[ironcross12]

Just got a nice set of Senns HD700s really happy with them to replace my Senns game ones open cup. 
 
Im not sure what amp to go for a USB portable amp or a full size plug in amp.
 
I have been looking at the FiiO A5 
 
and the Bravo Audio Ocean Mini Valve
 
would a plug in amp work better?
could i use a headphone splitter to use as a line in so i can use this and my speakers at the same time?
 
Im in the UK so some amps people recommend on here i can not get as UK don't seem to stock them
 
Any advice welcome

 

[akg fanboy]

Fiio A5 hands down is the best option for your needs and price. It's more neutral, lower output imedance, uses a muses opamp, more powerful, portable, and has a DAC

Pretty sure you can use a 3.5mm to rca adapter to use the amp for your speakers but I don't know if it will be powerful enough

 

[ironcross12]

Yeah i cant seem to find this one in the UK only older models like the 12A
 
i will use my built in sound card from my PC for my speakers..

 

[akg fanboy]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B01MDQR5CO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478091775&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=fiio+a5&dpPl=1&dpID=21dEZGxrYiL&ref=plSrch

In stock November 7

 

[ironcross12]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B01MDQR5CO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478091775&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=fiio+a5&dpPl=1&dpID=21dEZGxrYiL&ref=plSrch

In stock November 7

Ahh thanks man that was helpful. i could find it on Amozon.com but not UK.
 
SO will this be as good as a desktop amp? like the Ocean?
 
I think i will go with it as i can use it on my TV also. I have some 6mm to 3.5mm adapters Grado and a sennheiser.
 
so is this the best amp for the money? what would be the next step up from here?

 

[Tom-s]

Maybe not "the best" amp for the money but sure enough the most joy for the money: http://www.head-fi.org/t/476650/crack-bottlehead-otl
I started using hifi headphone equipment since a few years and for me, the amplifier was the best buy of all.
Endless possibilities, endless joy!

 

[ironcross12]

  Maybe not "the best" amp for the money but sure enough the most joy for the money: http://www.head-fi.org/t/476650/crack-bottlehead-otl
I started using hifi headphone equipment since a few years and for me, the amplifier was the best buy of all.
Endless possibilities, endless joy!

Yeah the tubes scare me as i don't know what they are as im a noob. also im in the UK so cant get this amp only seems to be US based.

 

[akg fanboy]

Yes the A5 is pretty powerful, it can drive 800mw @32ohm and 150mw @300ohm. My lg v10 has 49mw @32ohm and it can drive any headphone I own. The nwavguy o2 desktop amp for reference has 613mw @33ohm. Basically more impedance (ohm) means more resistance so it's harder to put out more power at a higher resistance.

The next step up would be a schiit magni+modi for $200. The next step up from that can be the the o2/odac, mstage hpa 2 classic, or magni uber+ modi uber but you honestly do not need to spend more than $200

 

[akg fanboy]

Tubes generally pair well with higher impedance headphones and have a high output impedance so they make a buzzing sound with iems or sensitive headphones. They have a lot more distortion which some people find to be pleasing as it alters the sound a bit (usually adding a little bit more bass while cutting the treble a bit). The darkvoice was available on massdrop for $200 but it ended. The bottlehead crack is definitely not for the inexperienced and requires you to solder and build it yourself

 

[Bacci]

Don't take this the wrong way but... Why bother buying a pair HD700 if you're going to pair them with a 100$ DAC/Amp like the Fiio A5? 

 

[Strauss95]

Isn't the Fiio A5 just an amp?  I didn't think the A5 was an AMP/DAC combo...

 

[ironcross12]

Well I had some Senn game ones that i use for gaming but wanted something to use that would give better sound and be comfier to wear. I read good things about the HD700s and like the look of them. the next step was the 800s but at £1200 was not worth it for me.
 
So i was told to buy them and use them on my motherboard's built in sound card which is not bad.
 
So i come looking for a amp now i don't know much about them so looking for advice. 
 
The Fiio A5 dose sound like a good amp and the E12 and A5 has many good reviews on amazon.com
 
but the amp is £109 in the UK i would like to know what amps should i look at for my HD700s to get the real sound out of them.
 
I am a noob i think i could solder as i can build gaming PCs and am quite good with tec. 

 

[Bacci]

DIY is certainly worth it if you're interested in learning how the circuit you're building works and take joy in building/modding/upgrading.
Sounds like you!

 

[Strauss95]

Not sure if the E12 would be a great pairing for the HD700's, but I absolutely love my E12. I don't own the 700's,but I do use my E12 with all of my headphones as it's the only amp I own right now. I purchased it due to its strong power output, and for the portability aspect.

When on my PC, I do pair my E12 with a USB DAC. I use the Audioquest Dragonfly, and I love that little thing! It really does make a large difference in the overall sound. It both increases and tightens up the bass, along with adding a little more high end sparkle. I notice a huge difference without it now that I've had it for a couple years.

Getting yourself a nice little DAC is something to keep in mind. You can get yourself an amp first, and if you feel the need pick up a DAC in the future. That's the route I went, and it made me really appreciate the advantages of having a solid DAC.

 

[ironcross12]

  DIY is certainly worth it if you're interested in learning how the circuit you're building works and take joy in building/modding/upgrading.
Sounds like you!

No i'm more into gaming and other hobbies. i just want a good amp to match to my HP so i can listen to films and play games. so music but not top priority.