Classical music amp?

[Hug]

Although I love to listen to rock, folk, jazz, etc.; it is classical music that really sends me. I would love to know of your experiences or recommendations for an amplifier for the Sennheiser HD600 headphones that:

1. Has ample power reserves to handle the wide dynamic swings (very soft to very loud) of classical music without strain.
2. Separates clearly the individual instrumental lines and timbres, even in loud, tutti passages.
3. Portrays the soundstage of the recording venue with convincing realism.
4. Is not fatiguing to listen to over a long listening session.
5. Is reliable; doesn't require a lot of fussing to keep it operating.

I could imagine spending up to $600 if I had to, but would prefer to spend less if I can get the above qualities at a more modest price.

I am especially interested to know of any direct experience you have had, even with particular recordings, that could help illuminate this question for me. Many thanks to any who reply.

(My playback system is: Theta Basic transport, Theta Basic IIIa DAC, Audio Research LS2b preamp, Rowland amp, Thiel speakers)

Hug

 

[chych]

The MG Head OTL is a nice match at $330. If you can find one, get a used Melos SHA-1 at around $500.

 

[Audio-Me]

Antique Sound Lab MG Head tube amp is just what you're looking for. =)
http://www.divertech.com/mgheaddt.html
purchase here: http://www.headphone.com/layout.php?...tID=0010030000

 

[fredpb]

I listen to mainly classical music.
The HD600's go well with the Antique Sound Labs MG Head OTL model.

The MG Head goes for about $370 now. You should add a Clou brand Blue or Red cable for about $90 - $120 (amp to headphone).

You can use the OTL jack for full range classical music, for more impact and low end.

You can use the Transformer jack for more detail and excellent timbre with chamber music or most baroque.

The HD600/MG Head OTL/Clou combination is excellent for classical.

Also use a good interconnect between main amp and headphone amp. I use a Straightwire Encore II, at a modest $100 on the net.

 

[MacDEF]

First, spend $100 or so on a set of Clou cables

Then spend the other $500 on an amp.

 

[kelly]

Heh. Hug and I already talked privately, but just to get it out in the open.... I advised him against the MG Head. The Head is wonderous with electric guitar (Blue Oyster Cult and Deep Purple come ALIVE on the thing with a pair of Sennheisers) but I found the amp to be not quick enough and not detailed enough in the high end for classical.

I'm not sure I'm qualified to talk about the soundstage and imaging with headphones. The only thing I can add here is that this amp does not include a crossfeed filter.

For a little more than the Head, I find the Corda HA-1 to be far preferable for classical. It doesn't have the bass impact of the MG Head and it won't do any magic with the guitars and vocals, but it's much more pleasant to listen to complicated movements on.

Kelly

 

[dngl]

I think it's time to search for a Melos...

Really, it smokes.

 

[MacDEF]

I liked my HeadRoom Little with classical and the HD600/580. For $600, you can get Clou Reds and a Little More Power, and have money to spare. Later you could upgrade to the Premium electronics if you wanted.

The Corda will do well, as will the Head.

 

[cyclingasronomer]

hi. i'm a new member who didn't even know headphones had amps three days ago. but your site was so interesting i now have an mg head dt/ots on its way and a new hd600 sitting waiting. my problem is that i listen to records on a turntable and am not sure how to hook up the amp. i assume i just plug it into the tape output, right? i use quicksilver tube amps to listen, and am excited to try tubes with the more intimate form of listening through 'phones. thanks for all your excitement, knowledge, and, hopefully, help.

 

[chych]

You hook the headphone amp as you would a preamp (headphone amps and preamps are somewhat similar). I'm not quite sure what that would mean for analog systems, as I am too unfamiliar with them, but they go where the preamp goes.. after the phono preamp I think.

 

[fiddler]

I might not be the most qualified to make this recommendation because I've only owned one amp, but I really enjoy the Corda HA-1 with the HD600s, and I listen to mainly classical. I'm sure you'd appreciate the adjustable crossfeed. I find that crossfeed really does make the soundstage more natural and realistic, making it easier to listen for long periods. I usually keep the crossfeed on the lowest setting, but it's nice to be able to increase the amount of crossfeed on those recordings with extreme stereo separation.

 

[cyclingasronomer]

thanks. actually, i think i should be more clear. the turntable, a sota nova, which has a vacuum to hold down the record, will be hooked up to my preamp, which has a phono input. so i assume that the signal will then come out of the preamp's tape outlet and into the headphone amp. right? then i will still be able to use my speakers. incidentally, why is this clou cable mentioned so much, when there are many cables? does it have a synergy with the hd600? thanks.

 

[chych]

Hmm I have no idea about tape outs, but it sounds like what it should be connected to. The Clou cables are not normal RCA cables, they are cables that connect to the HD600... it is a headphone cable. There are others, such as the Cardas and Stefan Art HD600 cables; Jude will post a review of them in a few days. Clou was the only manufacturer of an upgraded HD600 cable, but two new cables have recently been introduced.

 

[MirandaX]

Yes, tape outs are what you should use. (If your preamp doesn't have tape outs, I'm sure Headroom will be happy to sell you a pair of Vampire splitters.)

 

[bootman]

Yes, use the tape outs. They will be at a constant level output so that you can use the volume control on the headphone amp.
Try to stay away from Y-connectors (splitters) if at all possible.