[PiresMachine]

Hi audiophiles

I'm looking for a truly Balanced Headphone Amplifier to stick between DacMagic and then to use a balanced outputs for the sennheiser hd650/hd800 (balanced).

I've been reading a lot of topics since a long time ago..but I'm still indecisive.

Here some balanced amps that catched my attention:

Woo Audio WA22 (tube amp)
Audio-gd Phoenix (solid state)
Einar Sound VC-01i (solid state)
Balanced B22.......

What other models should I consider? The Woo22 and the Phoenix are expensive..but with very high quality.

Thanks

 

[unl3a5h3d]

I wouldn't rule out the Beta 22. You could either DIY or have someone build it for you.

 

[Zombie_X]

Since you mentioned the Phoenix, you could also try the ROC since they sound exactly the same. Plus you save a lot of money.

 

[minimus]

Before spending the money to go balanced, I would buy a better DAC (or dedicated CD player) first. You will get a lot more bang for your buck.

 

[fradoca]

i think you can take a look at these units:

Untitled Document

i use the hpba2-s with my hd 600 for audio mastering purposes.
You can find my review here:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/rev...s-labs-479300/

for me this amp is the best match with hd600 or hd800

 

[PiresMachine]

Since now thanks for suggestions guys

I didn't know the HPBA-2 By QES-LABS, I will look for some information about it.
DacMagic is a great dac..especially using balanced outputs. It's not a Digital Link III or a DAC1 but..for now..it's my best choice for the money, and I'm really impressed with it.

However, I'm still disappointed with the search results..I expected to find a smaller and cheaper balanced headphones amplifier.. No more models/options?

I think the WA22 still remains my favourite, but not for my wallet.

 

[HeatFan12]

Balanced on the cheap.....

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/get...ssions-440697/

The MKVII+ has replaced the MKVII now...

 

[PiresMachine]

Oooh God.. awesome..!! How I miss this one!? xD

How does the LD dac compare to the DacMagic? Do you know if the DacMagic makes a good combo with the MKVII?

What's the difference between MKVII+ and the MKVII?

Thanks mate

Much happier now

 

[Eagle Eye]

I will have to recommend the Augio GD ROC for it's versatility and clean sound. It drove my HD 650 with plenty of power and am sure it will drive the HD 800 as well.

 

[El_Doug]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PiresMachine /img/forum/go_quote.gif What's the difference between MKVII+ and the MKVII?

The MKVII+ is a fixed version of the MKVII - it doesnt have hissing issues

I'm not sure if anyone has compared these two DACs - I certainly havent read any comparisons

 

[DC5Zilla]

I'd recommend better balanced source first. The upcoming Audio GD Reference 5 + ROC looks pretty nice

 

[nikongod]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DC5Zilla /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'd recommend better balanced source first.

Agreed.
Quote:

The upcoming Audio GD Reference 5 + ROC looks pretty nice

Id look at something with a better known track record on the used market. Just my own method.

 

[superchan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DC5Zilla /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'd recommend better balanced source first. The upcoming Audio GD Reference 5 + ROC looks pretty nice

hmm i was thinking for buying in the future
HD 800 + DAC-19 DSP (audio-gd) + C2 (audio-gd)
why is that balanced so important ??

 

[musicman59]

Any reason why you are not considering the Apache or the RP010B?
Both are great balanced amplifiers.

 

[El_Doug]

Quote:

Originally Posted by musicman59 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Any reason why you are not considering the Apache?

Probably because $3000 is a LOT to spend on a chip amp