SinglePower MPX3 VS Grace M902. Opinions?

[DannyB]

I currently have the Grace M902 to use with my Grado HP2s and
Senn HD600s. I also have a pair of AKG K1000s but the Grace peters out with these and I am forced to use my BAT VK75SE amp (perhaps a bit overkill for a headphone amp but it really sings).

I am now thinking about the SinglePower MPX3, with upgrades. I heard one at our Carolina Audio Society Headphone meeting a couple of months ago and was immediately taken by its handling of the low end. I really enjoyed it. So, now the question is how does the Grace compare to the MPX3 and should the latter drive my AKGs OK, unlike the Grace. Thanks for your thoughts

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DannyB /img/forum/go_quote.gif I currently have the Grace M902 to use with my Grado HP2s and Senn HD600s. I also have a pair of AKG K1000s but the Grace peters out with these and I am forced to use my BAT VK75SE amp (perhaps a bit overkill for a headphone amp but it really sings). I am now thinking about the SinglePower MPX3, with upgrades. I heard one at our Carolina Audio Society Headphone meeting a couple of months ago and was immediately taken by its handling of the low end. I really enjoyed it. So, now the question is how does the Grace compare to the MPX3 and should the latter drive my AKGs OK, unlike the Grace. Thanks for your thoughts

The K1000 is meant to be driven by a speaker amp. The MPX3 and most headphones amps are not going to drive the K1000 optimally. The MPX3 does drive HP-2's very well. I like any of the SLAM amps (PPX3 or MPX3) that use 5687 output tubes for my grados. I have a special high power amp on order that I know will drive K1000's. I even asked about adding a K1000 jack in case I ever get a pair. He can certainly build you an amp that can drive both.

 

[robm321]

I would recommend using your BAT amp, and using another amp for the HP-2s and Senns. There isn't a heaphone amp that I've heard that can drive the K-1000s adequetely. I've heard of people using up to 200WPC amps.

As you said the BAT amp "makes them sing", so you're good to go

 

[Frihed89]

Contact Peter McAlister at www.Mcalisteraudio.com