[Asr]

I'm currently in the process of piecing together my finalized rig and I've since determined that I'm going to own three solid-state amps, one of which is on order so I just need to decide on the other two. The problem is, I can't decide which the two should be, so maybe you guys have some ideas? The only criteria is that both need to cost under $1K.

These are the possibilities I'm looking at:
- Square Wave & HR-2
- Square Wave & Graham Slee Solo 2007
- Square Wave & GCHA

- HR-2 & Arietta
- HR-2 & GCHA
- HR-2 & Solo 2007

- Solo 2007 & GCHA
- Solo 2007 & Arietta

Amps I'm not considering: Naim Headline (too big), anything from HeadAmp (I've heard all of HeadAmp's dynamic amps now), XP-7 (I'd rather just go for the bigger gun), anything from RudiStor (NX-01 is out of production and the NX-33 too expensive), anything from HeadRoom (their styling doesn't work for me), and the CanAmp, Black Cube Linear, and EC/SS. Also any DIY amps.

I'm also contemplating if I should keep my Cayin HA-1A. Right now I kinda want to, since it has a compact form factor (a must for me) and it has so many features and can also power small speakers, since I might be adding speakers sometime. If anyone has any ideas for alternatives that sound tubey and have a compact form factor, throw those out too! I've been eyeing the Raptor for a while but I've read that it doesn't sound very tubey and I'd prefer not to invest additional money into tubes to make it sound tubey.

 

[Killercrush]

What about a good old Dynahi or a Beta22 ?

 

[Asr]

oops I forgot to exclude DIY amps too.

 

[vcoheda]

corda opera analog or cantate if you need an internal dac. got to check out balanced ground.

 

[xenithon]

Graham Slee Solo (with the PSU1) should be one of them methinks. As for the other.....tough one, considering the amps crossed off the list.

I personally wouldn't touch a SP product hence why I would not suggest the Square Wave. The GCHA I owned, and while it was extremely neutral and have plenty power, it was "overly" neutral to the point of sterility.

Have you considered the Sugden Bijou HeadMaster? Have not listened to it myself but have heard a lot of good feedback about it.

EDIT: now that you are possibly considering a tube amp too and want a small FF, I would suggest perhaps considering the Earmax Pro. As above - have not heard personally but been hearing rave feedback. Heard that the EM Pro is also the sweetspot in the range, with the Silver Edition losing some of its magic and sounding more solid-state than tube.

 

[ldj325]

I'm not quite sure what you are doing with the amps. Is it some kind of review process that you need so many amps?

If it is for listening pleasure, then you might want to reconsider the NX-33. It's "only" $300 over budget, but it opens up a new world of balanced cans. And it's quite nice SE too. If you must stay under $1K, you might consider the Headroom Desktop balanced. but I haven't heard this one. I give these suggestions from the point of view of a listener rather than a reviewer.

 

[MaloS]

Logically - HR-2 makes sense in the batch, just to own something from RSA and his fairly interesting sound. I'd vote Earmax Pro as the tube because of the fun of having something so small and tubed, and it certainly is a worthy amp.

 

[greggf]

Get the Solo and the GCHA.

I just listened to Sonny Rollins on the GCHA, and Sonny wasn't "sterile."

 

[fkclo]

I would second the Earmax way - nothing sound as lush and intimate in such a small footprint, and the fun of tube rolling to tune the sonic will keep one busy for years....

And if you have low impedance phones, the Earmax Silver Edition should be on the list. I haven't compared it to the Pro, by the Silver Edition works very very well with my Grado HP1000, and this is just the stock tube. Possibilities are just too many with different tubes to choose from.

The only downside is it will cost more than US$1,000 given the weak dollar. And used ones are very rare.

So my vote would be Graham Slee Solo + Earmax Silver Edition / Pro

and wait....

What about the LISA III ? Even including the Lab Power Supply it is still within US$1,000, and probably one of the best solid state amp you can find ? Initial impressions are very positive and I think this should be on top of the list

F. Lo

 

[NoPants]

second the GCHA especially since you're going to beef up the DAC section i.e. bypass it...very good for low level listening etc. etc.

now's the time to get them as they can be found for much near half of retail cost

also the earmax sounds like it has everything you want

 

[shiosai]

another vote for GCHA, I never found it sound "sterile", I actually found it sound "tubey" in my setup and to my ears, maybe that is just me.

I always admire RSA's amps so my vote for HR-2 & GCHA

For tube amp, my vote for the Yamamoto HA-02. From my correspondences with other head-fiers (you know who), it sounds lush and will be a better complement to the SS. The Earmax Pro needs good tubes to sound great, leaving room for improvement but expensive. With HA-02 the easier tube rolling options and 408A NOS at no more than $10 per piece...

 

[n_maher]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asr /img/forum/go_quote.gif oops I forgot to exclude DIY amps too.

You sure you won't consider DIY, you've got friends you know.

 

[granodemostasa]

Eddie Current HD25
3 channel beta 22 (seriously, consider DIY)

 

[Icarium]

I'd be surprised if the HD25 is under 1k. I'm guessing that his current on order amp is pretty amazing and balanced so the 1k price tags is more for different flavors. Tough call.

I'd go with something like:
- Square Wave & Graham Slee Solo 2007
- Square Wave & GCHA

One of these combos, probably the former.

 

[granodemostasa]

I was suggesting getting a used one, the HD25 is discontinued. i've seen them sell for less than 500 regularly on the forum, you just have to know where to look.