Gilmore vs Rega vs Creek vs Musical fidelit

[Filipe]

This is my shortlist, and I'm hoping to make a decision and buy the amp next week.
In no particular order:

- Rega Ear 215$
- Creek OBH21 220$
- Creek OBH21 SE 340$
- Gilmore Lite (the new model) ~350$ (inc US import charges)
- Musical Fidelity V3 460$

I'll be using a pair of AKG 271 mainly, with a Sony MZN10 portable MD. I listen mainly to acostic and rock/metal.
Edit: Will also use an Arcam CD72 later on.

From the above selection what would be the best value amp?

Inicially my choice was towards the Rega, but then I came across the Gilmore, which from what I've read would be a better value choice.
Also the Gilmore would be the new model which even if no reviews are yet available as its not out yet, it claims to have a few improvements over the previous model.

I would be reluctant to go as far as the MF V3 unless the extra performace (?) would really be worth the extra cash.


Thanks for the help

 

[gpalmer]

I would avoid the Creek amps just because they have attracted a lot of negative postings around here, so not only are they probably not the best sounding but their resale value would be poor. I haven't heard the Rega Ear, let alone with the 271. I have extensively listened to the 271 with the Gilmore and Gilmore Lite and it's a good combination, the limiting factor is really the 271 not the Gilmore's. For what it's worth, I would go with the Lite myself.

EDIT - In retrospect I would also consider a PPA in there somewhere. I haven't priced things with any builders, but I believe you could get a pretty decent one in that price range. My guess is that the performance would be comparable to the Lite with maybe a bit more soundstage. I compared the V2 against a stock PPA recently and the PPA was virtually indistinguishable from the V2 although it seemed to have slightly more bass extension...

 

[TMC]

Unless you have plans to upgrade your source I wouldn't spend that much on an amp. With your current setup I would look into the new headsave amps (www.headsave.com) that will just cost you $85 and according to another head-fi:er drives his HD600 really well.

 

[fewtch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gpalmer I would avoid the Creek amps just because they have attracted a lot of negative postings around here, so not only are they probably not the best sounding but their resale value would be poor.

IME it's only the OBH-11 that's taken heat around here. As far as resale value, Creeks have tended to do well on eBay (but lately eBay seems to be overloaded with headamps, so that may no longer be true).

 

[Filipe]

thanks for the replies.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMC Unless you have plans to upgrade your source I wouldn't spend that much on an amp. With your current setup I would look into the new headsave amps (www.headsave.com) that will just cost you $85 and according to another head-fi:er drives his HD600 really well.

Yes, I understand the source I mentioned is hardly hi-fi. Thing is I wanted an amp to use at work for the next few months at least, and probably to be used at home with an Arcam CD72 later on.

Thanks, keep them coming

 

[gpalmer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fewtch IME it's only the OBH-11 that's taken heat around here. As far as resale value, Creeks have tended to do well on eBay (but lately eBay seems to be overloaded with headamps, so that may no longer be true).

Thanks for the correction, I am not very conversant with their line.

 

[TMC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Filipe thanks for the replies. Yes, I understand the source I mentioned is hardly hi-fi. Thing is I wanted an amp to use at work for the next few months at least, and probably to be used at home with an Arcam CD72 later on. Thanks, keep them coming

In that case I would recommend the HA-1 mkII (www.meier-audio.de). I like it more than the V3 which I tried out with DT880 on my 640C. Search the amp forum for Tuberoller's review for more info.

 

[Demolition]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gpalmer In retrospect I would also consider a PPA in there somewhere. I haven't priced things with any builders, but I believe you could get a pretty decent one in that price range.

I agree. If you're considering amps up to the $460 range, then a PPA is definitely within reach. Barebones examples sell for $350 (e.g. an ITZBITZ PPA) and nicely turned-out ones can be had for less than $500 (e.g. an AOS PPA).

D.

 

[Filipe]

I've reconsidered, and can't really go over the 350$ mark, rulling out MF V3, HA1, PPA, etc.

So at the moment, I'm pretty much decided on the Gilmore lite, or something second hand I may find in the next week or so.

 

[gpalmer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Filipe So at the moment, I'm pretty much decided on the Gilmore lite, or something second hand I may find in the next week or so.

That isn't a bad thing. When listening to the Lite I frequently debate with myself whether I should have stopped there. It's an excellent bang for the buck amplifer and I think you'll be very happy!

 

[ServinginEcuador]

Why not spend a few dollars more and get a SinglePower amp? I think the low-end model, the MPX3, runs about $400.

 

[Alex Altorfer]

Filipe,

Though I haven't auditioned any of the other amps, I've been very very happy with the Rega Ear's performance, especially after pairing it up with the Rega Planet 2000.

I'm certain most of the other amps you are looking into are great sounding and great values as well. If you choose to buy an amp from Jan Meier you'll see he services his customers very well with fast, well packaged parcels. Boa sorte em sua escolha!

Cheers,
Alex

 

[Filipe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ServinginEcuador Why not spend a few dollars more and get a SinglePower amp? I think the low-end model, the MPX3, runs about $400.

The new gilmore lite will retail for 275/300$ in the US, so being in the UK I have to add VAT tax and shipping at least (~20% todal).
So the 400$ by the time its over here would br out of the budget I set.
Thanks for the sugestion anyway.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Altorfer Filipe, Though I haven't auditioned any of the other amps, I've been very very happy with the Rega Ear's performance, especially after pairing it up with the Rega Planet 2000. I'm certain most of the other amps you are looking into are great sounding and great values as well. If you choose to buy an amp from Jan Meier you'll see he services his customers very well with fast, well packaged parcels. Boa sorte em sua escolha! Cheers, Alex

Obrigado

I'm sure the HA-1 would also be a good choice, but the Gilmore works out cheaper, so I think I'll give it a go.

Thanks