[sirnice]

Just purchase the SA5000 from another headfier. I need to purchase a amp that can bring the best out of the SA5000. Prefereable under $300 if possible or around that price.

I'm considering these two amps.
Portaphile v2^2 and the Gilmore Lite v2.

Any input and recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Veniogenesis]

People often mention the M^3 for the SA5K.

Regards,
Venio

 

[Jazper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veniogenesis People often mention the M^3 for the SA5K. Regards, Venio

2nded

 

[Blorton]

I just got the SA5k, but unfortunately, this was after I could've listened to them through the m3 and the porta V2. Dang it.

I've not heard the SA5k with the better portaphile, but I can say that the portaphile is not bad at all and is much better than it's size would indicate. It will drive Grados nicely. Based on the fact that the m3 does an even better job with Grados, I'd say it is worth a serious evaluation with the SA5k.

As far as saving money goes - check out RockHopper, or post a request in the DIY area for one. I'm sure someone will respond through pm that can give you something real nice within your budget. You could even post a WTB in the official for sale area. Probably pick up a nice used one that way.

Hth!
Dan

 

[sirnice]

No one mentioned anything about the Gilmore lite v2. Is it bad or just unpopular?

 

[drarthurwells]

deleted

 

[Veniogenesis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirnice No one mentioned anything about the Gilmore lite v2. Is it bad or just unpopular?

It's not bad by any respects. To most people it doesn't fit well with the SA5K. It's great for other headphones. The GLite will make the SA5K extremely bright since the SA5K is bright and the GLite also rather cold.

 

[akwok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by drarthurwells I might sell you a Ming Da MC66AE tube headphone amp - made in China on 6/10/05 - class A output. $250 total shipped. Used a few days in evaluating. Feature good sound but an audible hum in quiet passages. I live in Gainesville, Florida. If you happen to be nearby you couldtry it out

Um.. what the hell?
http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=132541

To the OT : Maybe try a Singlepower PPX3/SLAM.. would pair nicely with your VDA-1 + VAC-1, =). (You've got the green!)

 

[Veniogenesis]

Yep, if you have the money, get those tubes.

But damn, I wish I had the money too.

It's just $200 out of reach! Eeeeeks....

 

[akwok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veniogenesis Yep, if you have the money, get those tubes. But damn, I wish I had the money too. It's just $200 out of reach! Eeeeeks....

To reiterate, by those I think he means the Singlepower.

 

[sirnice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by drarthurwells I might sell you a Ming Da MC66AE tube headphone amp - made in China on 6/10/05 - class A output. $250 total shipped. Used a few days in evaluating. Feature good sound but an audible hum in quiet passages. I live in Gainesville, Florida. If you happen to be nearby you couldtry it out

Thanks for the offer but I think I'll stay with the known and proven quality amps around here. I'm afraid to venture into unknow territory @ $250.

I'm going to visit China next year. Maybe I'll try some chinese amps while I'm there and do some comparison.

 

[Veniogenesis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by akwok To reiterate, by those I think he means the Singlepower.

Wait, what? I meant the PPX3.

At ~ 600, it's ~ 200 above my budget.

 

[akwok]

I think the SDS-XLR + a recabling might be good sirnice.. it's not too expensive..

 

[sirnice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veniogenesis Wait, what? I meant the PPX3. At ~ 600, it's ~ 200 above my budget.

So Veniogenesis, I see you're in the same situation as me.
What amp did you get or leaning toward?

 

[Veniogenesis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirnice So Veniogenesis, I see you're in the same situation as me. What amp did you get or leaning toward?

Yep, I'm in the exact position you are in. 1. I bought a SA5K from a fellow member and it's coming in soon. 2. I'm looking for an amp around $250 to $400.

Truthfully, my thoughts have varied wildly. They've gone from G-Lite ($300) to AE-1 ($350) to M^3 ($285 - $400) to MicroAMP ($300) to the Hornet ($350).


Now I'm utterly confused and just going to wait for more impressions of the AE-1 and Hornet (which are pretty new). The AE-1 just came out and the Hornet won't be out for another 2 months.

The only reason I'm still considering, though, is because I want to have a portable setup. HOWEVER! If you want to stay under $300 and you don't care about portability, the M^3 is the obvious choice.

But otherwise, if you're considering portability, eeeks! We're in the same position.