PPA vs Pimeta vs M^3

[jgonino]

Looking to get one of these built, but i don't know what the going price for each is anymore. Looking for the best compromise between SQ and price. Id say anything under $250 goes. Ill be using it with my dt770's, k701's and sr60's.

I know this seems like a FS ad, but i don't have the money just yet. I really just want some opinions as to which to get. Also, I'm open to any other DIY amps in this price range.

 

[fordgtlover]

I built both the Pimeta and the M³. While the Pimeta is a nice amp, I can say with all honesty that this is the only time I have ever suggested a night and day comparison.

I can't see that anyone new to headphone amps would be disappointed with the Pimeta; it's a fine amp, but in my experience the M³ does everything better.

There are a couple of threads here comparing the PPA and the M³.

Cheers

 

[LawnGnome]

I have all those phones, and they sound great with my PPAV2. Great amp for the money.

Haven't heard the M^3, but the PPAV2 and M^3 are supposed to be very close SQ wise.

 

[meat01]

Another one to look at in that price range is the CKK III. I built one and am very happy with it.

 

[n_maher]

Just one quick point, it's pretty darn hard to build a M³ for under $250, especially if you're not doing it yourself. I think the base M³'s from Rockhopper used to sell for ~$300. I can't remember exactly though.

And like others have said, while the PIMETA is no slouch I'd take either a PPA or M³ which when built well are truly in the reference class of amplifiers despite their meager cost around these parts.

 

[jgonino]

sounds like i need a ppa...

 

[jgonino]

so who around here builds PPA's? I know you do n_maher, and MisterX does as well. Anybody else?

 

[n_maher]

Technically speaking, I don't build PPAs in the way that you're describing. Talk to MisterX or thrice (Rockhopper), they're your best bet.