[SmoothSound]

Reading all the threads here only makes me more confused about my decisions sometimes. I am looking for a tube amp that soundstages well with a lot of air. Looking to pair amp with Senn 650's and concidering Grado RS2's.
I am looking at the Mapletree Amps HD / HD2, the Woo Audio 6 and the Antique Sound - MG Head DT/OTL MK III.

I have a Rega Planet 2000 CDP and Cardas Golden Cross interconnects. I listen to mostley classical, jazz, instumental and lite rock. I know I will receive mixed views from this thread however, I am confident I really will not loose either way I go so majority rules to help sway my vote.

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[mrarroyo]

I will comment on the first two amps, both of which I have had an extensive listening experience with. The last two I have heard at meets and not for long so I can not really comment on.

The Mapletree Ear + Purits HD is IMO the better of the two Mapletree amps. Its bass has more impact, detail, punch, while retaining its clarity and never becoming muddy. I also prefer its midrange which I find very mellow, warm, and with a great sense of detail. My favorite music genre is jazz.

 

[snoxu]

I'm in the same boat as the OP, looking for a tube amp for my current cans (HD650, DT990)... I don't have the same tastes in music though, I lean towards more aggressive styles (rock, electronic)

 

[vcoheda]

no one buys ASL amps anymore. not sure why. maybe too mainstream or just not as good as other stuff out there. not sure.

 

[Sarchi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vcoheda /img/forum/go_quote.gif no one buys ASL amps anymore. not sure why. maybe too mainstream or just not as good as other stuff out there. not sure.

ASL have a dealer network, a lot of smaller companies rely primarily on direct sales/web/ebay. So maybe they're not as visible to you.

 

[roastpuff]

I bought an ASL amp... and I'm happy with my purchase.

They're just rarer on the FS forums. You don't see one pop up very often.

 

[truant]

When bought my Ear+HD2 Dr. Lloyd tell me that the HD2 puts more air in the music than the HD.
I haven't listened the HD, but I'm in love with my Ear+HD2!

 

[BushGuy]

Posts above made me think about exactly how many ASL.....MkIII have been on the F.S. pages here. Search revealed one was listed (and sold within 1 day) during 2005......and 2 were listed in 2006. None have been for sale here this year. I ordered one NEW (boo hoo) this past week. I will, of course be re-fitting it with either a Telefunken or Mullard 12AX7. Probably start with RCA for 6BQ5.

 

[penger]

Why not consider an amp from Singlepower? I think that the Extreme I have is a very versatile amp, playing my HD650's surpebly and my MS-2i's very well. It even makes my roommate's A900's sound awesome. Granted the Extreme might be a little out of your price range, the PPX3 I think is in the same ballpark.

 

[slwiser]

One never knows what the price of a Singlepower amp is since he does not show their prices only modification. Each one is essentially a one-off after considering different variants. Therefore, it is very difficult to actually consider a Singlepower amp if you have a budget that you are working toward.

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by slwiser /img/forum/go_quote.gif One never knows what the price of a Singlepower amp is since he does not show their prices only modification. Each one is essentially a one-off after considering different variants. Therefore, it is very difficult to actually consider a Singlepower amp if you have a budget that you are working toward.

The stock Extreme is $999 .... IMO, the best amp you can buy for that price.

There have been several SP MPX3's in the for sale forum. Buying used is a good deal; no wait and excellent prices. I have purchased almost all my amps from the used market.

 

[earwicker7]

If you have the budget, I don't think you could do much better than the Ray Samuels B-52. It's a dream amp, highly recommended! It makes almost any music sound great.

 

[slwiser]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sacd lover /img/forum/go_quote.gif The stock Extreme is $999 .... IMO, the best amp you can buy for that price. There have been several SP MPX3's in the for sale forum. Buying used is a good deal; no wait and excellent prices. I have purchased almost all my amps from the used market.

Again where did you find the price of the Extreme and what is stock? I found the link to the standard specifications for five stock variants OK...but did not find the Extreme on the web site.

 

[nick20]

Quote:

Originally Posted by slwiser /img/forum/go_quote.gif Again where did you find the price of the Extreme and what is stock? I found the link to the standard specifications for five stock variants OK...but did not find the Extreme on the web site.

Moon Audio has pricing...

 

[LarryK2]

is pretty nice. With a good source and my K701s I'm very happy. I'm sure it can sound better, but for the price I think it's hard to beat.