[TheeeChosenOne]

Since there is a substantial amount of diminishing returns performance-wise with headphone amps the higher you go up in price, what is the SWEET SPOT BANG FOR BUCK headphone amp for the Sennhieser 650?

In other words, which amp would give you the most performance until one starts to feel that the next best thing up the food chain may not be sooo worth it b/c of the jump in dollars??.......

 

[tom hankins]

I would think the Singlepower PPX3, or the ASL MG head MKII, would be in the running.

 

[gpalmer]

I would think the Perreaux SHX-1 might also be a contender. I haven't heard it, but a lot of members have said nice things about it!

 

[lextek]

What Gpalmer said. I wonder how it would sond with the MG?????

 

[mikeg]

I think that the Grado RA-1 does a good job.

 

[cmascatello]

Any thoughts as to where the Emmeline XP-7 and/or HR-2 would fall in this discussion? Decent match for the 650s? Especially with AD797s rolled into them....

 

[gsferrari]

Quote:

Originally posted by cmascatello Any thoughts as to where the Emmeline XP-7 and/or HR-2 would fall in this discussion? Decent match for the 650s? Especially with AD797s rolled into them....

nice but not the best bang for the buck.

I second the MG Head and the Perreaux SHX-1 with a mild bias to the Perreaux because its great out of the box while the MG Head needs extra tubes which can be expensive

 

[Born2bwire]

Quote:

Originally posted by lextek What Gpalmer said. I wonder how it would sond with the MG?????

I know

and it sounds wonderful. You can easily tell the differences between the 600's and the 650's.

 

[gpalmer]

Quote:

Originally posted by cmascatello Any thoughts as to where the Emmeline XP-7 and/or HR-2 would fall in this discussion? Decent match for the 650s? Especially with AD797s rolled into them....

I have the HR-2 and it's a delicious match with the 650s, truly a very special combo. I'm not sure about the bang for the buck though since I haven't heard the less expensive contenders.

 

[musicmaker]

Quote:

Originally posted by cmascatello Any thoughts as to where the Emmeline XP-7 and/or HR-2 would fall in this discussion? Decent match for the 650s? Especially with AD797s rolled into them....

I have a XP-7 / 650 combo and absolutely love it. It's phenomenal. I don't know how this compares to the less expensive contenders so don't feel qualified to comment on whether it's the best bang for the buck. I bought the XP-7 based on reviews here. I also liked the portability factor. It's a beautiful amp and well worth the price IMHO.

 

[cmascatello]

Which op amps do you have in the XP-7? I am finding the stock 825s to be a little harsh as the amp continues to burn in.

 

[Demolition]

Quote:

Originally posted by gsferrari I second the MG Head and the Perreaux SHX-1 with a mild bias to the Perreaux because its great out of the box while the MG Head needs extra tubes which can be expensive

With a bit of help from Nick's tuberolling guide, the MG Head can be the perfect accompaniment for the HD 600/650s.

D.

 

[sacd lover]

I think the used gilmore amps are especially good buys; especially the gilmore v1. Another favorite of mine is the singlepower ppx3. I find either amp mates well with the hd 650's.

 

[Canman]

My bang for the buck pick would be the Singlepower PPX3 with RCA cleartops at about $500. It's a great match for the Sennheisers and a fantastic value.

The Perruaux is also contender for top bang for the buck and AA has demo models available for $269.

 

[raif]

I really enjoyed my ppa, and you can get one for around 400 bucks, that would do wonders for your sennheiser.