[Varma]

I am looking for an amplifier for my RS1 and HD650 around $400.

In the future I will also buy K701. If the amplifier can atleast have good synergy with atleast two headphones that should be fine. I have been readying a lot regarding the amplifiers but got no where.

I am not very familiar with difference between solid state and tube amplifiers so it doesn't matter which one as long as it sounds good.

Right now I am running them using iPod and A/V Receiver. I am thinking of getting either Cambridge Audio 740 or Music Hall CD.25.

I mostly listen to Pop, Rock and Film Scores.

Here is the list of amplifiers I have right now in mind:

Darkvoice 336i
HeadAmp Gilmore Lite
Mapletree Ear+ HD ( Probably Used )
RSA Predator

Thanks.

 

[epaludo]

The Mapletree was designed using a HD650 and it has a high reputation when combined with a Grado. I own one and love it. It has an awesome sinergy with the K701 too. Never tried a senn with it though, but have read that it sounds good too ...

 

[Monster_Omelette]

I have neither the amp or headphones, but the Eddie Current EC/SS was designed specifically around the Grado RS-1 and has been said to also sound great with the HD650s. No idea about how it's with the K701s though.

 

[Gradofan2]

For the money... there is no contest - get the DV332 - you'll be amazed.

 

[Capunk]

You planning to own 3 references headphone eh?

As long you got a good source, get the most transparent amp as possible, like Gilmore Lite + DPS (I would suggest GS-1), or Graham Slee "Green" solo. Tubes like 336i or 332 might synergies well with K701 or HD650, but don't know about grado.

 

[panda]

melos sha-1 or gilmore lite. the two sound way different but both work well for either headphone.

 

[Dept_of_Alchemy]

Take a look at the Little Dot MkIVse as well. It uses the same tubes as the DV332 and gets pretty good reviews. The Little Dot was also tuned for the HD650.

 

[number1sixerfan]

Honestly, almost any tube amp is going to be great with the rs-1's and pretty good with the hd650. The differences in sound will probably be minimal. However, I think the hd650 would benefit more from a solid state amp. Out of the amps you listed, I'd grab the mapletree.

 

[Bozz_Keren]

anyway my HD650 loves tube more than RS2

 

[Penchum]

I can't help but think you could get the LD MKIII and save some bucks too. It gets excellent reviews here and you can roll the tubes until you have it just the way you want it.

 

[MaZa]

Get some amplifier that is as transparent as possible, so it doesnt favor one headphone over another. IE does what amplifier should do, provide cans enough power. Let the source and headphones do the possible coloration.

 

[mrarroyo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gradofan2 /img/forum/go_quote.gif For the money... there is no contest - get the DV332 - you'll be amazed.

How about an used X-Can V3 at about $325? Or an used X-Can V2 at about $175?

With the V2 he could get a 1.5 amp wall wart from Jameco as well as a kit from PinkFloyd and he would have a very nice amp for $400.

 

[Varma]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

How does K701 sound with Mapletree. If it sounds good, then I will be getting Mapletree.

It looks like Ear+ HD2 has been discontinued and will be replaced by Ear+ HD Super. Also the prices has been increased, now its costs $740.