[david911]

I am tired of bothering the family with late night listening. Actually, I am tired of being yelled at for late night listening.

I have a set of ER-4p that I use with my Ipod, but the Ipod is a very poor substitute for my main system.

I have a Wadia 861 running into a Conrad Johnson 17LS. I think I can use the tape loop to connect a headphone amp. Is that how its normally done?

Anyway, what amp should I get to go with this system? Portability is NOT a factor, this will be used at home only.

Budget is flexible, but I am not sure this will really work for me. My Joseph Audio speakers are quite special. Is there an amp < $500 that gives a lot of bang for the buck, or do I have to spend more?

David

 

[kuma]

If you want to use the same amp you are using for joseph, you can get a headphone transformer instead.
This way you can still utelise CJ preamp,too. ( I am assuming you prefer it over running Wadia direct )
headfone transformer

I use a similar device and works fine. I also recommend disconnect cables off your speakers and use it isntead of using speaker on/off switch.

 

[ServinginEcuador]

Do a search here for the CPX3 or MPX3 amps built by a guy named Mikhail. For about $500 he will build an amp that should be incredible. I don't own one, nor have I heard one, but man the reviews and enthusiasm here for those who have bought one is out of sight. Tuberoller, FCJ, and I think Highwaystar all own one or the other of these amps and can give a first hand account.

 

[elrod-tom]

I would second the Singlepower amps built by Mikhail. I had a chance to listen to the Wadia 861 at our Detroit meet, and it's a very nice product. I feel, based on what I heard, that tubes pair nicely with it. I also heard the Singlepower Supra at our Detroit meet, although I think that it was hooked up to the 301. A very nice combination.

 

[Nightfall]

I will third the Singlepower amps built by Mikhail. I also auditioned the MPX3 with the Wadia cd players at the Detroit meet and thought it sounded wonderful. This is a GREAT value, it is to me, by far, the finest sounding headphone amplifier anywhere near $500.00. It should be perfect for your needs as long as you can overlook the external DIY appearance of the amp itself. The sound need make no apologies.
Read this link for much more on this outstanding product:


http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ht=Singlepower



JC

 

[BDA_ABAT]

Singlepower amps are supposed to sound excellent! Unfortunately, I've only had a very brief listen to the Supra (but it was lovely. There are many fans of their products at this site.

Another possible option for a good tube amp in your budget: Mapletree Audio Design Ear + (link) The warmth of tubes matches very nicely with the Etys.

No matter which amp you go with, would strongly encourage you to obtain the ER4P to ER4S adapter cable (or make one yourself!). When you're listening to a good source and have power from a good amp to drive these phones, the addition of that little bit of resistance DOES noticably improve the sound quality.

Good luck!
Bruce

 

[kartik]

from the not so expert point of view, I am having a great time with my Philly Audio Phun preamp/headamp. It is a class A SRPP tube preamp/headamp with a stepped attenuator based on el84/ecc88 4 tube complement with choke-rectifier power supply. I don't know the final pricing, but it may be in your range. Contact Jim at Philly Audio 212-945-6818 for further info. I haven't tried the singlepower or any other amp but I really like this purely on the basis of the sound. Mellow, detailed, warm, lush with a gigantic soundstage and aggressive midrange. Good match for the fatiguingly forward sound of Grado cans.
My 2cents!
P.S. I have nothing to do with this company, I just bought an amp from them!