[MadsSK]

Hi Head-Fi Members,
 
I have recently acquired a pair of Shure1840s. Coming from a pair of HD518 the Shure1840 is clearly superior in almost all aspects. I do however feel like they do lack a bit of bass (low-end). I am therefore looking for an amp to drive them. I am currently using a fiio e10 which i do not feel is doing the Shure SRH1840 justice. I have recently ordered a Nuforce Icon HDP, but after reading reviews I am nervous that they will only make the 1840s more bright which is not what I am looking for. (I am expecting the Nuforce to arrive within 10 days.)
 
I am therefore looking for a nice amp which will add some warmth to the sound without removing from the detailed highs or mids. I am especially intersted in more punchy bass (not out of control). Without being able to feel the bass there is little drama or life in the headphones.
 
I am thinking that I can use the amp with the dac in the Nuforce Icon, but I do not have a huge budget and I am therefore willing to resell the Nuforce Icon HDP (I got it for 190 usd), and buy something else. If I do resell I do however need to use the dac in the fiio e10 with a new amp or I will need to buy something which is a dac/amp combo.
 
I am willing to buy used and I have recently been looking for a bargain Woo Audio WA6, Schiit Valhalla or Asgard, or a Darkvoice 336 on ebay.
 
Any advice or reccomendation is much appreciated.
 
Thanks!
 
/Mads

 

[MadsSK]

bump

 

[DrKC]

This may not be of much help, but I have the 1840s and Yes, you don't need to do something that would enhance the treble on these.  They have good extended top end and quite a bit of "air" in that region.  I've used them with a number of amps - tube and solid state.  The one I like the best is the Schiit Moljinir.  I replaced the 1840 with a Moon Audio balanced cable and this is the combination that sounds the best to ME.  I have several DACs so I can't really comment on your situation.  I've found that with the Schiit/Moon Audio combination, I hear less variability among the Dacs and that includes a couple of older 16bit units.  Of course, I think the DACs that I have all sound good - I spent most of a year listening and auditioning them before I actually bought and kept one.  It's all personal preference and what I like, you may not.
Anyway, best of luck in your search and know the 1840s are one the best at articulation and top end smoothness with the right amp.

 

[MadsSK]

Thanks @DrKC , but the Schiit Moljinir is a bit out of my price range. Do you have another suggestion for something a bit cheaper? I am considering the Schiit Vali or Asgaard as good options?

 

[DrKC]

From all accounts, the asgard II is a good amp.  I don't have one, so I can't comment directly as to how it sounds with the 1840s.  I have the Valhalla 2 tube amp and in the low gain position, it does quite well with the 1840s in a single-ended configuration.  The output impedance is a little high on the tube amp, but not too bad in the low gain setting.
The nice thing about Schiit is you can get the Asgard and try it - if you don't like it, the return policy is pretty good.  So give it a shot and see how the combo sounds to you.
Good luck