Simpl A1 Amp or Headroom Airhead Amp

[IpodSF]

Alright so it's pretty simple. I'm getting the Sennheiser HD595's and an Ipod. Should I go with the Simpl A1 Portable Amp (Which attaches right to the ipod, so this would be more convient) or the Headroom Airhead amp?

They are about the same price, the Headroom amp is about $10 more. What do you guys think?

 

[dwin902]

I have an Airhead (which will be replaced by the Gilmore Lite I just ordered

) and it sounds decent enough powered by my Audigy 2 (which will be replaced by an 0404 when I buy it tomorrow), though I've lately realized how muddy the sound really is. I'm using some HD580s, and the sound through a portable CD player (I've never had an iPod, so I can't comment on their quality) is so-so at best. It definitely sounds much better off the Audigy. Honestly, I can't believe you're going portable with the 595s; they seem way too big to travel with. I haven't heard the Simpl A1 amp, but I'm sure the sound can't be too different from the Airhead. As far as portables go, either one would probably serve you fine. Personally, I'd spend the money on gear for my home setup if I were you, but that's definitely up to you. I hope this helps.

 

[IpodSF]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwin902 I have an Airhead (which will be replaced by the Gilmore Lite I just ordered ) and it sounds decent enough powered by my Audigy 2 (which will be replaced by an 0404 when I buy it tomorrow), though I've lately realized how muddy the sound really is. I'm using some HD580s, and the sound through a portable CD player (I've never had an iPod, so I can't comment on their quality) is so-so at best. It definitely sounds much better off the Audigy. Honestly, I can't believe you're going portable with the 595s; they seem way too big to travel with. I haven't heard the Simpl A1 amp, but I'm sure the sound can't be too different from the Airhead. As far as portables go, either one would probably serve you fine. Personally, I'd spend the money on gear for my home setup if I were you, but that's definitely up to you. I hope this helps.

Well the 595's are for when Im siting down and just relaxing IE on a flight to LA (5 hours). I will be getting some earphones for portable use at the gym and such. While going really portable like at the gym having the ipod in my pocket I really wouldnt need the amp as while working out I am concentrating on the work out, not the quality of the music.

So these 595's, iPod/Computer and amp ARE going to be my home setup.

 

[Kirosia]

I don't think using the 595 on a flight is a good idea, since they're open phones.

Also, why not try a headsave amp? www.headsave.com

No complaints by any of the users so far.

 

[IpodSF]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirosia I don't think using the 595 on a flight is a good idea, since they're open phones. Also, why not try a headsave amp? www.headsave.com No complaints by any of the users so far.

Ahhh hell, the people sittin next to me will just have to live with it. (IE Parents... Haha!)

Well right now its between these three amps:

Simpl A1 Heaphone Amp: http://www.simpl.com/
XIM SuperMacro Headphone Amp: http://www.fixup.net/products/macro/index.htm
Headroom Airhead Amp: http://www.headphone.com/layout.php?...tID=0000010001

I am leaning towards the Simpl A1 due to how well it goes with the ipod and how portable it really is not to mention its 10 bucks less than the Airhead (Not that big of deal... 10 bucks.) and 110 bucks less than the SuperMarco.

So what do you guys recommend?

 

[Kirosia]

Yeah . . . I wouldn't go w/ the A1 just yet, doesn't appear to be worth the money with what's been described so far . . . You should go with something with more of a consensus. What's wrong with the headsave amps? Fairly inexpensive and highly praised. OR maybe a nice Pimeta from oneof our many builders. The FS forum usually has good deals show up now and then.

 

[IpodSF]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirosia Yeah . . . I wouldn't go w/ the A1 just yet, doesn't appear to be worth the money with what's been described so far . . . You should go with something with more of a consensus. What's wrong with the headsave amps? Fairly inexpensive and highly praised. OR maybe a nice Pimeta from oneof our many builders. The FS forum usually has good deals show up now and then.

I could always get the A1 (I admit I am very curious on how it will perform) and then return it to Macmall if it doesnt do so well.

I would also write a review on here to help others curious about the A1.

 

[aeriyn]

MINT. MINT. MINT. =P

I could build one for you... for a price.

 

[IpodSF]

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeriyn MINT. MINT. MINT. =P I could build one for you... for a price.

MINT?

 

[Kirosia]

Quote:

Originally Posted by IpodSF MINT?

It's a DIY design portable amplifier, usually housed in a mint tin. (Meta IN a Tin, etc)

There are A LOT of portable amps, many of which are great. You should widen your choices, and do some research.

 

[Vashin]

I love my headsave go-vibe. It's inexpensive and performs quite well.

 

[st3]

the simpl A1 extends ipod battery, and its USB rechargable..i think it really fits ipod, but not so sure about the quality

 

[Jahn]

the thing is no one on head-fi has a solid opinion on that simpl amp yet - yes the functionality is interesting but what's important is the sound, right? so best to wait on that amp until the reviews roll in. on the other hand you could buy it and give us the first!

 

[IpodSF]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jahn the thing is no one on head-fi has a solid opinion on that simpl amp yet - yes the functionality is interesting but what's important is the sound, right? so best to wait on that amp until the reviews roll in. on the other hand you could buy it and give us the first!

You know it! That's what I plan on doing. By early next month I will have a full blown review for you guys here at Head-fi! If it doesn't perform like I want it to I will simply return it.

So stay tuned guys!