[Devon8822]

What is the best mate (amp) for a pair of HD-650's, I decided to ditch the portable amp idea with these headphones, and try and get the best possible sound I can with a home dedicated amp. Is there a couple amps that match amazingly with the HD-650s that many people seem to agree upon? I need recommendations for an amp to pair with my HD-650s. thanks!

 

[alwayshungry]

If you check out this threada few members have recommended the DarkVoice 332 (now out of production) and the the KICAS Caliente as well as various Woo 3/6 amps. I recently got a HD650 and I'm thinking about a KICAS Caliente as I will be lugging it to and from work everyday and don't want to deal with tubes although I love the tube sound. Good luck.

 

[Uncle Erik]

How much are you looking to spend? Would you consider building your own amp?

 

[Bigjppop]

I just acquired the Darkvoice 337 and I can't imagine a better amp for the HD650 (my current favorite headphone). Lots of info on the Darkvoice amps and very popular with the Senns.

 

[musicmind]

Zana Deux, SinglePower Extreme, EarMax Pro/SE and Woo WA6 SE have some of the best HD650 synergy.
The Darkvoice 332 and 337 are also great value by all the accounts of happy users, but perhaps they fall a step short of reaching the refinement of the more expensive amps. Depending on your budget, any of these would pair well with the HD650.
The Headamp GS-1 or GS-X for balanced operation, which the HD650 are said to benefit from greatly, are also great amps for the Senns.

 

[atothex]

Balanced Beta 22 of course! =D

 

[Callous]

The Darkvoice 332 works amazingly with Senns. IMO the $200 price jump to the 337 doesn't justify what you get in return... So go with the 332!

 

[Spareribs]

I like Darkvoice. Nice amp and the way to go for the average workman's wage. Won't break the bank with excellent sound.

 

[Spektrograf]

x2 on the Zana Deux...

...but, of course, that depends on what you mean by "best"... the rec's made so far are definitely good ones, but the Zana Deux and the Beta 22 are on polar opposite planes (esp. depending on what driver tube you use on the ZD).

 

[Devon8822]

thanks guys, I will read that thread and check out those amps.

questions

- Whats the sound difference between tube and SS amps?

- Whats the sound difference between normal mac output and the optical output? sound quality wise?

and Callous, nice John Locke avatar

 

[Gradofan2]

For the money... there is no question... the DV332 is fantastic with Senns.

Based on my experience, it compares very favorably to the SP Extreme, at 1/3 to 1/4 of the price!

 

[atbglenn]

The Woo WA6 with the pseudo dual power supply mod is a match made in heaven.

 

[johnwmclean]

The Darkvoice 337 is my choice of amp for the HD650. If really pulls the Senns into line and shows them who’s boss with lots of power and grace. I’ve not heard the 332 but that surely would be interesting as a comparison from someone with both amps! I know where my money would be

 

[Blackmore]

Get Zana Deux, if your budget can handle it of course, the best I have tried so far.

 

[anadin]

I got the chance to listen to a friends Lehman Black Cube Headphone Amp yesterday with a cardas cabled HD650.

How this amp doesn't get more love on here is beyond me.