Best Amp for Under $450

[M0T0XGUY]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yes the Heed is better.

So the Heed might be better components wise, but would it accomplish what I want it to do - brighten my HD 650's up a bit? Everyone has said that the X-Cans do a great job of this, and regardless of whether or not the Heed has better hardware, if its sound signature is not what I'm not looking for, there's no sense in buying it.

EDIT: How can I get the Heed for 340? Is there like a coupon or something?

 

[Dexdexter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by khbaur330162 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Heed = Fotm... If you really want to listen to a Heed CanAmp, I'd wait a little bit. A few should be going up for sale some time soon.

I seem to recall posts to this effect 2-3 months ago, and only 1 or 2 examples have hit the sale forum.

 

[jmmtn4aj]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dw6928 /img/forum/go_quote.gif sad but what does that tell you about the Heed?

That they only made about 1 or 2 in it's entire production history?

[size=xx-small]I'm just kidding[/size]

 

[mrarroyo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by khbaur330162 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Heed = Fotm... If you really want to listen to a Heed CanAmp, I'd wait a little bit. A few should be going up for sale some time soon. Either that, or go to a meet. Before going, you might want to check some sort of listing to make sure one will make an appearance.

The Heed has been discussed since August so it is hardly the FOTM as you put it. Instead it is a great piece of gear at a price that is whithin reach of most consumers.

 

[apple_tree]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kool bubba ice /img/forum/go_quote.gif The Heed is 340.00 for Headfiers & the Xcan is over 400.00 new.. By all accounts the Heed is better in everyway compared to the stock Xcan3.. Many Xcan3 owners admit this..

where can I get Heed for 340.00?

 

[velogreg]

I have experienced both the Emmeline SR71 and the EC/SS with HD650s at meets and found them both to provide excellent detail and the right amount of emphasis to the music. I prefer the EC/SS because of the type of music I listen to and the more musical sound of the EC/SS. But let your ears be the judge, after all that is what meets are for and in your area there more than a few to choose from if you are willing to travel a bit. Todd has both amps on his TTVJ website. Give him a look, he is a HeadFi sponsor.

 

[j24]

I would recommand the SR71 if you want something a bit more versatile as far as portability. I use mine at home and at work since it is easy to transport. Like velogreg said it provides excellent detail.

 

[daggerlee]

I recall that the EC/SS and Heed were matched up at a meet, and both were to found to be pretty much equal quality wise, just different sonically - and they both cost about the same price.

With the limited availability of the Heed the EC/SS might be an alternative worth researching.

For those asking about the Heed pricing, why don't you try contacting Dan at blackbirdaudio.com One of the most courteous guys working in the audiophile business today

 

[Dexdexter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif The Heed has been discussed since August so it is hardly the FOTM as you put it. Instead it is a great piece of gear at a price that is whithin reach of most consumers.

Time for a new acronym: FOTY!

 

[johntraveler]

I recently contacted Dan at Blackbird audio, and he quoted a price of $360. He said the $340 price was for the first two orders.

 

[909]

Meets aren't ideal for critical listening, but a decent starting point for general impressions.

Another amp to consider would be the gilmore lite.

I strongly second the Eddie Current EC-SS. I had one for a week and found it to be an excellent amp. If you do a search you can find some reviews around here; I might have even given an opinion too

.

http://www.ttvj.com/index.php?main_p...roducts_id=931

 

[M0T0XGUY]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 909 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Meets aren't ideal for critical listening, but a decent starting point for general impressions. Another amp to consider would be the gilmore lite. I strongly second the Eddie Current EC-SS. I had one for a week and found it to be an excellent amp. If you do a search you can find some reviews around here; I might have even given an opinion too . http://www.ttvj.com/index.php?main_p...roducts_id=931

How would you describe its sound signature? I'm looking for something to brighten up my Senn's a bit; make them a little less vieled.

 

[drarthurwells]

Quote:

Originally Posted by M0T0XGUY /img/forum/go_quote.gif What would you say is the best amp under 450 dollars to pair with an HD 650? The X-Can V3 looks like a viable option, but I haven't found a place yet that sells it; new or used. I'll be using the amp mainly at home, but if for some reason there's an amazing portable that you can recommend, that's fine too.

Get a good tube amp, that competes with anything at $1200 or less.

The Jolida JD2a for $386.

Click on the link below.

 

[Borat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by M0T0XGUY /img/forum/go_quote.gif How would you describe its sound signature? I'm looking for something to brighten up my Senn's a bit; make them a little less vieled.

Have you looked into the HeadAmp Gilmore Lite? The Lite should do the trick if you're looking to make your Senns brighter. If you become a contributing member to the site, you can buy the Lite with Dedicated Power Supply for $449. Info here. Plus HeadAmp has a great return policy so if it's not the kind of sound you're looking for then you have an out.

Good luck.

 

[Jigglybootch]

The Gilmore Lite is a good choice. I don't know if it necessarily makes the Senns brighter per se, but it certainly livens them up quite a bit.