[clo]

Hi. Currently I have a NAD C521i CD-player as my source and a HD-580 headphone. I am now looking for a headphone amp for them. However I also would like the amp to have a good pre-amp out for future use. Can you all give me some suggestions if I only have a budget of $500?

I listen mostly to jazz and classical.

Thanks a lot.

 

[bln]

the gilmore v2 is supposed to be great as a headamp and preamp. it's $550 new, and a used model would be significantly less. check out http://www.headamp.com for details.

 

[ooheadsoo]

eddie current hd300, wooaudioI customized, singlepower ppx customized (not sure this will fit under $500)

Except you can't order the eddie current right now.

 

[dd3mon]

MG Head OTL32 sounds perfect. Very well suited to 580's w/ jazz & classical.

-dd3mon

 

[TimSchirmer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bln the gilmore v2 is supposed to be great as a headamp and preamp. it's $550 new, and a used model would be significantly less. check out http://www.headamp.com for details.

I'll second that. Gilmore's performance is scary good considering the price.

 

[nilanjan]

Another option would be to get a preamp or integrated amp with a decent headphone jack. Some vintage Marantz integrated amps come to mind, as well as offerings from Rotel and NAD.

 

[Dan the audioman]

Here's a third vote for the gilmore.

...and yes it is scary that it is that good.

 

[averydonovan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ooheadsoo singlepower ppx customized (not sure this will fit under $500)

According to http://www.6sn7.com it will be a bit over $500, closer to $600. But I vote for the PPX3 anyway since it is the only amp in that range I have heard, although a pre-production unit and only as a headphone amp.

 

[daycart1]

A really inexpensive way to go would be the x-can v2 which has nice RCA output jacks.

 

[Wmcmanus]

You can sometimes (not often) find a used David Berning microZOTL for $500, which would do the trick and allows for all sorts of tube rolling fun.