[Sonido]

I'm very impressed with some orchestral pieces with this setup. Currently listening to the Skyrim soundtrack and the bass is something else. Along with the separation, it really feels so much grander. Dragonborn gave me chills.

 
As for listening volumes, for most genres it's set to 10 o'clock. For classical and orchestral, 12 - 2 o'clock. I'm really quite impressed overall. Didn't expect such a big difference in the presentation compared to the WA7. Guess power makes a difference.

 

[elwappo99]

  I'm very impressed with some orchestral pieces with this setup. Currently listening to the Skyrim soundtrack and the bass is something else. Along with the separation, it really feels so much grander. Dragonborn gave me chills.

 
As for listening volumes, for most genres it's set to 10 o'clock. For classical and orchestral, 12 - 2 o'clock. I'm really quite impressed overall. Didn't expect such a big difference in the presentation compared to the WA7. Guess power makes a difference.

 
Uh oh... we have another convert! 

 

[Sonido]

Well I still wanted the tube sound, and I convinced myself that getting a speaker amp opened the door to electrostatics through the Woo Audio WEE and also AKG K1000 or Taket H2+.

 

[harrinj]

I love my HE-500's they sounded great with my Marantz 4400 but they sound even better with my Marantz 4240. 

 

[alota]

  I love my HE-500's they sounded great with my Marantz 4400 but they sound even better with my Marantz 4240.

 
i love too the he-500.
properly amped, is one best deal.
i know that the he-6 technically is better but the he-500 is really emotional

 

[DADDYDC650]

I'm looking to purchase an HE-500 and I was hoping a very knowledgeable audiophile could point me to the perfect mini-amp.
I was also wondering if the amp in my Creative ZXR sound card was enough to push the HE-500? Thanks in advance!

 

[Zoom25]

I'm looking to purchase an HE-500 and I was hoping a very knowledgeable audiophile could point me to the perfect mini-amp.
I was also wondering if the amp in my Creative ZXR sound card was enough to push the HE-500? Thanks in advance!

 
How about the Emotiva Mini-x-a-100 

 

[daerron]

I'm looking to purchase an HE-500 and I was hoping a very knowledgeable audiophile could point me to the perfect mini-amp.
I was also wondering if the amp in my Creative ZXR sound card was enough to push the HE-500? Thanks in advance!

 
How mini is "mini" for you? Does it have to be portable?

 

[koiloco]

   
How about the Emotiva Mini-x-a-100 

What a coincidence !!! 

 

[DADDYDC650]

How mini is "mini" for you? Does it have to be portable?

It does not have to be portable. I do not want to pair it with a receiver though. Not yet at least. Would my Creative ZXR be able to push the HE-500 just fine or is it too underpowered?

 

[DADDYDC650]

How about the Emotiva Mini-x-a-100 

Pricey but it looks good. Is there a big difference between that amp and the $20 Lepai 2020A mini-amp?

 

[Zoom25]

Pricey but it looks good. Is there a big difference between that amp and the $20 Lepai 2020A mini-amp?

 
Not sure how it would fare with headphones as I don't have the Lepia, although I can guarantee that the Emotiva is actually a decent headphone AND speaker amplifier. I've used Emotiva with bookshelfs and towers as well and the results are quite excellent, especially for the price. Don't know how the Lepai will do with speakers.
 
I have used the Emotiva with HE-500, LCD-2 and LCD-3. All three of these sound really good with the Emotiva. This will drive the HE-6 easily as well with plenty of headroom to spare.

 

[spurxiii]

Not sure how it would fare with headphones as I don't have the Lepia, although I can guarantee that the Emotiva is actually a decent headphone AND speaker amplifier. I've used Emotiva with bookshelfs and towers as well and the results are quite excellent, especially for the price. Don't know how the Lepai will do with speakers.

I have used the Emotiva with HE-500, LCD-2 and LCD-3. All three of these sound really good with the Emotiva. This will drive the HE-6 easily as well with plenty of headroom to spare.

The Lepai is a speaker amp for efficient speakers

 

[daerron]

The Emotiva is a very good bet, but I definitely don't consider it "mini". Its definitely the best and most powerful at this price range unless you can find a good condition vintage receiver. The Schiit Magni might be a good option if you are looking for something cheaper?

 

[spurxiii]

Can't hurt to try a Lepai for $20. Mine's in the mail