Headphone amps at or around $75?

[TheRH]

Are there any decent portable headphone amps that cost around $75?

Thanks
RH

 

[mlarn]

RH, You should look over the sticky threads at the top of the amplification page to get you started:
http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=7226
http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=103327

2 popular choices in your $ range would seem to be the PA2V2 (www.electric-avenues.com) and the Little Dot micro + (http://www.little-tube.com/forum/for...sp?TID=22&PN=1)
Both have been discussed at length, just use the search function to find a ton of info on each. I had the PA2V2 for a while and really enjoyed it. It helped out on the bottom end quite a bit (mucho base, but not as detailed as it could be I thought) and expanded the soundstage a bit as well. Gary, who makes and sells them, is also incredible to work with. I don't know much about the Little Dot micro +, but here's a post singing its praises: http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ight=dot+micro
and even one comparing the two: http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ight=dot+micro
Hope this helps.

 

[lostbobby]

LDM+ work really well, if: you get an attenuator for IEM and a dock connector if your'e using ipod. The low(unity) gain model doesn't quite have enough juice for K501

And then there's the pint which is word of mouth only, it seems.

 

[Asr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lostbobby And then there's the pint which is word of mouth only, it seems.

That's because last I heard the PINT design had been expired, apparently something was wrong with it.

If you want a PINT, PM sacd lover.

 

[TheRH]

I think I will get a Little Dot micro+, looks like my best bet.

RH

 

[Elephas]

I have a Zero Audiocraft dual CMOY I bought on eBay that cost less than US$70. I think it's a decent amp.

 

[lostbobby]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RH Customs I think I will get a Little Dot micro+, looks like my best bet. RH

DOn't forget to buy from David the authorized seller. (There might be another, i'm not too clear on this). Specify color and regular or low-gain (low-g for IEMs, low-imped / hi-efficiency headphones)

 

[TheRH]

I will, I even have him on my ebay fav list.

 

[fearless]

You could get a mint for less than $75.

 

[TheRH]

Are there any advantages using the MINT compared to the LDM+?

RH

 

[mrarroyo]

Do not forget the PA2V2 from Gary at Electric Avenues. At $60 is hard to beat.

 

[cire]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RH Customs Are there any advantages using the MINT compared to the LDM+?

the MINT has a seperate gain and output stage, whereas the LDM has no seperate output stage. the LDM also runs at low voltage, which is nice for battery life, but hopeless for driving high impedence cans. the MINT has a much higher output current, so in theory it won't clip even with demanding low impedence cans. on paper, the MINT is much, much better, but i haven't heard the LDM, so i can't comment on that.