[Kapkirk]

I am now on a strict budget for a portable amp.

Considering the XM3 from Practical Devices, Pimeta or PA2v2 amps from Ebay.

Would a Pimeta, PA2v2, or XM3 drive a 250 Ohm set of DT 880's?

I bet there is a formula I could plug into from the spec sheets.

Any real-world examples, or formulas to prove or disprove?

Input appreciated (no pun intended)

 

[mrarroyo]

Of the listed ones I have only heard the PAV2 and it is a nice little amp. If you decide to purchase it do not do so from Ebay, you can get it directly from Gary at: http://www.electric-avenues.com/amplifiers.html

 

[smeerkaas]

I'd like to know this too

 

[chesebert]

pimeta ...and call it a day.....use battery when on road and plug into STEP to improve sound when home....switch the opamps around to get your sound

 

[GreatDane]

I've only experienced the PA2v2 with 880 and once again I have to say it can't drive the 880...unless you like listening at 50dB with weak bass.

The 880 demands MUCH more power.

 

[smeerkaas]

would a pimeta like this one be better then the pa2v2

pimeta amp

it runs on 9v so it should be better in driving high impedance phones, right?

 

[chesebert]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreatDane I've only experienced the PA2v2 with 880 and once again I have to say it can't drive the 880...unless you like listening at 50dB with weak bass. The 880 demands MUCH more power.

so pa2v2 is out...I have pimeta driving HD600 right now..if that means anything

 

[GreatDane]

Ah, you fixed the link...

It seems that from chesebert's remark that a pimeta might be the better option.

 

[tattoou2]

The PA2V2 cannot properly drive higher impedance cans such as the 880. It's a nice amp for lower impedance cans. I'd say no more than 120 ohms.

 

[smeerkaas]

would a pimeta like the one a posted before be any good at driving higher impedance cans?

i know the pa2v2 (which is probably no good for me) and the go-vibe are very popular here, how come I don't read that much about pimeta's?

and oh yeah, sry about hijacking the thread

 

[chesebert]

Quote:

Originally Posted by smeerkaas would a pimeta like the one a posted before be any good at driving higher impedance cans? i know the pa2v2 (which is probably no good for me) and the go-vibe are very popular here, how come I don't read that much about pimeta's?

probably not...you want a higher gain...like 7 would do well..and get one with a better pot.

 

[smeerkaas]

like kapkirk, i'm on a tight budget

i'm aware that my dt 880's won't reach their full potential. I just want the best amp for these around $100

and in my case i will also be using them with my um1's

but the 880's need a high gain and the um1's need a low gain, I really need an good compromise

 

[hciman77]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kapkirk Would a Pimeta, PA2v2, or XM3 drive a 250 Ohm set of DT 880's?

I have driven both HD580s (300ohm 97db SPL/mw) and DT990s (250ohm 96db SPL/mw) well with both PA2V2 and Portable Pimeta (AD8620). Where I find the PA2V2 struggles is with the 120ohm 94db SPL/mw AKG K501s. This is just my experience take it as you wish.

For me the Beyers do sound better with the Pimeta but the 990s are rather heavy on the low end and the 880s are not supposed to be very much like the 990s so maybe that dont help much - sorry.

 

[smeerkaas]

why did you like the pimeta better?

was the pa2v2 too bassy to pair with the 990's?

 

[hciman77]

Quote:

Originally Posted by smeerkaas why did you like the pimeta better? was the pa2v2 too bassy to pair with the 990's?

That depends on how much bass you like

, for me it is just a little bass heavy but not boom boom boom so, just a touch and of course the usual disclaimers apply..It isnt just bass though, as much as I like the Pocketamps - I have 3 generations of Gary's Amps - I just think the Pimeta sounds a little more refined. Also my Pimeta is $40 (66.66%) more than the PA2V2.

The downside of my Portable Pimeta is that after the PA2V2 the battery life is really really short - I am getting about 8 hours on my rechargeable 9Vs.