[Sorensiim]

I'm currently driving my Ultrasone Pro 900 directly from my Yulong D100. It's an awesome DAC with a totally decent built-in headamp, but it's VERY transparent, bordering on cold. I like my DAC as transparent as possible, but for the Pro 900's I'd love a slightly warmer presentation. I'm not really a fan of tubes as they're usually too colored for my tastes, so I'd love a few opinions on which solid state amps below $500 I should be looking at. I'm currently eyeing the Matrix M-Stages as it seems to be pretty much the reigning king of budget amps at the moment, but I've also been considering the Matrix Quattro as well as the LD mk VII+, both are balanced SS amps. Since the Yulong D100 is a fully balanced DAC, a balanced amp could be interesting... 
 
And just for kicks: The amp is primarily for my 40ohm Pro 900's but it must be able to drive DT880/600 and the K701 as well. And below $500, 'cause I'm cheap 

 

[tk3]

I always recommend the M³ in this budget range, hard to beat it for the price.
I think there's one for sale in the forums right now, too.
 
There are some competitors such as the Gilmore amps, but I haven't heard them myself.

 

[Sorensiim]

Quote:

I always recommend the M³ in this budget range, hard to beat it for the price.I think there's one for sale in the forums right now, too.
 
There are some competitors such as the Gilmore amps, but I haven't heard them myself.

For a number of reasons, some of which are mentioned in the OP, the M³ is not really an option 

Any other suggestions for a slightly warm, yet detailed solid state desktop amp?

 

[Loevhagen]

Funny, Sorensiim, I wondered if you could live long enough with the D100. The D100 is very good, but as you say a bit too much on the bright side.
 
My piece of advice would be to check out the Violectric line-up. You even got a dealer in Denmark.
 
I had the D100 and now own a Violectric. A total different beast...

 

[dyl1dyl]

Asgard is slightly warm and half your budget.

 

[Sorensiim]

Quote:

Funny, Sorensiim, I wondered if you could live long enough with the D100. The D100 is very good, but as you say a bit too much on the bright side.
 
My piece of advice would be to check out the Violectric line-up. You even got a dealer in Denmark.
 
I had the D100 and now own a Violectric. A total different beast...

Great suggestion, just sell me your Violectric for the stated budget of $500 and that should do it 

 


Quote:

Asgard is slightly warm and half your budget.

Yeah I've been looking at the Asgard as well, but the price will be a bit higher here in Denmark. Do all new Asgards have the turn-off fix applied now?
 
Thanks for your suggestions, guys, keep 'em coming!

 

[dyl1dyl]

Quote:

Yeah I've been looking at the Asgard as well, but the price will be a bit higher here in Denmark. Do all new Asgards have the turn-off fix applied now?

Yup, I should think so. You can just pop off an email to them to confirm it. Might have to wait awhile though since they are currently real busy completing their Bifrost orders.
 

 

[Sorensiim]

Bumpety-bump - Anybody tried the Matrix Quattro with Ultrasone Headphones?

 

[customNuts]

I haven't heard the quattro yet but that looks like it would fit your needs perfectly. I have heard the m-stage which I would recommend but with a $500 budget and a balanced DAC (I've owned a D100 and loved it) I think you'd be mad not to go for the balanced option.

 

[LugBug1]

If you are still looking for a warm ss amp, then keep an eye out for this below, out of stock at the mo but there should be more soon.  Sounds ideal for you. I use it with my Grados and it has great bass extension and soundstage.
 
[size=medium]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/high-spec-Mosfet-headphone-amplifier-V2-1/140620807383?ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1&ih=004&category=122650&cmd=ViewItem[/size]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

[Graphicism]

Take a look at the PS Audio GCHA

 

[Sorensiim]

Quote:

If you are still looking for a warm ss amp, then keep an eye out for this below, out of stock at the mo but there should be more soon.  Sounds ideal for you. I use it with my Grados and it has great bass extension and soundstage.
 
[size=medium]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/high-spec-Mosfet-headphone-amplifier-V2-1/140620807383?ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1&ih=004&category=122650&cmd=ViewItem[/size]
 

I actually tried that one recently, a friend of mine has it. It's incredibly good! Especially the soundstage is nothing short of amazing!
 
I have since bought the Just Audio µHA-120 for my portable rig and I'm thinking of switching that to the AHA-120. Portable class A with plenty of juice and it would do great on my desktop as well... But I'm still eyeing that Neco, it's one badass amp!

 

[scuttle]

Why not use player software that uses your computer's DSP chip to emulate valve harmonics??? This will cost a lot less than $500 because it will be free...
 
http://freemusicsoftware.org/category/free-vst-effects-2/tube-simulation

 

[hodgjy]

X2.  I have the Asgard, and I find it to be very smooth with a hint of warmness.  It is a truly excellent amp no matter what the price is.  I have a tube amp that easily costs 4-5x more than the Asgard, but the Asgard is easily 90% the amp it is.
 
Quote:

Asgard is slightly warm and half your budget.