[JTabacs]

Hi all, I have recently come across a HD650 set of cans recabled with a silver dragon, and I am in the market to pick up a pretty good source and amp. I've got roughly a grand to spend on each(before all the fun interconnects, power supply, cables, etc...).
I've been looking at the Jolida JD100 which fits in my price range for a CDP, but I'm still researching CDP's some.

As for an amp, I have been looking at a ppx3 slam, and also a raptor.

What do you guys think? Thanks for any insight.

 

[mrarroyo]

For amps I would add the Eddy Current and the Mapletree.

 

[boodi]

YMMV if I had to get one in this moment (1k$) I'd get a GCHA amp ( seems to control the bass very well and to be very neutral , just what the hd650 may need top of all in the end )
I'm probably getting one too .

 

[applebook]

Are you looking for a DAC/ Amp combo? If so, then you can quite a bit by not having to get expensive ICs. The Grace comes to mind.

 

[tyrion]

A lot will depend on your musical tastes and what kind of sound you are looking for. I have Raptor (my favorite) , have had 650's with zu and RnB G52 cable using an E-Sound CD-E5. I loved the combo. I think I would have loved it more with a Rega Apollo, which is a source you should consider. There are certainly other choices out there in terms of amps and sources, the PPX or MPX Slam are others. There is a possibility of Eddie Current producing some more HD25's which is another amp I like although I preferred the HD300 for 650's. You have a lot of choices out there. Try and get to a meet because we can tell you what you want to hear, what our favorites are but in the end you have to decide. Some manufacturers like Ray Samuels, Singlepower and others that offer return policies.

 

[JTabacs]

Lotta good suggestions, thanks a bunch. I agree, theres a lot of different choices out there and the type of sound/music you like is going to be a huge factor. Fun stuff, thanks for the info.

 

[iDesign]

I will endorse a recommendation for the PS Audio GCHA without any hesitation.


Best,
iDesign

 

[JTabacs]

Hmm, I don't know a whole lot about the PS Audio GCHA other then I remember reading that it accepted USB input. I'll have to read up on it, and see if it compares at all to other amps at that price range.

Thanks,

 

[Arnoldhasmail]

Amp wise...It depends on the sound you like...if you like a more refined, laid back, big soundstage...a singlepower mpx3...even the base model. And you like a slightly more forward, smaller sound stage with a quicker pace...a slam model will fill the need...I tried a mpx3 slam but I hear the ppx slam is awesome too...

 

[sacd lover]

The SLAM PPX3 is an awesome amp for $799 and you can even get a SLAM MPX3 for less than your $1200 maximum. These amps sound wonderful and have great synergy with the senheiser 600/650 headphones too.

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ight=ppx3+slam

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ight=ppx3+slam

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ight=ppx3+slam

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ight=ppx3+slam

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ight=ppx3+slam

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ight=ppx3+slam

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ight=ppx3+slam

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ight=SLAM+PPX3

 

[JTabacs]

Great, thanks for the links SACD

 

[Graz]

The Raptor + HD650 = joy

Peace,

Graz

 

[Ferbose]

I second the RSA Raptor.

 

[PsychoZX]

I also recommend the RSA raptor. I love the 650s with the raptor.

 

[gundam91]

I had tried the Silver Dragon with my HD600, and felt that it was way too bright. The person that loaned me the SD reached the same conclusion with his HD650 as well after he heard the Zu Mobius. (I did not tell him what I thought of the two until he had a chance to listen to both) So he sold the SD and bought a Zu Mobius instead.

Unless you pair it up with something like a Earmax or one of ASL amps, I think the sound will be too bright.