Is there an excellent sub-$500 amp for the HD650s?

[acs236]

I own a Corda HA-1 MKII, a Perreaux SXH-1, a BADA, Marantz 1070 and 2220B, go-vibe, and a META42 -- for reference.

I want to know what the best amp is for the HD650 around $500 or less. The Corda, Perreaux, and Marantz do a pretty good job, but I have to think there is something better. Unfortunately, I'm not yet willing or able to spend too much more than $500.

I heard the PPX with the HD650 briefly at the Ohio mini-meet, but did most of my listening with the CD3000. I wish I had listened with the 650s a bit more.

 

[tortie]

Ray Samue'ls Emmeline XP-7 is pretty good for the HD650 at under $500. I strongly suggest it. I've also had the meta42 once and the XP-7 is waaay ahead of it.

 

[sacd lover]

I heard the PPX with the HD650 briefly at the Ohio mini-meet, but did most of my listening with the CD3000. I wish I had listened with the 650s a bit more.

[/QUOTE]

acs236, if you liked what you heard with the cd3000 you will love the hd 650 with the ppx3. The senns are made for the singlepower amps. Furthermore, the amp only had a about 20 hours on it when you heard it. Since that time, as it broke in and I experimented with different tubes, I found the amp got even better; quite a bit better. A little tube rolling and you can easily richen the sound or make it more airy to match your taste. You wont find a less expensive and higher quality tube for the money than the 6cg7.

Remember, you already know the amp works well with your cd3000 too. I know you were surprised you had to turn up the hd 650 a little more(still<9:00) than the cd3000; but again remember how sensitive the cd3000 is. With all the amps I have had through here I still think the ppx3 is the best amp at this price point hands down. I recommend you get the solen stage 1 upgrade, which will push the price to $520, but the upgrade is well worth the modest cost.

Call Mikhail or email him and he will answer any of your questions. He is exceedingly easy to work with and his customer service is unparalleled. If there is anything I can answer send me a pm. We Ohio guys have to help each other out.

Good luck in your search.

 

[kentamcolin]

Eddiecurrent HD300 or HD25 come in at that price, and offer fantastic versatility.

 

[morsel]

For under $500 I would go with a Gilmore or PPA.

 

[Distroyed]

Quote:

Originally Posted by morsel For under $500 I would go with a Gilmore or PPA.

Uh, with the hd650's? Surely the majority of Head-fi users prefer the Emmeline or Singlepower specimen over the above with these headphones.

 

[ampgalore]

I think Bose got this one right, "better products through marketing."

 

[tom hankins]

From the time I got to spend with the HD650/SinglePower PPX3 combo, It would be hard to beat even with the stock EI tubes for the 465.00 price they are selling for. For 549.00 you can get the PPX3/6sn7 which from the reviews in the NY meet thread is even better.

 

[davebot]

The Rudistor RP4 is under $500.

If you're looking for a "tubey" sound, you might not be as happy with a Gilmore design; on the other hand, if you admire Krell amps, you'll probably prefer the Gilmore. I'm learning that there are different philosophies of amp design, resulting in different "house sounds" for particular brands. The Audio Research components I have would probably be described as "tubey," even though they're solid-state. My point is that this is a matter of personal preference, and something to factor into your decision. It's not simply a matter of which is "best," but which is the best fit to your ears and your taste--and to your headphones, of course.

 

[sacd lover]

I thought about something, you really liked the gilmore v1. The new gilmore lite is an absolute steal. I think the new lite sounds better than the v1 with the senns in my system. I prefer the ppx3 myself overall, but the gilmore is only $299 and there are no tubes to buy. You can also upgrade the power supply to step up the performance even further. However, from what I heard this upgrade is not necessary. Sean H has the amp on the way to him, but once he is done I will see if I can route the lite to you; unless of course Sean buys the lite.

 

[plainsong]

Ok, I'll be the evil one that goes over budget first.

You've had the Perreaux, and the HA-1 mkII. I have the Perreaux and heard the Prehead at the Helsinki head-fi meet with Senn 600's, and it was sweet. A lot of depth and impact in that sound from what I remember. Now if I make an educated guess from that, perhaps the HA-2 could do it for you, if you want to Upcorda?

 

[SteeleBlayde]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Distroyed Surely the majority of Head-fi users prefer the Emmeline or Singlepower specimen over the above with these headphones.

Thats cause there are significantly more of them out there and their customers like to always chirp in about them.

acs236: Do your research. If you're serious, go to a headphone meet and have a listen.

 

[sacd lover]

. acs236: Do your research. If you're serious, go to a headphone meet and have a listen.

[/QUOTE]


You need to do your research. He was at the Ohio Mini-meet.

He heard almost everything in this price range but he did most of his listening with the cd3000's; not the senns. The Eddie Current hd 300 wasnt out yet, nor the Emmeline sr-71, the Woo Audio1 was just released around then and suddenly we now have the Eddie Current hd 25 and new gilmore lite. Its hard to hear everything with so many amps at this pricepoint coming to market at once. I still have never heard the upscale Cordas and Emmelines myself.

 

[SteeleBlayde]

Wow, are you trying to pick a fight sacd lover?

He said he listened to the CD3000's mostly at that meet and not the HD650.

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteeleBlayde Wow, are you trying to pick a fight sacd lover? He said he listened to the CD3000's mostly at that meet and not the HD650.

No,I didnt mean to give that impression. But you have to have a meet to go to.There arent many head-fiers here in Ohio, so far. Even when you do get to a meet, unless its a big meet, lots of equipment just isnt available. There is the time factor too; how much time do you get to listen. The best research has to include others opinions because its about impossible to hear everything in person.