[sennheiserhd485]

What would be a good tube amp for the HD600? It needs to be cheaper than $500, and have a lively sound, to bring the HD 600 alive.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Under $500, consider either the Bottlehead Crack or Smack.

The Crack is OTL and the Smack has output transformers. OTL is fine for the HD-600 since it has a high output impedance. The Smack will have a lower output impedance and better control over bass.

Some assembly required for both, but they're easy builds, come with all the parts, full instructions, and you can get help here or in the Bottlehead Forums. Well worth the effort; nothing else under $500 has as much quality.

 

[CJG888]

Opera Consonance Cyber 20!
 
You should be able to get one for that price - you certainly can if you order direct from PRC (mine cost RMB 2,800 new, that's about USD 440 at today's rates). You should budget for some NOS tubes, though (1x ECC82, 2x EL84). You may, of course, face import duty......
 
Sound is very transparent, with a huge soundstage and a sense of "architectural" solidity, combining the benefits of a transformer-coupled SE design with the "EL84 sound". There is a very slight low frequency hum, though, which is apparently due to the design of the output transformers (I've had mine re-checked by the manufacturer in Beijing, and it is performing to specification - they basically said "they all do that, Sir!"). So, not perfect, but an interesting product at the price, which works well with HD600s for classical and jazz.
 
At the moment, I'm using a JJ "gold pin" ECC82 and the stock output tubes (as NOS tubes sold in China are often fakes). The stock driver tube was of poor quality. I will pick up some "proper" NOS tubes when I return to the UK over Christmas (Mullard CV4003 + 2x 1967 Soviet Philips EL84 "Black Top" - all from Langrex), and will report again when it's all up and running.
 
 

 

[Adu]

Yarland P-100 (2008 edition) and HD600 are GREAT match.

 

[Austin Morrow]

I found the Valhalla seems to bring a good amount of magic to the HD600, especially for the price.

 

[lior amsalem]

Hi all,
I also own a HD600. 
really looking into getting a tube amp as well, the final candidates so far are:
1. Bottlehead crack + speedball
2. Schiit Valhalla (I like how it looks!)
3. WooAudio WA3 (above budget)
4. Cavalli Audio Bijou
5. Little Dot MK III
 
Did I forgot anyone?
I don't care if it's a DIY or not..
Just looking for the best sub 450$ (includes shipping) sounding tube amp. Also for DYI, there must be a kit offered. 
 
 
My source in an HRT MSII connect to mac mini.
 
Help please
 

 

[CJG888]

I am not so sure about the LD Mk III. I used to use mine with the HD600s, and whilst it sounded fine (good midrange clarity), the bass was rather loose (even at the correct gain / impedance setting!), and there was some treble grain. Upgrading the driver tubes to NOS Mullards and improving the HP cable helps a lot, but I think you can do better for HD600s if you are prepared to spend USD 450. Ultimately, it's a matter of personal taste, though.....

 

[Zombie_X]

I would recommend the Bottlehead Crack as it's a darn steal for the price! Really it's comes close to the performance of pricier amps such as the WA3.

 

[Oberst Oswald]

The Bottlehead SEX is also a good choice...

 

[lior amsalem]

Thanks all,
So after reading everywhere It comes down to this:
 
Crack VS Valhalla
 
Well, I got good hands and I've done couple of PCBs back then.. but never a P2P soldering...
What do you say?

 

[Timbeh]

I would vote for Crack. I´m total crap at DIY, but managed to put crack together. And it sounds absolutely fantastic.

 

[CJG888]

Not too warm with a HD600? Any specific tube choices?

 

[sennheiserhd485]

Quote:

Not too warm with a HD600? Any specific tube choices?

I would also like to know which tubes would give a lively sound, on the Crack.

 

[WayneStuart]

Would these tube amp choices also work with the Senn HD598s ??
 
 


edit* Never mind my question as I will do some research and Browse threads or start a new one. Cheers

 

[lextek]

I'd love a comparison between the Crack and Valhalla.  I've got the Valhalla anybody near Rochester, NY have the Crack?