First Desktop Amp

[buldogge]

Hey there... I'm new to Head-Fi and I'm looking for my first desktop/non-portable amp.

I plan on using my HotUSB 'DAC The Destroyer' as my DAC for now. The source is MAC G5/iTunes or a 32GB ITouch.

My phones are AKG K240M and AKG K271S MKII... I would like to try Senn HD650 soon so would like an amp that could cover those bases.

I want tubes preferably as well, and would like a pre-amp out to hook desk speakers into.

I've been searching and reading quite a bit and have noted the following amps:

WooAudio 3
Darkvoice 336i/SE
Head Direct EF-1 (but has no pre-amp/out)
Little Dot (which one?...II+ III?)

If anyone has further suggestions or insights on any of these particular amps I would greatly appreciate it.

BTW...I'm looking to spend $300 (WA3 would need to be used obviously).

I'm certainly open to used...so...if anyone has anything they're looking to move please let me know.

TIA
Mark in St. Louis

 

[Tridacnid]

All of those amps have gotten excellent reviews. I can only talk about the LD MKIII and the DV336i.

I preferred the 336i after tube rolling (the stock tubes are junk), but both amps sounded quite good with my Grados and my Sextett.

What are you looking for in an amp besides tubes and power handling? Transparency vs. A warmer sound, for instance.

 

[MikeW]

I think the wooaudio 3 and ef-1 are in another league compared to the others.

 

[buldogge]

I'm not sure if I'm making the right choice/desire here...but...

I prefer the sound of my K240Ms over the sound of the K271s...

Would it be foolish and counterproductive to want a warm/lush tube sound on top of (or next to) the "neutral" 240s?

Previously I thought I might like to add a little bass presence...but...last night I stuck velour pads on the 240s and that added a bit of bass (volume at least) presence on its own.

???

TA
Mark in St. Louis

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tridacnid /img/forum/go_quote.gif All of those amps have gotten excellent reviews. I can only talk about the LD MKIII and the DV336i. I preferred the 336i after tube rolling (the stock tubes are junk), but both amps sounded quite good with my Grados and my Sextett. What are you looking for in an amp besides tubes and power handling? Transparency vs. A warmer sound, for instance.

 

[buldogge]

Do you believe that price is still a powerful indicator at this level, especially when discussing chinese-built amps???

The EF-1 is at the very top of my price range and the WA3 will need to be used. I think from what I've read that the WA3 would be perfect for my set-up/needs.

Opinions?

...and the waiting game for a used one of course!

Mark in St. Louis

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeW /img/forum/go_quote.gif I think the wooaudio 3 and ef-1 are in another league compared to the others.

 

[Sparky14]

I love my LD III with my HD650s, and I don't even have a DAC yet, that is going straight from my netbook to the LD.

And I haven't even gotten into tube rolling yet.

 

[buldogge]

Have you tried any other phones with it?

As an aside...Who's the best source for the chinese-built amps (taking into account both cost and service)???

Mark in St. Louis

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparky14 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I love my LD III with my HD650s, and I don't even have a DAC yet, that is going straight from my netbook to the LD. And I haven't even gotten into tube rolling yet.

 

[Tridacnid]

Buying directly from Little Tube makes more sense to me. Last time I checked, you saved a couple dollars when you circumvented the ebay step.

 

[buldogge]

I just bought a used Little Dot MKII off of oogabooga. He's including a few pairs of tubes as well.

How do you guy's think this amp will mesh with my K240Ms?

This should get me started nicely hopefully!

I'm thinking I'll keep my eye out in the next couple months for a used WooAudio 3 as well.

Opinions?

TA
Mark in St. Louis