[The_LC]

Hey everyone,

I plan to purchase HD650s at some point in the very near future. I read that you need a good amp to drive these babies, and so I spent a few hours researching. While a lot of the abbreviations and models blew my mind, I came down to a couple of choices:

Little Dot MK V or the MK IV. I then found out that one was a solid state amp and the other one was a tube amp. Researching that some more, I found out that tube amps produce a warmer, more 'buttered' sound that adds to the source whilst SS amps are all about the pure SQ and detail. (I may as well as mention here that my only current source is the PC).

Now, I'm still not 100% sure about all the tube/ss amp hoopla, as the only thing I'm concerned with is about having good SQ. Does that mean SS amps are for me?

While I'm at it, I also discovered the Graham Slee Solo SRG amp, another SS amp. If I remember correctly, this is the same kind of amp that Sennheriser themselves used to test the 650s? So in an ideal world, this is a very good amp for them? I looked on ebay, and they cost around £360, just within my budget.

My post probably didn't make much sense, because I'm not well versed with this whole amplifier situation, so I am hoping that someone can clear it up and give me a recommendation based on what I have said.

Before I forget, I read that these amps produce a hiss/hum on lower impedance headphones such as the 50ohms HD595? I wish to keep those, so what can I do to stop this when I finally do have an amp?

All help is appreciated and I will love you forever. =)

 

[abellaw]

Sorry i can only provide general information as i am not the most technically versed person on this site.

The general summaries that you provided are true about the SS/tube amps. But with tubes you can tailor the sound to your liking somewhat by tube rolling. I am pretty sure there are plenty of threads that have great suggestions on both tube amps and SS amps for HD650.

Your right that amps can cause hiss with lower impedance and sensitive cans. But i am sure with the HD595 the hiss will be very small if noticeable at all. The hiss is usually a probably with IEMS...

Anyways i hope i helped a little.

 

[HeatFan12]

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_LC /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hey everyone, I plan to purchase HD650s at some point in the very near future. I read that you need a good amp to drive these babies, and so I spent a few hours researching. While a lot of the abbreviations and models blew my mind, I came down to a couple of choices: That's the Head-Fi spirit Little Dot MK V or the MK IV. I then found out that one was a solid state amp and the other one was a tube amp. Researching that some more, I found out that tube amps produce a warmer, more 'buttered' sound that adds to the source whilst SS amps are all about the pure SQ and detail. (I may as well as mention here that my only current source is the PC). I own the MKIVSE and it is great with the HD650s. The sound on tube amps can be tailored to your liking with different tubes (gets expensive, but a lot of fun). Now, I'm still not 100% sure about all the tube/ss amp hoopla, as the only thing I'm concerned with is about having good SQ. Does that mean SS amps are for me? You get great SQ with either, there are warm SS amps too (e.g. K.I.C.A.S. Caliente). It all depends what you want. While I'm at it, I also discovered the Graham Slee Solo SRG amp, another SS amp. If I remember correctly, this is the same kind of amp that Sennheriser themselves used to test the 650s? So in an ideal world, this is a very good amp for them? I looked on ebay, and they cost around £360, just within my budget. Never heard the SRG but read great things on it. My post probably didn't make much sense, because I'm not well versed with this whole amplifier situation, so I am hoping that someone can clear it up and give me a recommendation based on what I have said. Your post made perfect sense. Everything depends on your needs... Before I forget, I read that these amps produce a hiss/hum on lower impedance headphones such as the 50ohms HD595? I wish to keep those, so what can I do to stop this when I finally do have an amp? Hiss/hum to me is unacceptable. We spend good $$$ on equipment. Silence is key...I have a couple of tube and SS amps and they all have a black backround with any of my cans (Denon, Grados, Ultrasones). Some people get RFI, ground loop etc...Culprit must be found and put to rest, whether it is audible while music is playing or not...... All help is appreciated and I will love you forever. =)

Join date 2010---Awesome...Welcome...Hide your wallet...

Also, if you're going to use PC, I would look into a DAC.

 

[The_LC]

Alright, so that's a good take on the MKIV, thanks.

I'm not sure if I like the idea of catching the bug that makes me constantly upgrade tubes. Haha. I do have one question on the SRG II though, they have two power options. The cheaper green version, and a much more expensive one that uses a linear power source. I can assume this means the linear power source produces better sound quality? How much exactly is diminished in SQ by using 'green' power? Does it still have enough to make it a serious contender of the MKIV? Or would a MKV be better at that point?

I may invest in a DAC at some later point, when my wallet recovers. (I'm only 16,

)

Thanks.

 

[HeatFan12]

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_LC /img/forum/go_quote.gif Alright, so that's a good take on the MKIV, thanks. I'm not sure if I like the idea of catching the bug that makes me constantly upgrade tubes. Haha. I do have one question on the SRG II though, they have two power options. The cheaper green version, and a much more expensive one that uses a linear power source. I can assume this means the linear power source produces better sound quality? How much exactly is diminished in SQ by using 'green' power? Does it still have enough to make it a serious contender of the MKIV? Or would a MKV be better at that point? I may invest in a DAC at some later point, when my wallet recovers. (I'm only 16, ) Thanks.

Better power= better everything.
Again, I don't know about the SRG but maybe a search would yield some results in reference to the power. I don't know about the MKV...I skipped it altogether and went MKVII and that one has power to spare.

The only reason I brought up the DAC w/ PC is because everything goes hand in hand. If you are going to use onboard sound, a DAC is the way to go because it bypasses it and gives you a clean signal.

 

[The_LC]

Yeah, I just read a thread that discussed the SRG PSU-1 and the Green, there seems to be a pretty big difference! (And a bigger hole in my wallet =P)

I've also looked up DACs and it does sound like I'm going to get one eventually.

Anyone with experience on the SRG II? Your input is very welcome

(So far I'm considering the SRG II with PSU-1 power. A SS amp just seems ideal, none of this tube rolling stuff to deal with an all.

)

 

[MomijiTMO]

Take small steps dude. You seem to be on the right track and it's great you've done some heavy reading. One thing to remember is to be mindful that Head-Fi has a lot of opinions, not all of which are particularly useful.

 

[lozanoa11]

Oh man your 16 and getting into HI(head)-Fi? Good luck man I hope you have a good job. I kinda wish i was at your age. I did have some bose in ear headphones that I thought were bad ass at your age lol.

Tube rolling is not a necessity only an option.

Also remember you can always upgrade later.