Amp Recommendations Please =)

[fate0000]

Hello,

I currently have a Beogram RX 2 turntable and a pair of Audio Technica ATH-A900 headphones. I'm interested in trying a tube amp for the first time specifically for use with the turntable. My budget is roughly $300.

I have read lots of good things about the Darkvoice 336i, so I suppose this is what I'm leaning towards, however I would also be interested in an amp that has enough power to push some small bookshelf speakers/monitors in the future.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated it.

Thanks for looking =)

 

[davve]

Okay i can only make comment on the 336i. Sounds very good for the money and drives my Hd650 without any problem, before i had the Hd595 (50)ohm and no problem drivning them either. Stock tubes sounds Ok, but my RCA tubes sounds warmer. I'm not a expert if the 336i drives my hd650,hd595 with aauthority.

 

[LoweArt]

Firstly, I can highly recommend the Darkvoice 336i as a headphone amplifier for Sennheiser HD's or Grado's.

One thing it is not, is an integrated amplifier so it's not able to drive speakers. Case in point is the fact that there are no speaker terminals on this unit to speak of. For that matter, most headphone amps are just that, amps to drive headphones only. I believe there may be a few models around that can do both ( Ming Da and Consonance brand names come to mind ), but be aware of how easy your intended bookshelf speakers are to drive as I see you mentioned bookshelf/monitors. Some monitor speakers although they may be great sounding require a great deal of current ( not power ) to drive due to their impedence. Like any prospective purchase, do your research and homework upfront to avoid disappointment or mis-match.