[Catharsis]

Hi everyone,

I just recently purchased some DT880s (250ohm version), and an EMU 0404 USB.

I've heard terrific things about the Mini3 and the price seems to be a steal. I've thought about purchasing a Corda Arietta at $290 but I'm wondering if the extra expense of the Corda is really worth it.

I don't need a portable amp, but it just so happens that the Mini3 is very portable. Would I be better off with a desktop amp (SQ wise), if I don't plan on travelling with my 880s?

Thanks guys and girls.

 

[Lil' Knight]

The Mini3 is still one of the best portable amps out there, but it doesn't have enough power to drive high impedance cans.

Don't mess with portable amps if you really don't want it.

 

[Catharsis]

Doesn't the High Performance version of the Mini3 run off a 9V battery? That should be enough juice for the 880's shouldn't it?

I've heard that it powers Senn HD650 and AKG 701s with plenty of volume. Am I missing something?

 

[Lil' Knight]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catharsis /img/forum/go_quote.gif Doesn't the High Performance version of the Mini3 run off a 9V battery? That should be enough juice for the 880's shouldn't it? I've heard that it powers Senn HD650 and AKG 701s with plenty of volume. Am I missing something?

You can try to find the truth

Plenty volume doesn't mean drive the cans successfully.
My mini3 never can drive the K701 to an acceptable level.

 

[synaesthetic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catharsis /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've heard that it powers Senn HD650 and AKG 701s with plenty of volume. Am I missing something?

yeah, little battery powered amps won't have the voltage swing necessary for these kinda headphones. they will be loud enough, but not necessarily driven properly.

consider the CKKIII if you're looking for inexpensive DIY desktop amp that's not enormous or terribly expensive.

 

[Catharsis]

Well, it keeps coming back to the Corda Arietta for best value SS amp for the DT880. Many DIY jobs cost nearly as much as the Meier Audio mid-level amps.

I don't really want to get into tubes, because I listen to alot of electronica.

Am I making the right decision with the $290US Corda Arietta? Anything cheaper but nearly as good?

 

[Lil' Knight]

The CK2III is cheap enough for you. Rockhopper Audio is also a pre-built M3 which is around 320$ shipped.

I don't know if the Arrietta is a warm or bright amp. IMO, the DT880 needs a warm amp or it will kill your ears with its treble.

 

[Catharsis]

What good value, (inexpensive), solid state amp would you recommend that has a warm sound?

I want to keep my hearing, but I also haven't found the bright Grado sound to be too ear shattering (which I've been listening to now for quite some time) .

 

[Lil' Knight]

The DIY M3 has very warm sound.

 

[majkel]

The DT880's sound their best when driven from class A SS or tube amp. You get rich, textured and alluring sound then. I cannot comment the mini3's sound signature as I never tried it but the 9V supply voltage is enough to provide loud listening, and there will be no "driving" issue as high impedance headphones don't need much current. The bottleneck for them is the supply voltage if you really need to reach the maximum power handling.

 

[chinesekiwi]

DIY Millet Starving Student?