First Time Amp Help

[Dash]

I have just recently found a headphone that I really enjoy, the AKG 240S. I want to find a good starter amp for home to take advantage of my Cambridge Special Edition and Nordost interconnects. I also like the idea of having power and not having to worry about driving a future headphone. Here comes the difficult part. I have reseached down to 2-3 choices but more suggestions are welcome. I am not a DIYer so it needs to built already and would like to stay under $300. Now here are the choices in no particular order:
#1 Gilmore Lite
#2 RockHopper Budget M3
#3 Rockhopper PPA

I like the Op rolling ability of the last two.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks in Advance,
D

 

[Dash]

49 views and no opinions? Come on guys. I know a few of you own these amps and can recommend a good starting point.

Thanks,
D

 

[Jazper]

I currently have a PPA and an M3 here and in my opinion the M3 betters the PPA. But that's for the music I listen to, my headphones and it's just an opinion.

The dynalo is an earlier design, that is in discrete solid state - what kind of answer are you looking for cause right now you've just got a broad sweeping "ok so which should I get" .

We need more information about what you listen to, in order to help with the question.

 

[kramer5150]

are you opposed to tubes?

I just got my K240s and am really enjoying my millet hybrid. Its a bit bassy now but nothing some tube rolling cant solve. I removed the cloth disk from my cans and it helped open up the treble a little. I put it back in though for fear of damaging the driver. Im going to the fabric store some time to look for a more transparent type of cloth, and fabricate my own. that should let the treble breathe some more.

IMHO a brighter or neutral sounding amp might suit the K240s better, than a bass heavy one. Unless youre a basshead like me. Perhaps a Gilmore lite, one of the more neutral amps I have heard.

Garrett

 

[Dash]

I listen to everything given the mood(except country) I need an amp that's flexible, perhaps with the ability to roll(tubes or Ops). I think tubes would add too much warmth to an overall warm can(AKG 240S). I would prefer to stay solid state. I have a had a few tube amps in the past with my Maggies and did not like their presentation, they where very warm but seem to hide detail. I like the Gilmore Lite and it seems to come highly recommended here but lacks some of the flexibilty of the RockHopper or MisterX built PPA or M3. I am looking for direct comparisions of the solid state built amps and how much flexibilty and headroom they have. I am really intrigued with the AKG sound and look forward to the 601/701's landing stateside. I need an amp that provides a good starting point but also has some longevity. I hope this helps narrow my original post. Thanks for the feedback on the M3, thats what I want to hear.

 

[PinchyCM]

Quote:

Originally Posted by daashford0404 I have just recently found a headphone that I really enjoy, the AKG 240S. I want to find a good starter amp for home to take advantage of my Cambridge Special Edition and Nordost interconnects. I also like the idea of having power and not having to worry about driving a future headphone. Here comes the difficult part. I have reseached down to 2-3 choices but more suggestions are welcome. I am not a DIYer so it needs to built already and would like to stay under $300. Now here are the choices in no particular order: #1 Gilmore Lite #2 RockHopper Budget M3 #3 Rockhopper PPA I like the Op rolling ability of the last two. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in Advance, D

Those are all excellent amps - performance wise, I think they're all quite close. Especially the PPA and Gilmore (haven't heard the M3) If you're looking to stay under 300, would you consider a used PPA? I have one for sale.

It'd be well under 300.

 

[drarthurwells]

Quote:

Originally Posted by daashford0404 I have just recently found a headphone that I really enjoy, the AKG 240S. I want to find a good starter amp for home to take advantage of my Cambridge Special Edition and Nordost interconnects. I also like the idea of having power and not having to worry about driving a future headphone. Here comes the difficult part. I have reseached down to 2-3 choices but more suggestions are welcome. I am not a DIYer so it needs to built already and would like to stay under $300. Now here are the choices in no particular order: #1 Gilmore Lite #2 RockHopper Budget M3 #3 Rockhopper PPA I like the Op rolling ability of the last two. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in Advance, D

I don't like opamp sound degradation myself.

For solid state the Lehmann Black Cube linerar is best for the bucks, but $675 is steep.

The Ming Da MC66AE for about $300 is unbeatable - Class A with no global feedback and three separate transformer - very rich, lush, sweet sound.

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/show...ghlight=Meixing

For something that combines the best solid state attributes with the best tube qualities, the Bada PH12 is peerless for a little over $400. Stretch your budget some and get this one - you will never need or want to upgrade. Combines the best of Lehmann qualities with tube tone body (but natural timbre and not excessive). Sounds like the timbre of my multi-thousand dollar home amplification.

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=136296

 

[tyrion]

I haven't heard the Gilmore Lite or the Rockhopper PPA. I have heard a Rockhopper M3 that Thrice sent for the South Florida meet. For the money, the M3 is a bargain. It's been months since I heard it so I don't remember the details. I do remember enjoying it while it was here.