I Am In Your Hands - Pro Composer in Urgent Need of Amp Advice
Dec 13, 2002 at 9:37 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 41
glasskangaroo

glasskangaroo

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After fifteen years of making as much noise as I've wanted, I am now suddenly faced with working in headphones 24/7. This will be a new (and scary) way of life for me. While I have a very fine MIDI/digital audio home studio, you can be sure that I know far less about Headphone Amp considerations than any one of you (I've never owned one). With that admission up front, I've dutifully read every archive post that might apply to my situation. I now find myself looking for some serious and passionate advice to push me into one corner so I can get back to facing the music.

a) My headphone of choice is Sennheiser HD600 (which I recently ordered).

b) My Amp budget tops out at roughly $500.

c) I'm hoping to find something which doesn't color the sound too much.

d) Currently, I am wafting between a Headroom Little (Premium Module) and a Max Out Meta 42 (assuming I can buy one assembled). However, before the inevitable deluge of Meta endorsements come pouring in ...

e) The amp must be AC powered AND ...

f) Listening fatigue is a serious consideration for me. As I'll be working in phones as long as 10-15 hours/5-6 days a week, Crossfeed is a MUST for me. Note that I do need to be able to engage/disengage it at the flip of a switch.

Sub-Questions:

Is it true that Headroom crossfeeds are more dramatic than most in creating an effective soundstage? If so, might Headroom's less subtle crossfeed be more apt to help reduce listening fatigue over the long work days ahead?

Is it true that Headroom Amps as a rule color the sound more than most even without the Crossfeed engaged?

Is there any truth to the base Little's sounding muddy and weak with a higher impedence headphone like the HD600, thus making the Little (Premuim Module) a mandatory choice?

And, finally, how would a crossfade matched up with a Meta 42 sound compare to the Headroom's well praised crossfade? Could I even afford the combo on my budget?

At a time like this, you can't imagine how much I'd value your input. The rug has been pulled out and life is changing much too quickly. What I need now are strong and passionate opinions. I defer to your expertise and, while this is my first time here, no need to be gentle. Go ahead and slap me upside the head.

Thanks all so very much - glasskangaroo
 
Dec 13, 2002 at 9:55 PM Post #4 of 41
A Maxed out Meta42 with crossfeed can be purchased preassembled from Tangent...I do not know if the other DIYFS people (JMT, Erci343, KurtW, Erix...) include crossfeed. The Meta42 can be AC powered but you'll have to talk to your builder about how you want it setup.

For your budget you could almost get a Gilmore. You'll also need some nice interconnects so consider that too.

Now your going to be creating studio music...isn't crossfeed going to alter the sound stage? I'm thinking maybe you should look again at what you want...Perhaps headphones with crossfed is not the greatest choice for you.
 
Dec 13, 2002 at 10:34 PM Post #8 of 41
Quote:

Originally posted by shivohum
Except that the Gilmore lacks crossfeed, and crossfeed is apparently a must.


It should be easy to add tangent's x-feed board to the Gilmore.
 
Dec 13, 2002 at 10:46 PM Post #9 of 41
As they say... For a few dollars more I would throw the Cosmic from Headroom into the mix. It has everything you need plus a switch that boosts the high end to compensate for the slight rolloff you get with crossfeed. You can choose between off, brighter and bright.

I auditioned the Little for a month and to my ears the Cosmic was a definite improvement.

I would recommend that no matter which amp you decide to buy you should also seriously consider one of the aftermarket replacement cables for the Sennheiser's. I am partial to the Equonix, however the Clou and Cardas cables each have their proponents. The replacement cable along with a good amp will dramatically open up your headphones and again to my ears remove the sound that has been described as "veiled" or "recessed"
 
Dec 14, 2002 at 2:19 AM Post #12 of 41
I can't thank you all enough for this first generous wave of feedback! In response to some points made:

1) x1lexure pointed out that as I'm doing studio work, Crossfeed will alter my soundstage. This is why I need to be able to switch it on/off at will. "Off" for concentrated panning/mixing sessions, "On" for looser, longer recording and digital editing sessions where monitoring true mix in not mandatory. These latter sessions often consume the bulk of a day's work.

2) Also x1lexure: Thanks for letting me know about Tangent offering a Max Out Meta 42 with Crossfeed. Any idea if it can be switched on/off?

3) To puppyslugg: I will look look at the Gilmore. Thanks for the suggestion!

4) To HD-500: Thanks for the interest, HD. My formal background is orchestral and jazz. Lately, I completed a 30 minute, 3 movement work for orchestra and a 20 minute work for 5 guitars and mixed ensemble (both of these on commission). Have done a number works for dance, theater and mixed jazz ensembles. Over the last three years, I've written music for eight short films (two appeared on Bravo, one of those - a thesis film from the NY School for Visual Arts called "Warmth" - took the Academy Award in it's category). Have become deeply influenced by certain forms of Electronica in past few years. Currently living hand to mouth off an NEA grant while I begin work on a CD. Trying with great effort to find light at the end of a very deep stylistic tunnel with little success right now.

5) To john-jcb: My understandng is that the Cosmic works off battery, no? Am I wrong about this? I'll be working 10-12 hour days and can't see myself dealing batteries. Regarding cable replacement, it's a done deal. Thanks, I'll be replacing my HD600 cable with a Cardas.

6) To KurtW: Thanks! Does the Meyer Audio Crossfeed create as effective a soundstage as the Headroom? I'm not sure what the HA-2 refers to, however. Is that an another manufacturer's amp that uses the Meyer Crossfeed?

7) to richpjr: Am I able to audition any Headrooms with the loan program?

Again, thanks all so far! Few forums I've been to can hold a candle to this one for smarts and generous advice. More please!
 
Dec 14, 2002 at 2:37 AM Post #13 of 41
Given the hours each day that you plan to use it, I would get one of the headroom offerings.
They offer excellent service just in case anything happens.
wink.gif
 
Dec 14, 2002 at 2:58 AM Post #15 of 41
Quote:

I'm not sure what the HA-2 refers to, however. Is that an another manufacturer's amp that uses the Meyer Crossfeed?


The HA-2 and HA-1 are both headphone amps made by Jan Meier. They, along with the Prehead preamp/headamp are the only products that use Meier's crossfeed processor. Oh yeah, the Porta Corda too.
 
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