[musedesign]

What is the least expensive (about $75-$150) desktop solid state desktop headphone amp with a built in transformer ?
 
So far I have found:
Gold A1 ($125) - Which I believe is a copy of the Beyerdynamic A1
09 Zero Amp and Dac ($118.00)
Weiliang Amp with WM8740 DAC ($85.00)
 
All of the other well regarded inexpensive amps I can think of use a wall wart:
Fiio E09K ($103.70)
JDS Objective2 ($129.99)
Topping TP21 ($78.69)
Dayton Audio DTA-100a ($89.00)
Maybe add a headphone jack to a Lepai LP-2020A+ ($26.88)  ???
 
Would like to build a $150 desktop rig with maybe a hifimediy Sabre ES9023 DAC ($42).  I listen to Denon D2000, HD650 and Fostex T50rp
 
Thanks! 

 

[pr0ggy]

Actually in this same boat, have had my eye on the Topping TP21 for a bit now as a cheap but relatively praised SS to drive my M50s.  Would definitely love some opinions!

 

[musedesign]

Quote:

Actually in this same boat, have had my eye on the Topping TP21 for a bit now as a cheap but relatively praised SS to drive my M50s.  Would definitely love some opinions!

Hi Jleken,
  Glad to have company in the search !
 
  I have been looking at the DIY route Hifimediy T1 headphone edition ($97) and Hifimediy Sabre COAX/OPTICAL DAC ($68), plus power supply and case (total $200??).  Would be interested to hear from others that I have heard the Hifimediy T1 Amp.
 
Thanks!

 

[musedesign]

Quote:

What is the least expensive (about $75-$150) desktop solid state desktop headphone amp with a built in transformer ?
 
So far I have found:
Gold A1 ($125) - Which I believe is a copy of the Beyerdynamic A1
09 Zero Amp and Dac ($118.00)
Weiliang Amp with WM8740 DAC ($85.00)
 
Would like to build a $150 desktop rig with maybe a hifimediy Sabre ES9023 DAC ($42).  I listen to Denon D2000, HD650 and Fostex T50rp
 
Thanks! 

 
In my search I have found a nice write up of the Beyerdynamic A1 Clone

 

[musedesign]

After lots of research bought the AMB CK2III Kit.