Any recommendations comparable to a headroom desktop?

[orbitalpunk]

Hi there,

i was considering purchasing a headroom desktop amp (not maxed) and wondered if anyone could recommend other comparable amps. i need something with a optical input DAC as well. im using HD650's.

Any info would be really appreciated
Thanks guys.

 

[Uncle Erik]

If you need a solid state amp that has a DAC with optical input, take a look a the Benchmark DAC1, the PreSonus Central Station and I think Dr. Meier has an amp or two with an optical in. I owned the Central Station for 18 months or so, and thought it wonderful. I sold it after getting sucked into vinyl and SACD - wound up barely using it. They go around $500 new, but I got it on sale for $400. One of the best deals out there.

Have you considered separates? DAC technology moves faster than amps do, so there is a case for separates. Also, what's your budget, what headphones do you plan to use and what kind of music do you listen to?

 

[orbitalpunk]

im using Sennheiser HD650. no i havent considered separates but would be open to it. right now the headroom desktop with DAC is $1000. I wished i could add the Burr-Brown OPA627 op-amps but they want alot more for them and I'd have to get a $400 power supply. that really bugs me. thats why im looking around for something on par or better at the same price or lower.

i listen to everything except for country and reggae. but usually rock instrumental like NIN and Mogwai and some cello classical.

ill check out the names you listed now.

 

[orbitalpunk]

the top of the line Meire OPERA only has usb and coaxial and im hesitant to rely on a USB for my audio. I do like Meier products, just wish they had optical. darn. The Benchmark DAC1 looks interesting but i dont recognize its amp. I always read about LM and OP chips but not there HPA2. wish i could find out more info on it.

 

[illkemist]

Quote:

Originally Posted by orbitalpunk /img/forum/go_quote.gif im using Sennheiser HD650. no i havent considered separates but would be open to it. right now the headroom desktop with DAC is $1000. I wished i could add the Burr-Brown OPA627 op-amps but they want alot more for them and I'd have to get a $400 power supply. that really bugs me. thats why im looking around for something on par or better at the same price or lower. i listen to everything except for country and reggae. but usually rock instrumental like NIN and Mogwai and some cello classical. ill check out the names you listed now.

I too am using 650s. I started small, with a pair of 580s and a Total Bithead. Since then, I've been stepping up the ladder rung by rung. My previous setup included a HR Micro DAC, feeding a Graham Slee Solo. This setup worked very well for me. I would highly recommend the Solo for the 650s. Keeping separate components allows you to build and swap easily. As you upgrade different components, your sound approves in appreciable ways.

Having said all that...I just purchased a DAC1 USB

. My needs have changed since I purchased my Slee Solo and Micro DAC. I am going to need a DAC and amp combo that could be used as a preamp. I am moving overseas, so the less components I have to take the better. The DAC1 fits that bill. It's also got balanced outputs, so if I ever want to upgrade to a balanced headphone amp, I'm covered.

I've only had the DAC for a day, but I've already sold my Micro DAC. The DAC1 is easily an improvement. I still prefer the overall sound out of the Slee Solo compared to the headphone amp in the DAC1, but the difference is manageable. Now, I have to make the hard decision of when to sell off the Solo. I know I'm going to do it, I'm just in denial.

 

[orbitalpunk]

is the headroom desktop unbeatable? any other recommendations?

Thanks again

 

[illkemist]

Quote:

Originally Posted by orbitalpunk /img/forum/go_quote.gif is the headroom desktop unbeatable? any other recommendations? Thanks again

Unbeatable? Nothing is unbeatable. And I would not recommend any other amps. The Solo has been the best amp that I have heard. I was considering going to CanJam to listen to some other stuff. But right now, from everything that I've heard, the Solo would be my recommendation.