[Aman]

Hi guys,

You guys have MADE me purchase my first pair of high-end headphones, upgrading from some dismal Bose TriPorts. Now, however, I am stuck with a bit more upgrading juice. A headphone amp sounded like a good place to start.

So, I am looking for something relatively cheap. I felt that the Gilmore Lite would do a great job making my cans sound better. However, I was wondering about this amp I saw called a CMOY. It looked great because it was portable, but it was signifigantly cheaper than any Gilmore Lite and it ran off of batteries, and not the wall power outlet.

Would buying a CMOY at all increase the sound quality or the volume of my cans? And of course, what advantages do I get with a Gilmore Lite over the CMOY?

Thanks!
Aman

 

[SunByrne]

Most here would probably argue the leap from a CMoy to a Gilmore Lite is pretty huge.

There are several things in the middle ground that would probably serve you better than a CMoy: various MINT-based boards, portable PIMETAs, a Headsave Vibe, a Xin SuperMini, SuperMicro, or SuperDual, or a Headroom Airhead or Total Airhead.

If you don't want something portable and battery-powered, you could go with a stationary PIMETA or a Headsave Classic.

 

[Aman]

I actually just found a Meta42. How would that sound paired with my HD595s? It appears they are portable and, from reading a review on this site, I can see that the reviewer loved how it pushed his HD580s much more forward (although, those are HD580s, the most relaxed cans ever).

How do you think, in your opinion, a Meta42 would sound with my headphones?

Thanks again!
Aman

EDIT: How does this look? http://www.jmtaudio.com/transportabl...e_amplifie.htm

 

[SunByrne]

A META42 or a JMT-built portable PIMETA should both be fine.

 

[Aman]

Well, I am now actually looking between the Headsave Mint-Vibe and the JMT Transportable-PIEMTA.

I am looking at this because I don't have any more outlets to hook up to in my listening room. I already have way too many surge protectors and any more I could blow a fuse, I'm afraid. The Transportable-PIEMTA is much more money. It's a 100 dollar difference. Will this higher price gain me any more noticable differences?

I am really drawn into the whole 'built into a Penguin Mints tin' thing for the Mint-Vibe. It's pretty cool

Again, I would really like to not have to plug this in. In fact, it's almost a necesity.

 

[flip360shep]

I'm getting the Headsave Classic from Norm (with the 24v Elpac power supply) for $159 with shipping. He said it will make my HD-555's orgasmic.