[Foe-hammer]

I'm in the process of looking for a good desktop amp in the $200-$350 range. $200 preferably. My previous amps have been portable ones - rockhopper mini3 and pa2v2. I'm looking for something with more "umph".

The amp is to go along with AKG K601s.

I'm looking for something that has the best sound stage (no closed, canned sound), and great mids. Good bass impact would be nice too.

The amp will go along with my 5.1 DD, DTS, Dolby headphone receiver. I'll mainly be using it for gaming and movies, but music will also be used.


The 4 amps that i'm considering, are the:

1) Gilmore lite @ $350

2) Creek OBH-21 @ $250

3) Rockhopper MKK3 @ $300

4) Original Electronics Master Headphone Amplifier @ $160


I'm not familiar with the differences between solid state and tube amps, so either is a welcome option.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Foe-hammer]

Anyone?

 

[SenjStevo]

Wish i could get an original master but no one seems to have the 220v version for sale, it seems like a really good budget amp, from what i've gathered from head-fi and other reviews it got the thumbs up. Not much info about this one though.

The gilmore lite is a very popular amp, people really seem to like it round here, check the review in the review section.

I can't give any info myself as i'm pretty new to headphones and amps but thats what my research picked up.

 

[Foe-hammer]

Thanks for the info. I'm leaning towards the Rockhopper CKK3.

Any other recommendations?

 

[ropeadope]

I'm looking for something similar, though instead I'm using the K701s. It's really hard to get recommendations out of people here though

- Even so, might not end up liking someone's recommendation. Still probably better than none. Why are you leaning towards the rockhopper? I've never even heard of any of those amps, if that tells you where my knowledge level is

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

I would look for a used Meier HeadFive if I were you. $200 shipped is about the right price, and I am blown away by the sound/dollar with mine. It is warm and tubey sounding, which should mate with the 601s I think.

Another good one is a DarkVoice 336i tube amp with about $30-40 in upgraded RCA tubes for Preamp and Power. Even the best tubes will only be $80 for a set. A new one is closer to the $350 after shipping and upgraded tubes.

I haven't heard the Meier Arietta - it is supposed to be great for $255 but not as warm as the HeadFive.

 

[Foe-hammer]

Thanks guys for the advice/recommendations.

The Meier HeadFive sound like the perfect amp for me, especially at that great price. I just need to find one used... does anyone want to sell theirs? lol

The Shanling PH100 sound good, but there is very little info here on them.

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foe-hammer /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks guys for the advice/recommendations. The Meier HeadFive sound like the perfect amp for me, especially at that great price. I just need to find one used... does anyone want to sell theirs? lol The Shanling PH100 sound good, but there is very little info here on them.

You could ask some of the people on the HeadFive serial number list, just don't ask me

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/hea...2/#post2025551

I don't think I will ever sell mine though.

 

[fhuang]

look at my signature

 

[Foe-hammer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Normality /img/forum/go_quote.gif Even then, it does have to be a much better amp than the comparably priced Meier's. I would go straight with it (but it's your own choice).

Is there any info and reviews on the Shanling PH100?

Quote:

Originally Posted by fhuang /img/forum/go_quote.gif look at my signature

What exactly am i looking for?... I see the Yarland P100, how is that amp comparatively?


Again thanks all for the help...

 

[evanft]

I was able to get a Darkvoice 336i for $250 shipped. I haven't upgraded the tubes yet, but that's still well within your range and its a fantastic amp.

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

Yarland would be comparable to the DarkVoice 336i. Skylab reviewed the Yarland, was going to keep it, but later bought a 336i and sold the Yarland. Then he moved up to a DarkVoice 337.

When I asked Skylab for his recommendations in the $300 price range, he told me to get the DarkVoice 336i, I did and I am happy with that choice.

 

[Dept_of_Alchemy]

For $200 the Little Dot MkII can't be beat. Check out the entire Little Dot Mk line, it's probably the best bang for your buck in desktop amps today.

 

[evanft]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeadphoneAddict /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yarland would be comparable to the DarkVoice 336i. Skylab reviewed the Yarland, was going to keep it, but later bought a 336i and sold the Yarland. Then he moved up to a DarkVoice 337. When I asked Skylab for his recommendations in the $300 price range, he told me to get the DarkVoice 336i, I did and I am happy with that choice.

Yeah, I absolutely love mine. One of the best big purchases I've ever made.

 

[Foe-hammer]

Both the DarkVoice 336i and Little Dot MkII sound very nice, but i'm beginning to realize that Tube based amps might not be the way to go for me. The reason being, i need a desktop amp that is somewhat portable (easily moved between two residences), with tubes on top, i'd think it would make it too bulky, and easy to break.

The three amps that i'm considering now, are:

1) Headfive

2) CI VHP-2

3) Rockhopper MKK3


The VHP-2 has me really interested. But i'd like to keep the cost at $350 and under, rather then the retail price of $400.

Hmmm... decisions, decisions. lol

More recommendations and advice is much welcomed.