DrewWinters
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2004
- Posts
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I am building a new system from scratch. I am currently nearing the end of breaking in my new HD650's and a Total Bithead (using my computer as a source) and loving it! My previous experience with headphones has been somewhat lacking - but this is incredible! But I know it can get better.
So I am beginning to build a mid-level system. It will eventually be a home theater setup + listening room. But for the moment it will be a dedicated headphone rig.
I have very nearly decided on the Pioneer Elite DV59-AVi as the source (see my thread in the source category if you have advice for me! I'm still rather new to audiophile gear, just a few years...)
So.. all that to ask the most common question of this section of the forum: What amp?
After reading everything I could digest here and elsewhere I am thinking that I should aim for a solid state amp less than $600. I am considering Gilmore and Corda designs. But I can't decide from among the Gilmore Lite, Gilmore V2 or the Corda HA-1. The Gilmore amps seem to have quite a following around here - but the opinions and sound descriptions seem to be varied. Then again, the reviews of the Corda amps are equally glowing. The Rega Ear seems to be popular as well, but I haven't seen a full review of it or a comparison to other amps (so I am open to it as well, I just don't know much about any of these.).
How much difference is there between the Gilmore Lite and the V2 if being run with a power conditioner (i.e. would that take care of the downgraded power supply on the Lite?)
How does the Corda HA-1 compare to the Gilmore designs? I like the crossfeed on my Total Bithead, but I don't feel it is necessary; nonetheless, the crossfeed on the Corda gives it a point over the Gilmore in my book (but not enough to overcome if the sound quality is otherwise lower.)
I have about a month or so until I intend to purchase the source, so I may need to order the amp soon to allow for build time I guess.
And if this helps: I am used to having a 5 ft, 150 lb subwoofer at my disposal; so bass is my friend. I don't need LOTS of it - it just has to go very low and be very tight. I listen to a broad range of music: virtually everything but pop, rap and country.
Thanks in advance!
So I am beginning to build a mid-level system. It will eventually be a home theater setup + listening room. But for the moment it will be a dedicated headphone rig.
I have very nearly decided on the Pioneer Elite DV59-AVi as the source (see my thread in the source category if you have advice for me! I'm still rather new to audiophile gear, just a few years...)
So.. all that to ask the most common question of this section of the forum: What amp?
After reading everything I could digest here and elsewhere I am thinking that I should aim for a solid state amp less than $600. I am considering Gilmore and Corda designs. But I can't decide from among the Gilmore Lite, Gilmore V2 or the Corda HA-1. The Gilmore amps seem to have quite a following around here - but the opinions and sound descriptions seem to be varied. Then again, the reviews of the Corda amps are equally glowing. The Rega Ear seems to be popular as well, but I haven't seen a full review of it or a comparison to other amps (so I am open to it as well, I just don't know much about any of these.).
How much difference is there between the Gilmore Lite and the V2 if being run with a power conditioner (i.e. would that take care of the downgraded power supply on the Lite?)
How does the Corda HA-1 compare to the Gilmore designs? I like the crossfeed on my Total Bithead, but I don't feel it is necessary; nonetheless, the crossfeed on the Corda gives it a point over the Gilmore in my book (but not enough to overcome if the sound quality is otherwise lower.)
I have about a month or so until I intend to purchase the source, so I may need to order the amp soon to allow for build time I guess.
And if this helps: I am used to having a 5 ft, 150 lb subwoofer at my disposal; so bass is my friend. I don't need LOTS of it - it just has to go very low and be very tight. I listen to a broad range of music: virtually everything but pop, rap and country.
Thanks in advance!
