Amp for HD650, E-MU 1212m

[Regus]

been using SR-71 for this purpose for a while but I have grown real tired of replacing batteries all the time.

Besides, my upgratitis has started to itch

I want something that goes well with the HD650s and the E-MU.

I listen to an assortment of classical (mostly symphonies - big fan of beethovens ninth), jazz, vocal, metal and punk rock.

The three first are the most important ones but I would like to be able to listen punkt rock and metal with reasonable enjoyment too.

My current setup does an acceptable job of this, but I feel I could be getting more, and so I am thinking of getting a new amp and a replacement cable for the HD650s.

I can't really afford it but I figure buy now and cross the other bridge when I get to it.

I figure I could get away with dishing out some $ 7-900 without having to eat oatmeal for a month...

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

 

[akwok]

Headamp GS-1 + Blue Dragon II

 

[Regus]

wha's a "Blue Dragon II"?

 

[n_maher]

I'd take a serious look at the PPA in the for sale forum right now (no, it's not mine

). It's a heck of a deal, new it would cost the low end of your range and it just got a refurb/upgrade courtesy of an acomplished amp builder (again, not me for sure). I've used a PPA with both my 600s and a friend's 650s - it's a killer combo especially when paired with a good source.

Otherwise check out Head-Fi's sponsors, both Headroom and Meier make some killer amps in your budget. Todd carries some nice stuff too and all 3 have return policies so you can actually see if you like the stuff.

HTH,

Nate

 

[akwok]

Moon Audio Blue Dragon II, a very good aftermarket cable which expands on the stock cable rather than deviating away from it like the Zu Mobius.

 

[grandenigma1]

Ide second both the PPA and GS1 and also throw in the Dynahi... and it you wanna open the tube amp can....there are various SiglePowers that can be had

 

[Regus]

How does the PPA compare to the GS-1?

both seem interesting even if the first reviews i found here on the GS-1 used an audigy for source

And if memory serves the dynahi is usually above 1k...


And the blue dragon ii seems interesting, and well priced, might just go for that...

 

[Thaddy]

I really like the recommendation of the PPA. That would also give you enough headroom in your budget to get a any aftermarket cable available for your Senns.

I had a PPA that wasn't even close to being that nice, and it sounded wonderful with my HD580's. I always thought (and still do) that PPA's mated very well with the Sennheiser line.

 

[Regus]

tell me grandenigma1 does your PPA work with 230 V ?
that would be a very important feature for me seeing as I would rather not run the power cord all the way over the atlantic

 

[n_maher]

Regus,

I believe that the STEPS power supply can be reconfigured quite simply for 230V operation. It might mean the intermediate step of first sending the amp to someone and having them mod it and then having it sent to you but IMO it'd be worth it. It's a serioiusly powerful piece of kit for the $$$.

Nate

 

[grandenigma1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Regus tell me grandenigma1 does your PPA work with 230 V ? that would be a very important feature for me seeing as I would rather not run the power cord all the way over the atlantic

Thats the great thing about the STEPS PSU's in any amp... they can be made to accept 120 or 240

220-240V power: Put a short jumper from the B pad to the D pad on the board.

or you could also get a transformer... or get a very very long extension cable

 

[grandenigma1]

h-e-a-d-f-i going very slow... sorry for the double post

 

[Regus]

Sounds good, i figure i can move a couple of wires, i do after all own a soldering iron and 2 years electronics relatated education

grandenigma1, pm on its way

 

[MikoLayer]

I like my ppx3