New Amp

[Sim871]

Greetings,

I want to purchase another headphone amp. I currently own a Headroom cosmic with base station(HD-600& ER-6S). I would like similar or better performance form the new one. I am considering the meir corda prehead, corda ha-2, Headroom Maxed out home, or Headroom Max. I would like some opinions on which one. (I own decent source equipment) Thank you Sim871

 

[kentamcolin]

No brainer IMO. You already have the HD600 with Cardas cable so your almost there. Get a MG Head/OTL and some upgrade tubes and those HD600's will sing. I have had mine for four months and love it. I've had no quality related issues whatsoever. With an upgraded model coming out you can buy that or find a great used one from someone else who is upgrading. I know this one wasn't on your list, but it sure is a great pairing with these cans.

 

[radrd]

From what I've read around here, the Prehead might be a good choice, but I've never heard it.

 

[Sim871]

I am a little reluctant to go with tubes as they require a little more care and feeding than solid state. Also I am a fan of crossfeed amps as I have become accustomed to that sound. Any other thoughts? Sim871

 

[Nefarion]

Even though you dont want to go tube.. I too suggest the ASL MG/OTL which i too own. Sounds absolutely spectacular with my 600's. If you want to spend a little more check out the thread on the Audio Valve Mk II ... Thats a great looking amp althought ive never heard.

The maintanence is very minor ... You can make it major

But generally its minor. .. to me the maintanence is half the fun

 

[Sim871]

Perhaps a tube headamp warrants further consideration. FYI I own a tubed cd player and tubed preamp. The greater concern is the xfeed signal. Just last nite I was A-Bing the difference on my cosmic (xfeed and no xfeed) on various music. I preferred the xfeed everytime. I have been using it for about 5 yrs and whilst it is subtle I don't know if I would be happy going back.

 

[kentamcolin]

Best thing to do would be to audition the ASL amp. The problem with that though is a dealer will have stock tubes in it, and different sources. I would recommend buying it and having an extended audition with your own gear. If you end up not liking it (unlikely) you could always sell it. An amp like that would go pretty quick around here. You might lose a few bucks, but IMO the extended audition is worth it..