Amp for HD600, LittleDot II/II+ or Heed CanAmp?

[MaZa]

Ok, im going to get Sennheiser HD600 in close future, and Heed CanAmp has already caught my eye. I might even get one for loan from Finnish dealer when he gets stock. (though it isnt much help since i dont yet own HD600 yet.)

However, im also really itching to hear some very good quality/value rated Tube amplifier and what it sounds like. Little Dot II/II+ serie seem to fit in. Any other good tube amplifier brands in same price range?

How it does sync with HD600? Atleast in case of Heed CanAmp and HD600, they should have incredible synergy together. How is the case with Little Dots? How does it alter the sound? Plus which is better with HD600, original LDII or newer LDII+?

 

[Davesrose]

What....you're getting a Sennheiser, Maza??

I vote the CanAmp....reason being that I've heard some people not like the LDs on Sennheisers.....some, not all. And since you're coming from Grado, I don't think you'll like "dark veil" that comes on a system that might have warm coloration.

 

[MaZa]

See my music preferences? I listen classical and dark ambient a LOT aswell. This is where im getting Senns to.

Im Grado thru and thru for metal baby!!!

My current classical/ambient headphone K240S is soooo mediocre in both genres...


Sennheiser is best choice since Grados suck at classical and ambient, and AKG and Beyerdynamic brands lack headphones that would sound great in both classical and dark ambient. Either unsuitable coloration for classical in headphones good for ambient or lack of weight in bass (which is a must in ambient) in headphones good for classical.

 

[Davesrose]

Well the more I add to my system, the more my HD600s open up. They are pretty sweet for ambient and classical (can see how Grados would still hold the edge for your heavy metal). They're the bomb for jazz IMHO. I just jumped on the k501 deal that everyone's been shouting over here. So far, I think the HD600s are so much better for ambient and classical over AKGs....because they do have the bass and a soundstage. I find with an uncolored system with a lot of current, they get more and more treble too. So they have potential to be a pretty rockin can with the right system. Why my vote is the CanAmp.

 

[MaZa]

Thanks.


Its a bummer though. Little Dots are cheaper than CanAmp, even with import taxes...

Still, im willing to hear more opinions of peoples experiences with HD600 and LDII/LDII+ combination. Who knows what turns out.

 

[Davesrose]

if you want to save your money.....leave this site now!!!

This weekend I bought a SACD player.....last week it was the K501.....now to save up for a good DAC. Oh, then there's money for actually getting some SACDs to try out! What's better....sweet music or money in the pocket?

 

[Davesrose]

btw, the other reason why I wonder how much synergy the LD has with Senns is this thread:

http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=206539

 

[fran]

mmmm, well I have a LD2 with the HD650s. I enjoy this combo a lot - very smooth all the way from bottom to top with great detail - or to be more correct, you won't lose any detail. My rig: eastsound E5 or ariston RD80sl TT/audio innovations valve amp/quad els57s.

If you are going to get a LD2, make sure its a V4. If buying new, get a few extra sets of tubes with the amp. From all my reading, I can't see that there is much advantage in buying an LD2+ over an LD2 (apart from the preamp capability). I have read people saying that the LD2+ is a bit bright, I certainly wouldn't say that about my LD2.

If you don't want the "bother" of tubes, then the original master headphone amp is a great buy....

Fran

 

[Davesrose]

Well I've noticed several people complain about the 650 having a veil with the LDs on PC soundcards (heck, tube amps in general). Are you still going to use the hp amp off the X-fi Maza? Looks like your source is different Fran....just a thought as to why I've noticed several complaints about the 600/650 on the LD series (they generally tend to be off sound cards).

 

[MaZa]

Yeah, my computer is my main music system. (though i seriously need new one with SILENT water cooling. Fans drive me crazy!!! Again money is going to be lost...) The amp will be connected to my X-Fi. I doubt its going to be a problem though, Elite Pro has good DAC already as long as interconnects are good. Dang, i have to spend money to those aswell... I doubt my old cheap Vivanco's mini-rca cables are anything worth mentioning about.

Still, its possible that LD and my soundcard dont sync well, but that remains to be seen.

 

[Dept_of_Alchemy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fran mmmm, well I have a LD2 with the HD650s. I enjoy this combo a lot - very smooth all the way from bottom to top with great detail - or to be more correct, you won't lose any detail. My rig: eastsound E5 or ariston RD80sl TT/audio innovations valve amp/quad els57s. If you are going to get a LD2, make sure its a V4. If buying new, get a few extra sets of tubes with the amp. From all my reading, I can't see that there is much advantage in buying an LD2+ over an LD2 (apart from the preamp capability). I have read people saying that the LD2+ is a bit bright, I certainly wouldn't say that about my LD2. If you don't want the "bother" of tubes, then the original master headphone amp is a great buy.... Fran

LD2's are supposed to be brighter than the LD2+, the upgraded parts on the LD2+ gives a better soundstage and can handle complex music with better control. They both should sound good with the 600 although all of the little dots has had some QC problems with its chinese power tubes arching, so getting replacement tubes is recommended. There are reports that there'll be a LD2++ (double plus) coming out within the next few weeks and is going to be priced at $199, no one has heard it yet so no comment on the SQ, but it uses a different set of power tubes and should (hopefully) eliminate the arching problem.

 

[Davesrose]

humm.....maybe those people having problems with HD600s and LDs should try replacing the tubes..... One of the reasons I'm sticking to solid state is that whole fuss with tubes!

Could be the tubes are more of an issue then sound source.....I dunno, just have wondered why I've noticed some say the HD600 and LD syncs really well, and others say they're bad.

 

[mrarroyo]

The Heed CanAmp is a fantastic amp, and very few amps can touch it unless you are willing to spend about twice its going price of $340 (MSRP of $400). Check out the South Florida Mini Meet of 11/3/06 for the reviews.

 

[MaZa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dept_of_Alchemy LD2's are supposed to be brighter than the LD2+, the upgraded parts on the LD2+ gives a better soundstage and can handle complex music with better control. They both should sound good with the 600 although all of the little dots has had some QC problems with its chinese power tubes arching, so getting replacement tubes is recommended. There are reports that there'll be a LD2++ (double plus) coming out within the next few weeks and is going to be priced at $199, no one has heard it yet so no comment on the SQ, but it uses a different set of power tubes and should (hopefully) eliminate the arching problem.

What this arching thingamabob means?


Quote:

The Heed CanAmp is a fantastic amp, and very few amps can touch it unless you are willing to spend about twice its going price of $340 (MSRP of $400). Check out the South Florida Mini Meet of 11/3/06 for the reviews.

A thread here? Ill check it out.
I have already readed the whole Heed CanAmp thread posted by you thru already. Seems one helluva amplifier.

Huh? No reviews in that thread yet.

Edit2: Oh, sorry. There is another thread aswell. Named as SoFlo Mini Meet 11/3 Impressions. Checking it out.

 

[Hi-Finthen]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaZa What this arching thingamabob means? A thread here? Ill check it out. I have already readed the whole Heed CanAmp thread posted by you thru already. Seems one helluva amplifier. Huh? No reviews in that thread yet. Edit2: Oh, sorry. There is another thread aswell. Names as SoFlo Mini Meet 11/3 Impressions. Checking it out.

Also MaZa, if you haven't already; Do a search for PinkFloyds thread, "a new Hungarian kid on the block", Or just search Heed for his introductory thread on the Heed... Discusion over on PinkFloyds site linked in his signature, "Grotto", I believe...

Waiting upon the delivery of my Heed here, in their second shipment to the U.S. distributor!

Best regards-