Purple_Dreams
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2009
- Posts
- 32
- Likes
- 10
After much research into high quality headphone amps I am now at a point where I have several options. I have surely read most comments and reviews available and am now at a point at which I would like to make decision. However, I find this extremely hard due to the fact that I have absolutely no possibility of auditioning any of the candidates. So I can only go by informed user reviews and comments. I am in fact hovering between the various choices on a daily basis and am looking for that little bit of extra conviction to push me over the edge in favour of one of the amps in question. Maybe this thread will be able to help me in my decision-making process.
Here is the relevant information:
Source: Electrocompaniet PC-1
Headphones: AKG601; upgrade to Sennheiser HD800 in the near future
Choice of amps:
Ray Samuels The Apache
Rudistor RPX-300
Headamp GS-X
Audio-GD Phoenix
Evidently, I wish to run a fully balanced setup eventually, but single-ended connectivity should be present as well. Preamp functionality is not a must but a bonus. Inputs should allow for more than one source (i.e. CD player, computer via DAC).
I have no immediate preference when it comes to one-box vs. two-box solutions or the nature of the volume controls (DACT vs. non-DACT).
Currently, The Apache and the RPX-300 are my hottest candidates, followed by the GS-X. Naturally, there are pros and cons for each unit. Most reviews give these amp the highest ratings with lots of savoury expressions to describe the sound qualities. With the RPX-300 there is also a certain amount of criticism present when it comes to build quality. It also seems to have a "house sound" which one likes or not. I'm also skeptical about the two separate volume controls and whether it will be hard to synchronize them. I also wonder if a DACT attenuator should be preferred. Obviously, I cannot speak from experience and need to rely and the comments of more experienced users.
So, I would be interested to hear suggestions, especially with reference to my source/headphone combination. I am looking for a completely involving and enveloping experience while listening with eyes closed, so soundstage, holographic imaging and natural musicality are definitely high on my list of criteria.
Thanks in advance!
Here is the relevant information:
Source: Electrocompaniet PC-1
Headphones: AKG601; upgrade to Sennheiser HD800 in the near future
Choice of amps:
Ray Samuels The Apache
Rudistor RPX-300
Headamp GS-X
Audio-GD Phoenix
Evidently, I wish to run a fully balanced setup eventually, but single-ended connectivity should be present as well. Preamp functionality is not a must but a bonus. Inputs should allow for more than one source (i.e. CD player, computer via DAC).
I have no immediate preference when it comes to one-box vs. two-box solutions or the nature of the volume controls (DACT vs. non-DACT).
Currently, The Apache and the RPX-300 are my hottest candidates, followed by the GS-X. Naturally, there are pros and cons for each unit. Most reviews give these amp the highest ratings with lots of savoury expressions to describe the sound qualities. With the RPX-300 there is also a certain amount of criticism present when it comes to build quality. It also seems to have a "house sound" which one likes or not. I'm also skeptical about the two separate volume controls and whether it will be hard to synchronize them. I also wonder if a DACT attenuator should be preferred. Obviously, I cannot speak from experience and need to rely and the comments of more experienced users.
So, I would be interested to hear suggestions, especially with reference to my source/headphone combination. I am looking for a completely involving and enveloping experience while listening with eyes closed, so soundstage, holographic imaging and natural musicality are definitely high on my list of criteria.
Thanks in advance!