[enigma211088]

I've been looking for a fairly cheap amp for my HD800's. I currently use them in conjunction with my Fiio E7/E9 combo. What can I say, I bought those for my Denon D7000 As expected I'm left with a very thin and bright sound which doesn't even put the HD800's in the same league as the HD650's in terms of stock sound when both are paired with the Fiio combo. Anyway I was told that the Head CanAmp is similar to the higher priced Lehmann Linear Black Cube Amp which apparently was used during the production of the HD800. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the Heed CanAmp and how it fairs with the HD800's. Also what would be an ideal DAC to go with it

 

[cifani090]

What's your budget for a DAC?

 

[enigma211088]

I was hoping to use my Fiio E7 for the meantime Although I would be willing to spend around £200.00 ($350.00) on a DAC when I have enough money. I've also been reading about AMP and DAC all in one units. I was wondering if there are any decent ones for around $800.00. Been looking at the AudioLab M-DAC, DACmagic and also the lower end Yulong D100. Any other suggestions for around that price.
 
Thanks

 

[cifani090]

The Burson 160 headphone amp is better than those cheap Chinese DAC/amps in that price range.

 

[Dubstep Girl]

lehmann linear = amazing amp for hd 800s. heard it at a store once and was blown away by it.

 

[enigma211088]

Yeah the person I bought the HD800's from advised me to buy the Lehmann Linear which apparently was used to develop the HD800's. Problem is that amp cost's a bit too much and I will also need a DAC with it too. The Lehmann Linear also comes in a Amp + DAC all in one unit version which tops £1000.00! I've been looking at the AudioLab M-DAC. Not sure how that would sound with the HD800's though.

 

[Dubstep Girl]

what if you buy a lovely cube, its supposed to be like 200 bucks and a replica of the BCL.
 
 
i might buy one myself, sounds cute, the "lovely cube" <3

 

[enigma211088]

Wow thanks for the find, I've actually heard of the lovely cube but i thought it was some cheap replica. Had no idea that it was modeled after the BCL. I'm going to check out the reviews for it now I wonder how it compares to the real Lehmann Black cube linear. Well it's a lot cheaper so I guess I won't mind if it doesn't sound as great as it's counterpart. I just want the HD800's to sound on par with my Denon D7000's And it does sound kinda cute doesn't it, very girly lol

 

[Dubstep Girl]

its supposed to be an exact replica
 
it does sound cute!!! thats why i want one lol
 
plus i've heard the regular version before and its pretty good. small amp too, hence the lovely cube. 
 
 
EDIT: read some posts on the official lovely cube thread
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/501046/the-lovely-cube-headphone-amp-lehmann-black-cube-linear-clone/945
 
guess theyre almost the same and the sound is  very very close but does have small differencce.
 
 
 

 

[enigma211088]

Aw cool I'm probably going to order one too It's on eBay right? Will need to get the thing pre assembled as well because I wouldn't have a clue on how to put it together

 

[pumbaa32]

You might want to try the Bravo / Indeed 6922EH hybrid amps, my HD800 has been pairing with a Bravo V1 deluxe 6922EH tube for some time now and i'm more than happy with the sound. No more thin / lifeless sound (of SS amp), everything is thick, bassy and dynamic, way more musical than with any ss amps i ever tried. Worth every penny, imo ofc.
 
If you want a review feel more convinced, then here it is: http://www.headfonia.com/bravo-hybrid-tube-amplifier/
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Valve-Class-Tube-Headphone-Earphone-Amplifier-Preamp-Mini-Amp-Bravo-Audio-V1-/180783537472?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a1789dd40
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-MK-2-Class-Hybrid-Tube-Headphone-Amplifier-6922EH-/290526665184?_trksid=p3286.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D3%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D5313212955797421811#ht_5676wt_1396
 
PS: I have the D7000 too and the HD800 + Bravo is a league above, in term of detail and musicality

 

[dcginc]

I use the canamp with Senn HD650's and have owned numerous other amps before settling on the canamp
 
Solid amp, strong bottom end, and quite good in all other areas as well. Only reason I might 'upgrade' is to add, but not replace, with a balanced system
 

 

[kres]

For those who are looking for feedback on the Canamp (1st version) paired with a HD800S (SD) using Sennheiser stock cable:

I had this Heed Canamp amp for a while, but I recently tried to benchmark it with a violetric V200. The same source was used (Accustic art drive, Kora Hermes 2 tube dac, O2A quintessence sublim cables - in XLR for the V200, in RCA for the Canamp ; both plugged into the DAC ouputs). After listening for few hours different types of music, with my old ears, I could barely detect any difference. The only difference, on some tracks (especially vocals, piano, strings) is that the heed is a little brighter (in a good sense) in the medium / high range. The medium are then a little more opened. The soundstage, bass impact and detail, bass extension, overall level of detail and transparency... are surprisingly exactly the same to me.

The V200 is a little bit darker than the Canamp, and I think that for the HD800 (not the S version), it would be just fine.
The Heed is more balanced with the HD800S, to my ears. I kept the heed.

If that can help.

PS : the V200 is very sensitive to the cable (I tried to change O2A cable with Hifi Cable et Cie "Horus" and the different was huge - O2A were much better ; didn't try on the Heed, but I guess it should be the same). I make this test to check if my ears were still functionning.

 

[rcmo]

Do you know what's the difference between Heed's Canamp i and ii?