Which amp is best mated to a pair of Senny HD 600's with an Equinox cable? It will be fed by a Rega Planet 2000 via Maple Audio Whisper Interconnects. I listen to cd as a source and primarily all genres of electronic music. Speak your mind for/against any of those amps. Maybe suggest any viable Solid State alternatives or system tweaks. All feedback is appreciated.
I can only speak on the Headroom amp. I had this system and it was soooooo envolving and smooth using these components. 95% of what I listen to is electronic music. Mainly trance and house mix stuff. This system works.
-Rega Jupiter 2K >> kimber Silver Streaks
-Headroom MOHR w/stepped attenuator
-HD600/cardas cable
The Jupiter is a step up from the Planet 2K but the sound of the players are close. From what I read the equinox cable is even better than the cardas. I used LAT International AC2 power cords on both the amp and the CDP. The kimbers added a little sparkle to the sound of the system over the other cables I tried and PC's without a doubt brought wieght in the low end. Hope this helps some. I'm sure the other amps are very good also. But I spent many hours with this system, and listening to electronic music, it's a winner.
I also have the HD600s with Equinox cables, but use a Marantz SACD player. With the Grace 901 headphone amp it's a great combo. I even use the Grace with an Electrocompaniet EMC-1 CDP and it was truly amazing. The 901 is a very capable amp with plenty of detail and warmth too.
I would suggest that you enter the Emmeline HR-2 into the group under consideration. I have briefly auditioned the MOHR, PreHead and RKV and preferred the Emmeline to all of them. Read a complete review here:
The MOHR (Maxed out home, reference modules) is just awesome when paired with HD600s and a cable upgrade of any type.
For electronic music I think it's great, I preferred the HD600's bottom end slam and tightness through the MOHR over the other phones I had.
I have not heard the other amps but you surely have a winner with the higher end headroom stuff. The sound is extremely smooth, involving, and above all has great extension at both extremes without graininess etc.
Herr Babelfish der Übersetzer, he wore a whipped-cream-covered tutu for this title.
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I haven't heard the 901 yet.
I have heard the Max extensively and I've owned the Headmaster and currently own the PreHead.
Which one I still own should say enough about which of the three I like best, however, I haven't heard the rest of your system.
The PreHead is very fast, clean and neutral. It has the least coloration/signature of the three amps. What's that mean? It means if your CD player is up to snuff, you'll probably dig it. If there's some aspect of your CD player that you don't like, it's possible that the combination may work better for you with one of the others. The Max sounds more closed in but that can make definitions seem stronger. The Sugden is very forgiving at the frequency extreme and a little light in the bass. If you find your system a little harsh and bass heavy, it might work out for you.
All that aside, you could just hear things totally different than the way I do, of course. I dig the PreHead a lot.
My system sounds great but I'm finding two things lacking...either that or something I have to get used to as the system is still fairly new to me. But at any rate I'm finding that the system seems to lack dynamic headroom with buildups...little modulation in volume. I also find that mid frequencies such as piano or vocals don't seem to be as prominent as the rest of the spectrum. Maybe I'm just wacked? Maybe I have yet to adjust to the new equipment.
Headphone Hussy (will wear anything if it sounds good)
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Quote:
Originally posted by kelly In addition to many others, I ABd them with a Sony XA777ES and Kimber Select KS1010.
Kelly: honest question/curiosity: I recall a while back that your experience with the Max was with the older version. Have you since had a chance to audition the newer version?
Well if you desire crossfeed you might want to consider the Max, or Pre-Head. If crossfeed is not a necessity, the RKV does sound incredible with the HD-600s. Other amps to consider are the new tube amps that are coming out from Headroom, and the Gilmore V2-SE. All these amps are incredible, and it is strictly up to you which one you like best. Look at the reviews, and go for the one that you think will match your tastes. Good luck!
Originally posted by MacDEF Kelly: honest question/curiosity: I recall a while back that your experience with the Max was with the older version. Have you since had a chance to audition the newer version?
I believe he has in fact heard the new version alongside his prehead, at a meet a while back.
[does some searching]
Ah yes, here it is.. The Dallas winter meet impressions thread. Kelly and others compared the new Max w/ pot vs. stepped attenuators, then the Max w/ SA's to his prehead.
No, I'm not a stalker kelly - I just have a crazy memory for random things I read.
Herr Babelfish der Übersetzer, he wore a whipped-cream-covered tutu for this title.
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Quote:
Originally posted by MacDEF Kelly: honest question/curiosity: I recall a while back that your experience with the Max was with the older version. Have you since had a chance to audition the newer version?
MacDef
You should seek a new method of invalidating my opinions. You said the same thing about the Little in three seperate threads. As with the Little, I have only heard the new version of the Max. I've never heard the previous generation of ANY HeadRoom amp.
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