[xenomachino]

First and foremost, Hello everyone,  this is my first post
 
Now,  i've read hundreds of posts trying to sort this one out.  Maybe you can help!
 
 
I need an amp that:
 
responds GREAT to transients (as i will be listening to drum heavy music)
 
is transparent and revealing as it can be
 
does NOT smooth out or color the sound
 
 
I don't need to make the music more pleasurable to listen to.  I need to know what's there with brutal accuracy,  down to the last detail.
 
From what i've gathered,  a tube amp is not the way to go as they tend to warm up and smooth out the transients.  Maybe a Solid State one?
 
i read the QES Labs HPBA2 might be good as it is very very transparent.  I was heavily leaning towards that one but i figured  i'd ask before i did anything.
 
My budget limit would probably be around 2 grand but i definitely welcome much cheaper amps if they're good!
 
Thanks in advance for any forthcoming opinions,  and sorry if this has been covered a million times before but i figured my stated specifications would aid you in trying to figure this one out for me
 
Xeno

 

[fabio-fi]

Welcome!
 
The solid state Soloist is close to neutral amp, it doesn't color the sound in any way. I advise you to demo it, if you have a hi-fi shop near. Some guys have this combination on their personal rig. 

 

[i019791]

Other neutral options, in case you have missed any:
Schiit Mjolnir
SPL Auditor
Sennheiser HDVA600
Headamp GS-X mkii
Audio gd Master 8
Violectric V181
Hifiman EF6

 

[hodgjy]

It's said the lead engineer for the HD800 used the Violectric V100 to voice the headphones, and still keeps the amp in his personal collection.

 

[picopa]

Several options if you are into DIY and building your own amp, a mate (sound eng.) uses a Beta22 and a M3.