[Nikolaus]

Hi guys, I need a bit of help with getting a new setup.

I'm a total newbie into this, I'm used to having a decent set of headphones for my ipod nano (currently using super.fi 5eb), but I have no experience with headphone amps or anything like that.

Headphones: Basically I've decided on the beyerdynamic dt770-80ohm. As you can probably tell by that choice I really like bass

.

I've been thinking about getting a headphone amp for these. I'll be using my PC as source (planning on getting a decent soundcard).

I want a setup that's musical and fun, I'm not really too concerned with neutrality or whatever. I just want the music to sound great. I listen to almost anything really, Hip-hop, house, dance, pop, rock, whatever, however it's uptempo songs 90% of the time. And I really like bass

.

I've been looking into getting the Darkvoice 336i, which seems to have gotten really nice reviews from this site. Do you guys have any comments on how it will fit together with the dt770s? Will these be a good match or should I rather go from something else?

If the Darkvoice is the way to go, I've seen lots of posts about changing the standard tubes. I'd be willing to spend ~50$ on upgrading the tubes, would it be possible to get a significant upgrade in sound with widely available tubes (I'm located in Denmark, so availability might be a problem) at that pricepoint?

I'm not interested in spending another $300 on finding new tubes that fit perfectly, however if I could get a decent upgrade in sound for a reasonable amount of money, I'd be very much interested. Based on all of this info could you recommend any new tubes?

Sorry for the lengthy post, and looking forward to your answers

 

[MaloS]

There is a whole thread about tube-rolling the 336i =] (thats all I got to say, I've no idea how it fairs with dt770)

 

[Nikolaus]

Yeah, I read quite a bit of that thread. However it's quite hard to figure out from all the model numbers people post whether those tubes actually fit my criteria, so if anyone had some information at hand, it'd be greatly appreciated

 

[MaloS]

If you are going to get one, first get it and listen to it, and then think which area you would like to improve, rather than speculating ahead of time =] I know its fun, but it always turns out to be not productive :-/

 

[Nikolaus]

Good advice, speculating is so much fun, I guess I'm getting ahead of myself though. I'll drop the idea of new tubes for now then.

Now i just need some advice on the beyer dt770 and darkvoice 336i combo

 

[Vaughn]

Hi,

I've got the 336i, which I am using with a "chrome dome" sylvania 6SN7 and a GE 6AS7G. It sounds fantastic with my AKG k601's and 240M's.

It does not sound great with my DT770/80's. I love the DT770's but with this amp I am experiencing harshness in the upper mids that makes it unpleasant to listen to.

It may be a matter of tube rolling but it has had this sound with the few combinations I have tried. I am going to try the Fitz/Pink Floyd mods in the
near future and see if that makes a difference.

I will be receiving the Eddie Current EC/SS soon and I believe that will be a
much better match for the 770's.

 

[Nikolaus]

Hi Vaughn, thanks for answering.

I guess I won't be getting the 336i then. I've been looking at the Eddie Current, however it's a bit higher up the pricerange and I'm pretty sure I can't get it shipped to Denmark.

I've been browsing ebay for a bit, I came across this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...ayphotohosting

Any thoughts? I don't really know that much about headphone amplifiers so all those specs doesn't mean a lot to me

 

[Vaughn]

Well,

The amp you provided a link to looks ok but it seems without something
of an established reputation(such as the Darkvoice) the selection from Hong
Kong can be a bit potluck. If you are interested in this amp you should first contact the seller and verify shipping costs, as this is an area where they can really overcharge you.

I would say if you do bid, bid very low and hope for the best. Otherwize save up for a better amp.

Just curious, why couldn't you have an amp like the Eddie Current shipped to Denmark?

I've also seen a couple of recommendations for the DT770 that may be
easier for you to acquire, specifically the Meier Audio Arieta or Aria. The
first has a retail here in the states of $290 USD and the second $450.
I say look up Meier Audio's website (they are a Headfi supporter and there
is a link on the website) and see what you think.

 

[Nikolaus]

Hi, and thanks for taking the time to answer.

Just for fun I bid 35 dollars, and I just got an e-mail that I won the auction. However shipping is quoted as being: Ground 5-9 weeks, $116. Air 7-14 days, $216.

Doesn't seem like a very good deal, as I can get an amp that I know is ok for roughly the same money, and I really have no idea what this is like.

Thanks for the advice on the Meier Audio, I'll definately keep those in mind. I'd really like a tube amp though, so if you have any suggestions please go ahead

.

 

[Nikolaus]

I came across this:

http://www.firestoneaudio.com.au/pro.../tubehead.html

It's available for $300 from a danish supplier, which is a plus. Any thoughts?

I also saw the Little Dot 2+ for $150 shipped at ebay. Is this a good price?