[atarkovsky]

Greetings from the cold...
 
Need a little bit of advice. I'm considering acquiring a dedicated amp for my HD800s. Right now, the headphone is connected to my computer using a SAA Endorphin cable & an Asus XONAR Essence STX audio card.
 
I thought, at first, to get a WooAudio but the customs, delays etc. are a little bit too much.
 
The choices I have in front of me right now are :
 
1. Burson Audio HA-160D
2. Musical Fidelity M1 HPA
3. BEYERDYNAMIC A1
4. STAX SRM-323S
 
What do you think? Any opinions will be very much appreciated.
 
Cheers!

 

[TwoEars]

I like the Burson amps, they do well with 90% of the headphones on the market but not HD800 IMO. Not terrible but there are better options.
 
The Beyer I think is bland - nothing special.
 
The M1 HPA - same, good but nothing special either.
 
Haven't heard the STAX.
 
I'd recommend you take a look at the Lavry D11 - great DAC and amp in one.
 
Or go for the Violectic 200 - haven't heard it but it's supposed to be great for HD800.

 

[atarkovsky]

Thanks TwoEars,
 
I will check the two names you mentioned. Problem is... I can't seem to find them available in my country. Need to check for EU availability.
 
If you, or anybody else, has ideas about amps that can easily be located in the EU - would be of great help.

 

[majkel]

Thanks TwoEars,
If you, or anybody else, has ideas about amps that can easily be located in the EU - would be of great help.

This. It's been re-tuned after the review to keep all sonic advantages while improving some other. Interior is slightly re-arranged as well.

 

[rawrster]

The Stax amp will not work on the HD800

 

[TwoEars]

You could also buy  my Audio-GD Phoenix that I'm selling - lol.
 
It's a really nice combo with the HD800 but I've decided to go another more minimalistic way with my headphone setup - basically my "computer corner" where I keep all my headphone gear is cramping up.

 

[atarkovsky]

TwoEars, offer is noted and taken!

But I don't want to go balanced.
 
Looking at the EarStream Sonic Pearl, it does look tasty. But I could only find one review ...

 

[dradu]

Did you check this:
http://highfidelity.pl/@main-320&lang=en

Regards,
Dan

 

[TwoEars]

Just get the Violectric 200 from Germany - it has a proven track record.

 

[InnerSpace]

Quote:

Just get the Violectric 200 from Germany - it has a proven track record.

Agreed.  The V200 is the second-best amp in the world for the HD800.  Unfortunately no one agrees on the best in the world - but it's a lot more expensive than the Violectric.

 

[fabio-fi]

Quote:

I like the Burson amps, they do well with 90% of the headphones on the market but not HD800 IMO. Not terrible but there are better options.
 

 
I assume you haven't tried the Soloist? its a totally different amp with the HD800. 

 

[TwoEars]

Quote:

 
I assume you haven't tried the Soloist? its a totally different amp with the HD800. 

 
You are right!
 
I was referring to the HA-160 / 160D amp section.
 
But the new conductor dac/amp looks very promising: Sabre32 chip setup/tuned for analog sound by Burson and soloist amp section - all in one box tuned to work together. Should be a knock-out performer if they don't jinx it.