[SteeleBlayde]

I've started this thread because the thread I was reading has turned into a discussion about naming policies. I'm not interested. What I am interested in is how these amps stack up against each other.

I'd also like to say that I've never owned a headphone amp, know very little about the topic and am looking for some advice and help in purchasing one for my Senn HD600s w/Cardas cables.

I was hoping someone could reflect on how the following amps stack up against each other. Ie. Pick the "best" one for HD600s.

Gilmore V2-SE
Sugden HeadMaster
Ray Samuels Emmeline HR-2

ASL MG-Head OTL 32
Meier Audio AudioValve RKV MkII
EarMax Pro

I'm really looking for a muscle amp to power my cans and one that can bring the sound "up close" and reduce the laid-back-ness of the Senns. I'm under the impression that tubes do this better than solid state but I'm not sure.

Thanks.

 

[radrd]

Have you heard any of these amps?

 

[SteeleBlayde]

Nope, I dont have any amps yet. I'm hoping someone else has though...

 

[john_jcb]

As long as you are making a list I would add in the Emmeline HR-2 by Ray Samuels to the list. Seeing as how the Gilmore is so new the list of people who have heard all of the amps you list will be short. Give it a little time and I think there will be plenty of reviews.

 

[tanfenton]

The ASL MG-Head OTL32 would fall somewhere in that category.

NGF

 

[john_jcb]

A couple of other things to consider when reading reviews if the end goal is to buy an amp. First pay close attention to the complete setup. Listening to an amp with a $4,000 source if that is not what you have can be misleading. Another thing I try and do is to find reviewers that hear things the same way I do. This requires that you take a little time and audition equipment rather than buying the first thing that comes highly recommended. If you do a few searches there are some excellent reviews on some of the amps you mention, not always comparisons but good reviews none the less.

 

[Wmcmanus]

Grace 901?

Audio Valve RKV MkII with Impedanzer?

It's hard to know where to begin or end such a list. These amps are certainly no more expensive than a Max with stepped attenuators.

 

[DanG]

The Wheatfield HA-1 can be great with low-impedance headphones like Grado, but really isn't all that well suited to headphones like the HD600.

Never owned any of the others (though I've heard some), so I don't think it's worth it for me to comment on the rest.

 

[jopi]

I've had the Max/Senn combo for about two weeks. Worked fantastic on rock music. Incredible speed. Excellent bass.

Most of my listening is classical and jazz though and I opted for a different phone/amp combination.

 

[Sol_Zhen]

Quote:

Originally posted by jopi I've had the Max/Senn combo for about two weeks.

Which max?

 

[Gopher]

Quote:

Originally posted by Sol_Zhen Which max?

oh no! We're not starting that again!!!

 

[antness]

Not amp formerly known as the Gilmore V2 Max; perhaps SteeleBlayde can edit his post to read the Gilmore V2-SE.

-Justin

 

[tom hankins]

I use the senn.hd600/w cardas cable and a headroom MOHR/stepped attn., meta42, and an ASL OTL32. The OTL32 makes the senn's sound the best to me. They seem to not sound as dark or distant through this amp as they do through the other two.

 

[kartik]

Quote:

Originally posted by SteeleBlayde I'm really looking for a muscle amp to power my cans and one that can bring the sound "up close" and reduce the laid-back-ness of the Senns. Thanks.

Cheap solution!

Lose the Senns!

Buy the Grado SR-325

MMMuHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

 

[kartik]

But seriously, if you want a more aggressive, "in your face", sound, why ARE you using the Senns. Low impedance cans like the grado SR (Same price range as the HD600) are easily powered by lesser sources and deliver "desert storm" aggression. A muscle amp may make them more aggressive but they definitely have a more forward presentation. Maybe the amp is not the solution...
...My 2 cents are free!