Amp for HIFIMAN HE-400

[arielelf]

I would love to know of any recommendations for a cheap (under $200.00) amp to use with my HE-400. Also, i will be using it with my macbook pro retina 15" which i have read, has a fairly good DAC. Would i notice a significant change in quality having a DAC/amp combo or would i be ok with just the amp.?

 

[4krow]

My experience with the HE400S is really quite good. I have used a variety of amps, but one that is better than expected was Musical Fidelity X-Can V2. It is a tube based amp that I upgraded with a bunch of new parts, but got it used for about $115. With upgrades, I may have spent $150 total. I also had very good luck an older Xenos amp. Thing is, I am using the MF much more for the tube sound. Lastly, I made a voltage divider for a tube based Decware integrated amp for little money, maybe $15. Great sound again, and I already had the amp.

 

[roadcykler]

I know someone with an actual HiFiMan EF5 amp that he'd sell for exactly $200 plus shipping and fees. PM me for info if you're interested.

 

[squee116]

What about the Vali 2? Or Project Starlight?

 

[007shark76]

Another option is the Pangea HP101....$50 on amazon. If you like to tinker and willing to take it apart, it is a steal. The DAC portion is only ok, but the amp section is great if you swap the stock tube to a NOS Amperex. It is a great match with the HE-400S.

Edited: To clarify.

 

[buke9]

Is this for the HE-400's or the HE-400S's as that is a big difference?

 

[arielelf]

It is for the original HE-400 not the HE-400S. I am getting a little confused, I was leaning towards the JDS LABS O2 amp after reading some past suggesting on here(like 2014 and before, there are no recent threads for recommendations for amps for this model headphone) but I watched some youtube reviews of it and saw this one from Lachlanlikesathing ( )
If you watch from about 10 minutes on he compares the O2 to the output from an iPhone 5s and was surprised to find that he couldn't tell much of a difference at all.

I am able to get almost near my highest listening volume level with my Macbook Pro, I could probably use about 10% more but I really wanted to get an amp because I have read that it will open up my HE-400 and make it sound even better, like larger soundstage and even more detail, but now I am wondering if this is true. Any ideas?

 

[arielelf]

007Shark, That sounds like it would be fun, but unfortunately I know absolutely nothing about working on electronics. I am great at making things with my hands but I am purely analog.

 

[serman005]

I also think you ought to consider a Vali 2. Like any proper amp, in addition to potentially increasing volume for you, it may improve bass response and macrodynamics, as well, which can make a big difference in your listening experience.

 

[buke9]

Don't who that person is but I just ran thru my iPhone 6S Plus and MacBook Pro and I would pic the MBP ever time. If they can't hear the difference between the O2 and a iPhone then they have a problem. Maybe volume matching but hooked up up my EF2A and it still rocks the 400's much better.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

Another option is the Pangea HP101....$50 on amazon. If you like to tinker and willing to take it apart, it is a steal. The DAC portion is only ok, but the amp section is great if you swap the stock tube to a NOS Amperex. It is a great match with the HE-400S.

Edited: To clarify.

DAC works flawlessly with my Note3 and Note4 too.