comparable amps for HD650 < $500?

[dowxp]

I have been running a PiMeta and was wondering if it is 'worth' it to switch to a better amp. if so, any recommendations? its like buying a car, and it is overwhelming. since i can't test drive any of them, its now based on user reviews.

any suggestions? where to buy? thanks.

 

[go_vtec]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dowxp I have been running a PiMeta and was wondering if it is 'worth' it to switch to a better amp. if so, any recommendations? its like buying a car, and it is overwhelming. since i can't test drive any of them, its now based on user reviews. any suggestions? where to buy? thanks.

Try Corda HA-2 from Meier Audio, which happens to be one of our sponsors. If you want a tube amp, I would suggest look for an used Singlepower PPX3 from our for sale forum (they do appear once in a blue moon).

 

[bifcake]

I'll second the PPX3 recommendation. I think it's the best amp you can get for $500

 

[Chefguru]

new gilmore lite + ps upgrade

 

[TrevorNetwork]

I second Chefguru's recommendation.

 

[sacd lover]

solid state: gilmore lite/ tube: singlepower ppx3

 

[tom hankins]

I'll give another vote for the Singlepower PPX3. You can ask Mikhail about a demo he has them on hand sometime. www.singlepoweraudio.com

The most recent review is in the amp forum.(although there are several) Do a search for -- Another SinglePower review.

 

[Jahn]

My Solo is probably swinging just over that $500 range of yours used and modded, and right now I've been informed that it's probably outstripping the abilities of my source - grr! Anyhow even before the last round of mods it did a HD650 with silver dragon cable right proud, and I'm totally confident in hooking it up to a killer source and taking on any of the other big boy amps this fall. So if you can't afford something up front with a killer sound, look into an amp that has potential, and hotrod it!

 

[AuroraProject]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chefguru new gilmore lite + ps upgrade

I'll third this combo. It sounds great with the 650's, I have no recommendations on a tube amp.

 

[ru4music]

I have a WooAudio 3 (tube) amp on its way to me ($470). It will terminate a new Senn HD-650 ($315) with a new cryo processed CARDAS cable ($129). I will post my impressions. I chose the WooAudio based on reviews and my knowledge of tube amp design.

www.wooaudio.com

 

[elvergun]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chefguru new gilmore lite + ps upgrade

What exactly does the ps upgrade do to the sound of the amp? Is there a great difference?

 

[elvergun]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AuroraProject I'll third this combo. It sounds great with the 650's, I have no recommendations on a tube amp.

I thought the Gilmore Lite worked better with low impedance cans. Is there some setting that accomodates higher impedance headphones like the 650s?

 

[TrevorNetwork]

I tend to feel the Gilmore dynamic (DynaLo) works well with all impedences. The difference between Headamp's Gilmore Lite, V2, V2-SE is the power supply, and part selection. The circuit is the same. Gilmore ampliers of all sorts seem to be quite power thirsty. Power thirsty for very clean power. The parts selection, and power supply make fundamental differences in dynamics, and the overall quality of the amplifier.

 

[masahito24@chart]

I have the Emmeline XP-7 w/ HD650. This combo sounds great, nice soundstage. I just got the HD650 about a week ago and i am still trying to break them in. The XP-7 has 627BP omp amps.

 

[dowxp]

the WA-3 looking appealing, but don't the tubes eventually require replacement after a certain amount of usage? thanks.