New Beyerdynamic amp A2

[Ultrainferno]

Yes, the A2 has a looped-through output, probably a bad choice of words. I don't think it's an important feature of the A2 though, at least not for me.

 

[plakat]

I don't use any of my headphone amps as a preamp either (reconfigured the V281 for line-out, ignored XLR outs on the Phonitor so I don't miss that at all. Just wondering as he mentions it at least twice in the review, even using it as such.

 

[littlexsparkee]

Beach Camera had a refurb A2 for $629 today, is that a good price? I was considering it for my T90.

 

[dduck]

That's a pretty solid price. I'd check it out at price point.

 

[plakat]

  Beach Camera had a refurb A2 for $629 today, is that a good price? I was considering it for my T90.

Yes, it is. And it matches very well with the T90 using its 100Ohm output setting.

 

[littlexsparkee]

 
Yes, it is. And it matches very well with the T90 using its 100Ohm output setting.

Excellent, I'll report back with my listening notes. Looking forward to hearing the T90 - A2 synergy.

 

[HiFiGuy528]

  Beach Camera had a refurb A2 for $629 today, is that a good price? I was considering it for my T90.

 
buy two!  A great SS amp at crazy low price.  
 

 

[littlexsparkee]

I really love it so far - gobs of detail, no harshness... Glad it's Friday and I can finally put some hours on it. The remote is a nice touch, don't have to amble over from my relaxation to change the volume.

 

[HiAudio]

At this price range I do think they should include balanced output.

 

[plakat]

  At this price range I do think they should include balanced output.

I asked... seems like thats not going to happen.
Beyerdynamic has a strong background in studio / pro audio... balanced headphone outs is not a thing there (while balanced interconnects between processors, amps etc. is deemed highly important, but thats a whole other thing).
 
Overall I'd say the A2 is Beyers top amp offering for Beyerdynamic headphones... none of their models have the power requirements that might let a balanced design be viable or interesting. For all other purposes a clean single ended amp is sufficient. And in the opinion of some even the better solution... just ask Chord about the design of the Hugo...

 

[HiAudio]

Sometimes I wonder if these amp made by headphone makers (Sennheiser and Beyerdynamic) can compete with the small makers specialized on amp and DACs. Of course those 3rd parties have gear at 2k, 3k, 4k, 5k or even 10k plus tags. 

 

[plakat]

  Sometimes I wonder if these amp made by headphone makers (Sennheiser and Beyerdynamic) can compete with the small makers specialized on amp and DACs. Of course those 3rd parties have gear at 2k, 3k, 4k, 5k or even 10k plus tags. 

Yes, why not? Contrary to what some amp makers want to make us believe thats not dark science revealed to only a selected few... Which is not to say all amps are equal of course. But I guess neither Beyerdynamic nor Sennheiser would offer amps if they showed their respective headphones at less than optimal level.

 

[TJ Max]

Whats the difference between the A2 and A20? And which is best sounding for the T1 2.generation?
I'm currently using a Teac HA-501 & T1 2.Gen

 

[plakat]

I can't comment on the Teac since I've never heard it. On A2 vs. A20: the A2 is a hit more versatile with its switchable output impedance which makes it more suitable to low impedance headphones while the A20 has fixed 100Ohm. Other than that I'd say the A20 is the same choice. And the A2 the beautiful version with a nicer circuit layout, remote and a second analog input. Both will drive your T1.2 very well

 

[TJ Max]

I can't comment on the Teac since I've never heard it. On A2 vs. A20: the A2 is a hit more versatile with its switchable output impedance which makes it more suitable to low impedance headphones while the A20 has fixed 100Ohm. Other than that I'd say the A20 is the same choice. And the A2 the beautiful version with a nicer circuit layout, remote and a second analog input. Both will drive your T1.2 very well

 
Would low impedance mean 32ohm?
I have T70p which is 32ohm what would plugging that into a 100ohm output mean?