Amp Recommendations under $1,000

[leebert]

I'm about to shift from a speaker system to a headphone system. Right now, I'm tossing between the Rudistor 5.1 and the Berning MicroZotl. I realize they are different animals, but within their respective classes, I understand them to be best-of-breed. Still, I'm new the the headphone game, and would value input to round out my consideration set.

Thanks,

Lee

PS I'll have an Ikemi source and HD650 hp to start with. Mostly listen to classic jazz, classical, and symphony scores.

 

[PFKMan23]

Singlepower PPX3 SLAM, Headamp GS1, Headamp Gilmore Lite, M3 or a PPAv2.

 

[dwc]

Singlepower PPX3 (without slam)

 

[Gabe Logan]

Another vote goes for the Singlepower SLAM.

 

[leebert]

Thanks for the input, guys. I can't seem to figure out what the SLAM means from viewing the Singlepower site; can you elaborate?

Thanks,

Lee

 

[EdipisReks]

Slam means it has 5687s as the ouput tubes. the PPX3 Slam is a great choice, as is the GS-1, the Ear Max Pro, the Headroom Desktop with home module, SFT's Module Dynahi, PS-Audio GCHA and the Meier HA-2 MkII/MkIISE. Eddie Current makes great amps, but i'm not sure if they currently offer one under $1000. these amps are all pretty close to $1000. the Meier Ear tube is just barely over $1000, and i bet it's great. if you want something on the lower side of $1000, it's hard to go wrong with the Gilmore Lite or M3. it really depends on what you want, sound wise.

 

[PFKMan23]

The SLAM modification is a modification that allows a Singlepower amp to use 5687 tubes:

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...=20&highlight=

 

[tom hankins]

Singlepower MPX3..

 

[leebert]

Again, thanks guys. I have to say, I love the looks of the Singlepower products. Whatever that turbo Mullard unit is called, I want it to have my children

I'm unfamiliar with the 5678 tube; sonically, how does it differ from the 6SN7 (which I am very familiar with)?

Thanks,

Lee

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by leebert Again, thanks guys. I have to say, I love the looks of the Singlepower products. Whatever that turbo Mullard unit is called, I want it to have my children I'm unfamiliar with the 5678 tube; sonically, how does it differ from the 6SN7 (which I am very familiar with)? Thanks, Lee

The 5687 is a cleaner, clearer sounding tube thats up to 2.5x more powerful than a 6sn7. The added power is especially helpful with driving low impedence headphones. The 5687 has a faster attack and a tighter more controlled bass. The 5687 has a nice neutral midrange thats slightly more forward than the 6sn7. The 5687 has a refined and detailed treble but lacks some of the airy, dimensional presentation that the 6sn7 is capable of. Since the 5687's are used as output tubes you can choose a gain tube with characteristics more specific to your preferances. If you like 6sn7 tubes I recommend using a 6sn7 for gain with the 5687's as output tubes. That combination is very good at giving you the best both tubes have to offer..

 

[leebert]

Very helpful, SACD. I do like the 6SN7 air and atmosphere, but would like to snap it up a bit; your recommendation sounds great! Question, what 5687 tubes do you like? FYI, I like the older Raytheon's and RCA's in the 6SN7 line up.

BTW, you guys are great! Only down side is I have a harder choice to make.

Lee

 

[sacd lover]

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ght=5687=tubes

see post #3 ......

 

[tom hankins]

Alot of the people on audioasylum and audiogon refer the 5687 as the 6sn7 on steroids.

 

[some1x]

How does the Ear Tube compare to the RKV? Specifically, how well does the Ear Tube drive K1000s?

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by some1x How does the Ear Tube compare to the RKV? Specifically, how well does the Ear Tube drive K1000s?

It seems very few people have heard the Ear Tube. I have been looking for some comparisons between those two myself. The RKV is no longer in production so maybe thats a moot point.