[[S]uds]

Well, I am looking at purchasing a pair of Beyerdynamic DT880(or HFI-780's, haven't decided), and I've heard the the DT880's require an amp. So after searching around for awhile, I've concluded that I know.... absolutely nothing. So, if you had to buy a budget amp to get with the DT880's, which would you chose. I am not looking for anything special(was thing about a Penguin CMoy actually), just something that won't gimp the DT880's. If it matters, I am using the headphones for mostly Prog Metal/Power Metal. Oh, and something preferably around the $80 or so price point.

Thanks for looking, I've had absolutely no luck researching on my own as I have no clue what to look for.

Edit: Does anyone have any experience with the Z-Audio Epsilon or a Pocket Amp 2 - Version 2? How do they sound with DT880's(or any other headphones)?

 

[[S]uds]

So I've narrowed my choices down to 4 Portable Amps that I can actually afford. Here they are:

HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER uAMP107B BLACK - $80

MiniBox-D - $79

Little Dot MK I - $119

Pocket Amp 2 - Version 2 - $60

These will be paired with Beyerdynamic DT990's(old). Any information you can give me would be much appreciated.

Edit: How about the iBasso P2?

 

[YtseJamer]

If you are willing to spend $100, I suggest that you add $65 to your budget for the Meier Headsix. (Look also is the sales section of this forum..)

The Meier amps are very good with the Beyerdynamic headphones. Personally, I would not spend $100 on an amp that will sound average with the DT990s.

Cheers

 

[monolith]

A Headsix can be had used for about the price of that Little Dot you have on your list, and would crush the other stuff on that list. Many people have commented on the synergy between that amp and Beyers (though I can't remember someone specifically commenting on it with the headphones you have).

I believe there's a silver Headsix on sale in the forum right now for about $115.

 

[[S]uds]

How abou the MiniBox E, there is one FS for about $130.

 

[Penchum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by uds /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well, I am looking at purchasing a pair of Beyerdynamic DT880(or HFI-780's, haven't decided), and I've heard the the DT880's require an amp. So after searching around for awhile, I've concluded that I know.... absolutely nothing. So, if you had to buy a budget amp to get with the DT880's, which would you chose. I am not looking for anything special(was thing about a Penguin CMoy actually), just something that won't gimp the DT880's. If it matters, I am using the headphones for mostly Prog Metal/Power Metal. Oh, and something preferably around the $80 or so price point. Thanks for looking, I've had absolutely no luck researching on my own as I have no clue what to look for. Edit: Does anyone have any experience with the Z-Audio Epsilon or a Pocket Amp 2 - Version 2? How do they sound with DT880's(or any other headphones)?

If you haven't already, check my review of the MK1 here: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/rev...lifier-284847/

This will give you a good idea of its capabilities. With it's built in rechargeable cells, it has plenty of power on tap for those dynamic passages under heavy loads, and you can run it from the power adapter if you want to.

 

[jcx]

(need delete post option)

 

[hiccamer]

I like my penguin caffeine ultra with dt770.
price is right and it is really a quality product.


penguinamp.com

 

[exec_]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pfillion /img/forum/go_quote.gif If you are willing to spend $100, I suggest that you add $65 to your budget for the Meier Headsix. (Look also is the sales section of this forum..) The Meier amps are very good with the Beyerdynamic headphones. Personally, I would not spend $100 on an amp that will sound average with the DT990s.

Second that.

You also could try to find a used Codra Move. Have a 990 and love it in combination with the Move!

 

[Romanee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by uds /img/forum/go_quote.gif How abou the MiniBox E, there is one FS for about $130.

Very nice amp and great bang-for-buck. Much nicer build and finish than the MiniBox D and sounds much better. In fact, it's much better than all the other amps on your list.

Warm, robust and the bass boost does work well, if you need that. I didn't care for the crossfeed, but others like it -- I don't like crossfeed in general, tho', except for a few old recordings that really need it. Wide sound stage, and enough power to drive the DT880. Good life per charge -- sorry I don't remember how many hours.

I haven't had one here for quite a while, so perhaps some owners can comment in more detail.

 

[[S]uds]

So, if I had to pick between the:

HeadAmp AE-1
MiniBox E
Meier Headsix
iBasso T-2

which would you chose to pair with the DT-990's?

 

[mrarroyo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Romanee /img/forum/go_quote.gif Very nice amp and great bang-for-buck. Much nicer build and finish than the MiniBox D and sounds much better. In fact, it's much better than all the other amps on your list. Warm, robust and the bass boost does work well, if you need that. I didn't care for the crossfeed, but others like it -- I don't like crossfeed in general, tho', except for a few old recordings that really need it. Wide sound stage, and enough power to drive the DT880. Good life per charge -- sorry I don't remember how many hours. I haven't had one here for quite a while, so perhaps some owners can comment in more detail.

I agree with you, the MiniBox-E is a great amp. The MiniBox-E+ is even better at clarity and separation w/ an even deeper bass. When you consider that op-amp rolling is possible it makes for a wonderful and inexpensive amp.

Another amp that is amazing is the iBasso P2. At $139 should be a no brainer, IMO it is a top 5 contender.

 

[[S]uds]

Along with the other four amps I listed, how does the Mini3 compare? And where can I buy it? A google search brings up nothing.

 

[Asr]

The Mini^3 is a very good value, it's the best <$200 portable that I've heard. I would definitely recommend it over the HeadAmp AE-1 and iBasso T2. The AE-1 was a fine amp in its day but it's been eclipsed by the AE-2 (most noticeably a much lower noise floor - nonexistent now, and a much more balanced-out frequency response), and I was very unimpressed by the T2 when I heard it.

You can buy one by sending a PM to MisterX. Rockhopper Audio sells them but is suspending orders at the moment.

 

[Luminette]

A used Meier Audio Porta Corda III could be a great deal for you, one just went for $115 shipped a few days ago on the forums here, though that was a delicious price