Amp options for HD555 and HD280 pro

[Krause]

I recently purchased both of these headphones the HD280 and HD555 one for my entertainment center downstairs and one for my computer. I hooked both pairs up to the entertainment center downstairs to see which one works better and they sound terribly under powered. The volume bairly goes up enough to enjoy the action in the movies and the dialogue even sounds low and unclear.

I am hoping to find an amplifier for under $150 that will sharpen up the sound and help drive either one of these two sets of headphones. I like the sound of the 555s on my computer better because they sound better while playing games, and I can some times hear my wife yelling at me since they are open So I will most likely be using the 280s on the entertainment center, but I would love to hear your thoughts on both sets of cans.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated for this headfi noob. I am really enjoying this new found love and my wallet is certainly showing it. Thanks in advance.

 

[Krause]

shameless bump for my second post on the site

 

[Andresin]

Welcome to Head-fi, sorry about your wallet!

I'm pretty new here too, and I don't have extensive experience with theese headphones. I have used the HD555 some though, as my brother has it.

What are your sources? Your computers soundcard, and the source downstairs?
What will you be playing? Games with HD555 and movies with the HD280?

The HD555 can be hard to drive directly from weak sources. If you just want more volume and are looking for something cheap, two popular amps are the PA2v2 and the govibe (couldnät find the url right now).

You could also search the forums for amp suggestions. Look at suggestions for the HD595 to since it is similar to it's little brother.

 

[Krause]

Sorry for the lack of information. My source on the computer is a audigy 2 zs platinum pro and the source on the entertainment center is the logitech z5500

Thanks a lot for your input. After reviewing more posts and searching counless threads on the forum I have come up with a fairly short list to choose from.

1. PA2v2
2. govibe if I could find one used
3. Portaphile x2
4. The AirHead

what are your thoughts on these. which one would best suit my needs for higher volume clearer music?

Thanks in advance guys looking forward to droping a little cash. I might even get both the portaphile and pa2v2 to see which one I like better. If I go with the airhead I would have to only get one until after Christmas. Advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Ayreonaut]

The only one of those I've heard with the HD555 is the BitHead (An AirHead with an internal DAC) I do not recommend it for that headphone. The combination of the two is pretty muddy.

 

[Krause]

Well thanks for the info on the bithead. I obviously wont be going that route based on your experiences. I have decided I am more concerned with the sound of the HD555...

Either source and using the HD555 and one of these amps: portaphile x2 or pa2v2 or govibe if i can find one.

 

[Krause]

bump