[iim7V7IM7]

Hi,
 
I purchased a set last week with a HeadRoom Micro Amp.  I have a very good DAC in my audio interface (RME Baby Face) which is hooked to my iMac via USB 2.0.  I am considering returning my Micro Amp and replacing it with a "better" amp. By better I am seeking a transparent, neutral sounding "reference" style of amp suitable for both mixing and listening that will enhance the speed, detail, dynamics and soundstage imaging of the k702s above what the HeadRoom Micro Amp is capable of. I will be recording mostly guitar and I listen to Jazz, Blues and some Classical music for pleasure.  
 
After reading through a number of prior posts, I see a number of amps recomended that may not be so easly available in the USA.  These are the amps that I am considering:
 

1. Burson HA-160 ($800)
2. Creek Audio OBH-21SE ($500)
3. Lehmann Audio Black Cube Linear ($1,150)
4. Musical Fidelity M1HPA ($800)
5. Schiit Asgard ($250)
6. SPL Auditor ($900)

 
Many folks spoke highly of these, but I did not see retailers in the US that carried these:
 

1. GSP Auldio Solo
2. Heed Audio Canamp
3. Meier Aduio Corda Jazz
4. Violectric HPA V100

 
I do not think that I am interested in the euphonics of a tube amp (I am willing to hear you out).  Lastly, what is the important specification that I should be considering for an amp to power the K702 given its rated impedance of 62 ohms and maximum power input rating of 200 mW? People are always recommending a particular amp based on their emperical preference, but is there some measurable electrical spec. that I should be paying attention to?
 
Thanks,
 
Bob

 

[morris minor]

Hi Bob,
 
LPGear in Nevada carry Graham Slee's amps:
 
http://www.lpgear.com/category/HEADPHAMP.html
 
I use a Solo Ultra Linear which powers my HD650s and Denon D7000s to great effect.
 
The Graham Slee Forum operates a free loan scheme in the US:
 
http://www.gspaudio-community.activeboards.net/us-loaner-program_forum57.html
 
There's nothing like having the kit in your own system for a couple of weeks! (You do pay for shipping BTW). This is what I did, and my order was in before the loan period was up  . . 
 
Cheers,
Bob

 

[iim7V7IM7]

Bob,

Thanks for chiming in. Unfortunately, I have already ordered a DAC/HF amp. I ordered a Grace Design m903 a few days ago. It should arrive soon. I am hoping for the best.

Best,

Bob

 

[psun786]

I had violectric v200 briefly and now owning spl auditor with k702. If neutrality and transparency are what you what you looking, auditor is probably the best on the market. However, this amp is VERY demanding unforgiving, it will amplify every micro artifact in your audio source. Lots of my collection sounded fine with v200 but just terrible with auditor. But I was able to hear things I never notice on the v200. Personally, I think spl auditor is geared more toward mixing than music appreciation.

 

[iim7V7IM7]

Thanks for your response. What is interesting about the V200 and the Phonitor/Auditor with respect to the 62 ohm K702s is their respective output impedances. The Violectric is technically a better match with a <1 ohm output impedance vs. the SPL amps at 9 ohms for low impedance cans like the AKGs.

 

[FritzS]

Quote:

I had violectric v200 briefly and now owning spl auditor with k702. If neutrality and transparency are what you what you looking, auditor is probably the best on the market. However, this amp is VERY demanding unforgiving, it will amplify every micro artifact in your audio source. Lots of my collection sounded fine with v200 but just terrible with auditor. But I was able to hear things I never notice on the v200. Personally, I think spl auditor is geared more toward mixing than music appreciation.

In German hifi forum I read some reports about blown headphones on auditor
http://www.hifi-forum.de/viewthread-110-10935.html
please take care ....
 
Had anyone here the same experience?
 
Another good headphone amps ... but you must make a case self
 
Funk LPA 2 module
http://funk-tonstudiotechnik.de/SYMM-VERST.htm#Headmaster
http://www.fairaudio.de/test/Kopfhoerer/test-kopfhoerer-studio-pre-verstaerker-funk-lpa-2a-3.html
 
Thel VXD modules - VXD 30 ...  33V - 42V DC
http://www.thel-audioworld.de/module/VXD/vxd.htm#KH
 
+/-15V for headphones <32 Ohm
+/-36V for headphones  600 Ohm

 

[psun786]

In German hifi forum I read some reports about blown headphones on auditor
http://www.hifi-forum.de/viewthread-110-10935.html

I cant read german but wouldnt worry about it. Spl is very well respected in professional field and auditor has been around for a few years now. Who ever got their headphones blown by auditor either got a defective amp or modified their equipment improperly. I remember reading lots ppl here replace spl DC offset opamp with burson, which is explicit against spl's recommendation. ,

 

[morris minor]

Quote:

Bob,
Thanks for chiming in. Unfortunately, I have already ordered a DAC/HF amp. I ordered a Grace Design m903 a few days ago. It should arrive soon. I am hoping for the best.
Best,
Bob

No problem! Hope you enjoy the m903 

 .