugden, I then borrowed a set of Grado RS2's, but still didn't get the sound that I was after. So I finally gave up and sold the Headmaster. Please don't take offense if you have a Headmaster- there are a ton of positive posts regarding this amp, it's just not suited for my taste.
So my question is, what home headphone amps are out there that are warm sounding, but yet still detailed. My main source is an Arcam FMJ 23, which can be extremely bright if not partnered with the right equipment, and Virtual Dynamics Audition power and interconnect cables. I listen to mostly Jazzy type stuff, but some dance music as well. I'm looking at the Gilmore, but does anyone know if this is similar to the Sugden in terms of sound? I'm also looking at some of the tube stuff like the EarMax and the Antique sound labs stuff. Or is the way to go to buy an older integrated or receiver with a good headphone jack (I'd prefer not to do this because I have limited rack space). I'm trying to keep around $500 used because I don't use my home system much with headphones.
I'd like to hear any suggestions or experiences that you have with non-portable amps.
Thanks!
So my question is, what home headphone amps are out there that are warm sounding, but yet still detailed. My main source is an Arcam FMJ 23, which can be extremely bright if not partnered with the right equipment, and Virtual Dynamics Audition power and interconnect cables. I listen to mostly Jazzy type stuff, but some dance music as well. I'm looking at the Gilmore, but does anyone know if this is similar to the Sugden in terms of sound? I'm also looking at some of the tube stuff like the EarMax and the Antique sound labs stuff. Or is the way to go to buy an older integrated or receiver with a good headphone jack (I'd prefer not to do this because I have limited rack space). I'm trying to keep around $500 used because I don't use my home system much with headphones.
I'd like to hear any suggestions or experiences that you have with non-portable amps.
Thanks!