Amp for Sennheiser Hd 650 - $500 budget

[MakoFury]

Hello all-

I've been browsing the forums for a few hours about good amps for the Hd 650 and seems like there are a lot of opinions. I ordered an X-can V3 without doing too much research and it seems like they are not highly regarded here. I can always cancel the order if there is something better suited for my specific needs. I had a pair of Hd-600's about 3 years ago but didn't have the money for an amp, I thought they sounded great without one. I ended up selling those a few months later. Now that I have the money to buy an amp, I really want to make sure my money is well spent.

Background:

Terratec DMX 6 fire 24/96 card
Sennheiser HD 650 headphones
Sony CD Player for CDs
Music: Mainstream music, pop, rap, r&b, eric clapton, classical

I'm looking for the best sounding for this combination. $500 is my budget, the V3 was around $400 shipped. If there is anything better in my price range for my source and music, it would be much appreciated if you someone could point me in the right direction.

Also, how does the amp plug into the computer? My Terratec has line in/line out rca outputs, does it plug in via those connections? Also if anyone had any cable recommendations as well it would be much appreciated.

EDIT: Just cancelled my order for the V3, I can wait a while to see what input I get before making this decision.

Thanks,

MakoFury

 

[Thaddy]

Right now grandenigma has a pretty nice PPA for sale in the Amps F/S Forum, it's worth checking out. I always thought the PPA went extremely well with my HD580's, and mine wasn't nearly as nice as his.

 

[Kirosia]

I'm wondering how the terratic sounds, cause if it's cruddy it WILL be the weak leak in the chain, may want to consider pretty some (or lots) of that cash into a better source. Any of the PC audio people wanna lend some advice?

EDIT: As for an amp, I have a ray samuels sr-71 ($400) paired with my HD650s and I'm liking em for quite a while. (or you could spring for the ray samuels xp-7, which is a hundred bucks more but more of a home unit, the sr-71 is meant for portable . . .)

Also, I've heard good things about the gilmore lite ($300). Need to try it for myself one of these days. There are a LOT of choices when it comes to amps, most just have a different in sound signature. (In the same price range I mean)

And the rca outputs are used to hook up most amps, some just need a line out jack. (xp-7/lite rca, sr-71 jack IIRC)

 

[tom hankins]

I would jump on insomniac's Singlepower PPX3, or Hirsch's Earmax Pro in the for sale forum.

 

[recstar24]

Eddie Current HD300

 

[wakeride74]

There is much support around here for "the little guy" but do not underestimate the quality of Headroom products.
The only amp already mentioned that I have heard is the SR-71 which is a great amp and would work well with the 650's (if you need it to be portable).

If this is more for home you may want to consider something from the Desktop Line at Headroom.

I have the 650's and use the Headroom Supreme at home (which has since been replaced/upgraded by Headroom to the Desktop). I know it's $100 over budget but it is worth every penny IMO. I love mine and hunger for nothing else at home which can be a tough feat around here! They have a 30 day thing so you can try one out if you like keep if not send back. I felt that the Supreme really cranked out some quality juice and I could hear my $$ worth. That's my 2¢ Good Luck!

 

[Thaddy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by recstar24 Eddie Current HD300

Totally forgot about this one! I got a chance to hear this amp last year with my HD580's and it's incredible. This is a very well liked tube amp, I'd jump on this in a sec if it was within my budget.

 

[AuroraProject]

Gilmore Lite with the upgraded power supply.

 

[sacd lover]

I have reviewed/ auditioned, owned or currently own.... all the amps mentioned so far. I think I would pick the PPA for sale by grandenigma1 or buy a new gilmore lite, with or without, the upgraded power supply.... if I wanted a solid state amp. The lite sounds surprisingly good with just the stock elpac.

If you want a tube amp the Singlepower ppx3 for sale by insomniac is one of my favorites and another sweet deal.


PS: I have no connection with the individuals who have the amps for sale. I just think those are very good deals.

 

[Thaddy]

Uhh just so you know, that PPA is now $400... That's a STEAL for that amp with a STEPS psu and Glassman buffers. Not to mention a sexy Parmetals case and bass boost. You could spend that other $100 on a power cable and RCA's (if you don't have any) and have a killer setup

 

[grandenigma1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thaddy Uhh just so you know, that PPA is now $400... That's a STEAL for that amp with a STEPS psu and Glassman buffers. Not to mention a sexy Parmetals case and bass boost. You could spend that other $100 on a power cable and RCA's (if you don't have any) and have a killer setup

you sure could

 

[dano1122]

woah, alot of tube amp recommendations going on here, what's up with that? under 5 w/ the 650 i've heard a pimeta w/ opa627 and gilmore lite w/ elpac. they are both pretty good. the pimeta would run you around $175 and the lite $300. the lite is better, but also different. it has a more energetic and focused presentation. the pimeta is a bit more laid back, with less detail, and more warmth. did this help?

 

[MakoFury]

I think I have narrowed it down to the PPA amp that grandeengima1 is selling, the PPX3-6SN7 (i realize it's a little over budget), or the Eddie Current HD300. I am listening to mostly mainstream music but I would like Eric Clapton, Enya, Classical to sound best over say a rap/r&b/pop song. What is the best choice now....?

 

[n_maher]

Try to consider that if you bought Grand's PPA that you're really getting something like an $800 amp for $400. And while I haven't heard either of the other two amps I can say that I've heard a PPA w/ 650's and it is a great combo (IMHO).

 

[tyrion]

I have to second the Eddie Current HD300 recommendation. I had this amp paired with the HD-650 and thought it was a great combination. You can't beat the value with 3 inputs, preamp capability, sepeate ps and great construction.