[StanD]

I'm not sure about the future, but I want something that will be more future proof than the A2.
Im not sure about the kind of amp I want, Ive never used a SS amp, and my little dot Mk3 isnt really good enough of an amp to be a deciding factor, when it comes to deciding between SS and tubes.
I do know, tho, that tubes are more annoying to me.

I'm not sure as to what sound I want. I want it to be fun to listen to, doesnt matter if its colored or not.
If the difference is HUGE between the sound signature of SS vs. Tubes, im favor of the tubes, then I assume I'de like a tube amp.

You need to get out and listen where you can do a careful comparison. Once you've done so, you may find that you prefer the sound of SS, or not. But at least you'll know which way is best for you and not waste time and money mucking about. Your Little Dot MK3 doesn't have much power at 32 Ohms, the Asgard 2 can supply 3 times the power at 32 Ohms and slightly more at 300 Ohms. But first thing is to really find out, by personal listening as to which type of amp you prefer.

 

[tals]

There is literally no place anywhere around me that specialises in audio. No place that sells amps, dacs, or high end headphones or audio at all.

 

[StanD]

There is literally no place anywhere around me that specialises in audio. No place that sells amps, dacs, or high end headphones or audio at all.

You might want to get an inexpensive SS amp to get the feel for it. A Schiit Magni is $99 and can drive your HE-500, although some people say it's a bit bright with the HE-500, which I find hard to believe. You might like it so much as to keep it or upgrade.

 

[jackwess]

   
 
 
Also, I've noticed they are solid state. In this kind of headphones, is SS better, compared to tube amps? I have semi-bad experience with tubes. They need replacing yearly and they give out a lot of hissing and random noises, along with the fact I need to let them warm up and cool downs every couple of hours.
Is the sound difference big enough to have to "put up" with these faults?

 
Tubes vs solid state, that's up to your liking. But yeah SS designs are maintenance free units and they have lower noise floor if designed properly. 
 
I wouldn't say that the Soloist SL it's an overkill for the Hifiman's, it's a great unit and very capable. Construction wise looks indestructible. 
 
One guy made some impressions with the SL and Hifiman pairing. 

 

[StanD]

   
Tubes vs solid state, that's up to your liking. But yeah SS designs are maintenance free units and they have lower noise floor if designed properly. 
 
I wouldn't say that the Soloist SL it's an overkill for the Hifiman's, it's a great unit and very capable. Construction wise looks indestructible. 
 
One guy made some impressions with the SL and Hifiman pairing. 

I still say it's still overkill, provides more power than necessary, beyond headroom.

 

[jibzilla]

.

 

[StanD]

  Rudistor nx-03? I know the rpx-35 is really good.

Odd that they do not say what the output power is at any impedance. The slew rate is nothing to write home about but may not be an issue since it's open loop..

 

[jibzilla]

.

 

[StanD]

  Output power is 700mw for the nx-03 and 750mw for the rpx-35 from what I remember reading. The rpx-35 is dual mono though and has a low output headphone channel that is perfect for th-600's. It also has pre amp outs that sound great with my a7x's. That's fairly close to the 1 watt the he-500 likes. Lcd-2 and 3's and hd800's may not work out too well, for those 3 I like the bha-1 but he-500's and th-600 work well.

The output power varies with impedance, which is important. 700mW at 16 Ohms might be somewhat less at 32 (38 Ohms for the HE-500) and will usually be far less at 300 Ohms (think HD800, etc). I didn't see any power rating specs on their website, Nice looking product.

 

[jibzilla]

  The output power varies with impedance, which is important. 700mW at 16 Ohms might be somewhat less at 32 (38 Ohms for the HE-500) and will usually be far less at 300 Ohms (think HD800, etc). I didn't see any power rating specs on their website, Nice looking product.

 

[jirapatpum]

Burson and Schiit are very different sounding. Burson has brighter tone, more bass impact, and very good treble sparkle. Schiit, on the other hand, sounds more relax. It has full bodied mid range and non fatiguing treble. 

 

[Asr]

The Garage1217 amps could be another option, specifically the Project Ember.

 

[StanD]

  Burson and Schiit are very different sounding. Burson has brighter tone, more bass impact, and very good treble sparkle. Schiit, on the other hand, sounds more relax. It has full bodied mid range and non fatiguing treble. 

And why would  the treble be different between the two as their FR curves are flat enough that any differences are well beyond a human's ability to perceive?

 

[jibzilla]

  Burson and Schiit are very different sounding. Burson has brighter tone, more bass impact, and very good treble sparkle. Schiit, on the other hand, sounds more relax. It has full bodied mid range and non fatiguing treble. 

 

[Anda]

  The Garage1217 amps could be another option, specifically the Project Ember.

+1
 
If you are not into speaker amps, then the Project Ember is probably one of the best buys. It is one of the only headphone amplifiers that I would use with my (now sold) HE-500.
Very lively presentation with a nice "sense of space".