[jordanr]

So, what've been your favorite HD580 / amp combinations and why?

 

[jrosenth]

Hands down the Rega Ear.

Fantastic speed and more than enough agressiveness - also an absolutely great bang for the buck.

 

[atx]

SR71. It's like they're made for each other.

 

[Thaddy]

I really liked my HD580's with my old maxed out PPA. It made me think, "What veil?!"

 

[kramer5150]

neilpearts M^3... fast, detailed, aggressive, open. Transformed my 580.

Garrett

 

[Bones13]

Using my 580s with a Headroom Desktop (desktop amp/dac). I like the brightness adjustments, and the crossfeed for some older classical.

 

[Clutz]

I like it better with a PPA v2 using OPA627/637 than a Millett-Hybrid with 12FK6 tubes and Diamond Buffers

 

[XxATOLxX]

Gilmore Lite. I haven't tried any other amp for it except the Pa2v2.

 

[sionghchan]

Hmmm...lots of replies but none on the Corda Aria. Thus, I'm putting my vote in for the Corda Aria. However, I haven't head lots of other amps except the PA2V2 and of course, the Aria blows the PA2V2 out of the water. However, how good is the Aria against say like a M3 or a PPA, I have no idea.

However, that said, I do like the transparency of the HD580 paired with the Aria..

It is SO real that it sounded like guitars are being played right there in the room..

 

[LedZeppelin]

the price amp is way over hd 580 itself..
I check the Corda Aria ..over $350,
Headroom Desktop ..over $200
SR71 over $300
neilpearts M^3, not found.. but it sounds very expensive too..

only Pa2v2 is my range in <$70.. could some one recommend some amp in below 100 range..

 

[evilgnome]

I loved my HD600 + Gilmore Lite combo.

 

[jordanr]

Thanks for all the suggestions and caveats. Unfortunately, it didn't make my choice any easier. I was hoping everyone would respond with some degree of uniformity. I guess that's probably an unrealistic expectation in light of the subjectivity inherent in high-end audio preferences.

I'm using the Pocket Amp right now, and the difference and improvement I've experienced relative to my old SR-80s has been astounding. I know there's more to these headphones, though.

Keep the suggestions coming. If it makes any difference, I was also hoping not to spend much more than I spent on the phones themselves.

 

[meat01]

Jordon, Everytime someone asks for a particular amp for a certain type of phone, everyone just responds with the amp that they have. There really is no particular amp that is made for the HD580. If you had asked what people's favorite amps are for a Grado, you would get some of the same amps. You really can't go wrong with any of the amps mentioned. If you don't want to spend that much, I would look into a used Go Vibe or a PIMETA.

 

[sionghchan]

Another possibility, although I CANNOT directly recommend it as I HAVE NOT HEARD it.

However, if you are looking at spending around the price of your headphones, look into the Firestone amps:
- Cute Beyond

Apparently, the Cute Beyond has been voiced for the HD600 (shares the same drivers as the HD580). I have heard other people say good things about these amps and they cost about the same price as the phones.

ps - Firestone is one of head-fi's sponsors as well.