[EnderX]

I'm looking to buy my first real headphone amp. All I have right now is a stereo receiver and too many headphones.

Headphones are: AKG K701, Shure SRH-840, HFI-780, AD700, JVC RX900 and RX700.

I also have plans to later pick up SR225i and ESW9.

I need some recomendations for amps around the $400 mark, that will need include shipping, unless than shipping is super cheap.

I'm looking at Hi-Fi Man EF5, Shanling PH300, Darkvoice 3322...ect.
Also is it better to shoot for the $400 or is there not a huge improvement from the $250 or so mark with amps like Qinpu A3, Hi-Fi Man EF2, Starving Student Mini Millet? In other words is that $150-200 better spend on say...another pair of headphones?

 

[EnderX]

Also...I really don't know of many SS amps in that price range, any sound good for the 'phones I got?

 

[Ypoknons]

I've heard the LaFigaro 332 and it was a good amp with high impedance 'phones, but my heart is at the $500-600 range for SS right now. Those I'm interested in are indicated in my sig, additionally in the States there's a great deal on a GCHA ($500 from $1000 at release) right now. In addition, the Elekit Tu-882 (assembled or kit) seems to be the cheapest transformer coupled tube amp I know of, and therefore is a good option for low impedance phones, but I'm still trying to get my hands on a unit to sample.

As for the $250 range, I have my doubts, but no personal experience. Threads such as "The High End Headphone Myth" and "Does a good stereo receiver count as a "headphone amp"?" seem to indicate a stereo receiver, depending on model, may well best a $250 amp; it's best you decide for yourself.

 

[debitsohn]

maybe a woo audio 3? im not sure. my first amp was a little dot and it was great for the price. keep in mind, tube prices for tube rolling in your budget. dont kid yourself, if you go tube, you will tube roll.
if i had 400 and couldnt find a woo audio 3, id look into a little dot IVse

 

[Ypoknons]

Quote:

Originally Posted by debitsohn /img/forum/go_quote.gif maybe a woo audio 3? im not sure. my first amp was a little dot and it was great for the price. keep in mind, tube prices for tube rolling in your budget. dont kid yourself, if you go tube, you will tube roll. if i had 400 and couldnt find a woo audio 3, id look into a little dot IVse

I'd be careful with OTL amps though, OP has some low impedance phones, and OTL isn't too good with them (see Tube FAQ, some posts which might be useful, it's often repeated...)

 

[Tomoyo]

Having read Skylab's and tbonner1's reviews of the Kicas Caliente, the Caliente should pair up nicely for your K701.

 

[upstateguy]

An M^3 should hold you for a long time.

I agree that the 701s are a no go with the basic Woo3 (I have both).

OTOH, you will get the biggest improvement with new headphones.

Pick up a pair of DT880s or even better, Senn HD650s. The difference between your 701s and 650s will be far more dramatic than any amp upgrade you can buy, at any price.

USG

 

[jp_zer0]

You also need a source badly. Audio-GD FUN would kill two birds with one stone.

 

[EnderX]

I went to the website for the Audio-GD Fun and came back supremely confused. I don't understand how much a complete setup would be. I see all the extra parts and prices but nothing for the main like motherboard component or anything like that so I have no idea of even a price range.

 

[Shahrose]

M^3, CKKIII, Sheer Audio 006+ (Dynalo)

 

[EnderX]

Sound like no one seems to like the few amps I listed at the start of thread.

 

[HeatFan12]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EnderX /img/forum/go_quote.gif Sound like no one seems to like the few amps I listed at the start of thread.

Hello EnderX,

Is this amp going to be used with your current portable sources?

 

[EnderX]

I suppose so and it would also get used with my vaio laptop and my PC. I could always pick up an inexpensive dac too right?

The KICAS Caliente sound like it fits the bill in the SS department, what about a tube amp?

 

[EnderX]

What do you guys recommend for sources?

 

[upstateguy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EnderX /img/forum/go_quote.gif What do you guys recommend for sources?

There's always the Pico DAC/Amp. Great alternative for a laptop.

I'd skip the KICAS unless you can pick one up for $250. I auditioned one and it was not in the same league as my Woo3 or M^3.

I still want to say that you're not going to hear the kind of day and night difference from an amp upgrade as you would from a new headphone.

Oh, if no one said it yet, sorry about your wallet.

USG