Best Amp with small/medium footprint?

[Nomad]

I'm moving to a quite small flat and it seems like I'm going to be forgetting about that SRM-T2 or/and SDS-XLR I was seeing in my near future. In the same way, unfortunately the gorgeous and great sounding EAR V20 has to go.

Any ideas about what could be the best amp without being a monster in size? My EMP Annv. Ed. is very nice and small but I'd like something better. It could be dynamic or electrostatic. Being good looking would be a plus as it will be quite visible in the living room but looks shouldn't be a showstopper here.

At the moment the HEV90 is on top of my list. And perhaps a maxed-out Singlepower Extreme Platinum could be in second place.

Any suggestions highly appreciated. Cheers.

 

[Icarium]

the Singlepower Squarewave XL has a ridiculously small footprint (But it's meant to be a transportable amp anyway)... base price of 1700 and I'm reasonably sure you can get it somewhat maxed for more money though your options may be limited by space. Also can get a DAC in there.

That's all I got.

 

[Skylab]

The Meier HA-2 mkII/SE was the champ of sound quality for a relatively small home amp. It's no longer available, sadly, but you may be able to get one used.

 

[mrarroyo]

The Musical Fidelity X-Can V3 has a nice small footprint. Later as you grow with the amp you can have the PinkFloyd mods done to it and take it to a whole new level, specially if you add a better power supply like the Little Pinkie.

 

[JimP]

Eddie Current EC/SS

 

[mrarroyo]

I forgot to mention the Heed CanAmp.

 

[PFKMan23]

What about something like a Headamp GS-1 or GSX?

 

[mrarroyo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFKMan23 /img/forum/go_quote.gif What about something like a Headamp GS-1 or GSX?

I would be afraid to leave such an expensive amp in my dorm.

 

[Pixel Pusher]

In regards to a dynamic amp, since you own the EAR Yoshino V20 why not consider the EAR HP4? I believe the dimensions are 12" x 10" x 4 1/4" H.

 

[Icarium]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif I would be afraid to leave such an expensive amp in my dorm.

Considering that he has like 25-30 grand in headphones ;p I think a GS-X will be the least of his worries

 

[PFKMan23]

Indeed. Just the fact that HEV90 is on his list shows that...

 

[KenW]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFKMan23 /img/forum/go_quote.gif What about something like a Headamp GS-1 or GSX?

The GS-X? I thought it was a good bit bigger than the GS-1? I checked Justins webpage but didn't see dimensions. Just how big/small is the GS-X? If it's in the GS-1 range, I might have to reconsider that one for my bedroom rig.

 

[Dexdexter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif I forgot to mention the Heed CanAmp.

x2

Actually much smaller than it might appear to be from photos: 3.5" (width) x 9" (length) x 2.75" (height).

 

[Nomad]

Many thanks for all the suggestions so far.
A few of them perhaps are not a big step over the EMP Anniversary Editon or the DHA3000, but it is always great to consider and realize new options.
For example, I can't understand how I forgot about the EAR HP4...

Please keep them comming and thanks again.

 

[d-cee]

maybe a bit under your budget/performance range but there's Meier's Corda Opera, Ray Samuels Apache/B52 (these two are bigger headphone amps but not HUGE)

Though I wonder how small this apartment could be that an extra few inches for a headphone amp could be such a huge problem.