[Snufkin]

I know a few people who'd be able to do a GSETDI (get someone else to do it) project, so I'm thinking of bribing someone to make one up for me.

So...

* Not too expensive.
* Well suited to 250ohm headpones - specifically Beyer 770pros, but also suited to alternatives if I upgrade/crossgrade/use my 250-80s.
* Better than my X-Cans
* I don't really want to have to buy a PSU that's worth more than the amp
* I don't know a lot about amps, so don't get too technical on me with amp-speak

* I don't know a lot about PSUs, so don't get too technical on me with psu-speak

* let me know if any more information is needed, or if anyone has alternative suggestions!

 

[rickfri]

World Audio Design makes a tube headphone amplifier kit the HD-83. I built it in a weekend. I haven't listened to any other tube headphone amps, but it sounds better than my two SS headphone amps which are the Corda HA-1 and the Creek OBH 11-SE. The link is http://www.worldaudiodesign.co.uk/

 

[aeberbach]

A second vote for the World Audio Design kit. It's a good kit, and sounds great. What sounds even better is if you throw away the PCB and use something like the boards on this page:

http://www.tubebuilder.com/ptp%20boards.html

point to point wiring!

 

[rickcr42]

not being familiar with that paticular amp,I would build/bribe someone to build this
http://www.pmillett.addr.com/ecc99_s...dphone_amp.htm
about as close to a universal amp as you are gonna get,and considering who the designer is (Pete Millet AKA Wheatfield Audio)...................

 

[ringtheorist]

Kits are often the way to go if you don't feel you have the expertise to do it yourself directly from a schematic. I really like my Earmax clone amp. It cost me about $100 in parts and $15 in alcohol to build.

The project is well documented and can be found at HeadWize: http://www.headwize.com/projects/bender_prj.htm

It took me a full day and a half to build, but that was because I decided to build my own chassis. Stupid me bought a 16 guage steel faceplate, which was virtually impossible to work with. Oh well, I've learned my lesson. I wrote a little story about the construction here:
http://www.morphism.org/ampsaga.php

As to how good the amp sounds, I can't give you a good objective opinion. I've only heard a couple tube amps in my life, so I'm extremely biased.

My $0.02,
b

 

[Tuberoller]

The HD 83 is VERY easy to build I have built 3.The first one took about 8 hours the others about 6.You CAN build this amp it is that easy to do.Only the Van Alstine kits are easier.

 

[Gman]

Hey Ring! If you are going to put holes in steel plates you need to get some "Knockouts" from GreenLee. Nice amp by the way.

Gman