Sinking deeper into the world of Audiophelia... time to buy my first Amp, need help!

[The_Red]

Ok... I started on this path at my Universities media studies lab... where I was first introduced to "omg this is so better than my media play BOSE headphone trash" headphones while editing my first tracks using the same audio I listened to at at home. Its now 1.5 years since graduation with a BA in Media Study: Production.

About a year and a half ago I finally decided to do something unheard of for myself... blow a chunk of change on something other than a PC part... I bought some Sennheiser HD555s, and my world was changed. I'm too ashamed to list what cans I was listening through before those. But now I have gone one step further and upgraded to Audio Technica ATH AD-700s... they have more clarity than the HD555s but I miss my Sennheiser warmth and better fit

... in any case, I'm searching for more justification to use these cans with more clarity, and thus I need my first Amp.

I'm not rich, hence my choice of AD700s over AD900s... I've been surfing these boards and I just cant fathom blowing $100-$2000 on an amp yet. I've been recommended a SOHA amp but dont know where to buy one.

I would like to buy something that will have noticeable audio improvement in my headphones... does not need to be portable... something hopefully in the circa ~$50 range... I know, its pitiful by some standards here

... also my sound-card is Creative Audigy 2 ZS, which I'm told is not bad for audio quality, but not the best... I'm willing to hear out some suggestions on the sound-card but nothing crazy... sub-100 plz... I *am* saving for a down payment on a first home here too.

If I should buy from a forum member, thats not a problem, I just have no idea how to make heads or tails of anything about what amps they're posting to make an informed decision based on my needs. I have good e-bay and heatware ratings to back me up in-case I do buy off a member.

PS: I'm normally a much bigger voice on [H]ardForum ... but it has brought me here, and I hope to start making sense of and enjoying what everyone here is talking about. I can be the 2nd Mikhail on the forum, from what I hear

 

[kool bubba ice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Red /img/forum/go_quote.gif Ok... I started on this path at my Universities media studies lab... where I was first introduced to "omg this is so better than my media play BOSE headphone trash" headphones while editing my first tracks using the same audio I listened to at at home. Its now 1.5 years since graduation with a BA in Media Study: Production. About a year and a half ago I finally decided to do something unheard of for myself... blow a chunk of change on something other than a PC part... I bought some Sennheiser HD555s, and my world was changed. I'm too ashamed to list what cans I was listening through before those. But now I have gone one step further and upgraded to Audio Technica ATH AD-700s... they have more clarity than the HD555s but I miss my Sennheiser warmth and better fit ... in any case, I'm searching for more justification to use these cans with more clarity, and thus I need my first Amp. I'm not rich, hence my choice of AD700s over AD900s... I've been surfing these boards and I just cant fathom blowing $100-$2000 on an amp yet. I've been recommended a SOHA amp but dont know where to buy one. I would like to buy something that will have noticeable audio improvement in my headphones... does not need to be portable... something hopefully in the circa ~$50 range... I know, its pitiful by some standards here ... also my sound-card is Creative Audigy 2 ZS, which I'm told is not bad for audio quality, but not the best... I'm willing to hear out some suggestions on the sound-card but nothing crazy... sub-100 plz... I *am* saving for a down payment on a first home here too. If I should buy from a forum member, thats not a problem, I just have no idea how to make heads or tails of anything about what amps they're posting to make an informed decision based on my needs. I have good e-bay and heatware ratings to back me up in-case I do buy off a member. PS: I'm normally a much bigger voice on [H]ardForum ... but it has brought me here, and I hope to start making sense of and enjoying what everyone here is talking about. I can be the 2nd Mikhail on the forum, from what I hear

We aren't going to flame you. It's cool.

These cans are easy to drive, so getting a amp isn't necessary.. But they will benefit from it.. I'd look into blackie's cmoy for 40.00 or the PAV2 from Gary at electronicavenue.com. Both are sold through ebay.

 

[Ogresmash]

I guess this is as good of a place as any to look for suggestions for myself too.

I'm currently using a pair of HD555s through an AV-710 and am looking for something in the range of $100-$150. Portability doesn't matter, though I'd prefer if it were something fairly small. I know the HD555s don't need much of an amp to sound good, so would a Cmoy work? Would I notice a significant difference between a Cmoy and a better amp?

 

[ingwe]

The_Red: welcome to head-fi! Sorry about your wallet.

 

[The_Red]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ogresmash /img/forum/go_quote.gif I guess this is as good of a place as any to look for suggestions for myself too. I'm currently using a pair of HD555s through an AV-710 and am looking for something in the range of $100-$150. Portability doesn't matter, though I'd prefer if it were something fairly small. I know the HD555s don't need much of an amp to sound good, so would a Cmoy work? Would I notice a significant difference between a Cmoy and a better amp?

I'm technically in the same boat... I cant find the PAV2 that kool bubba is recommending.. but I did find what seems to be a nice CMOY, but yet again I dont know if its worth it or not... can someone check this e-bay listing I have here, its gone in 16.5 hours, I'm thinking about getting it, could someone who knows what they're doing give me a thumbs up, thumbs down, or recommend something better at that price range? ... btw, I'm not restricted to portable, I'm perfectly fine with desktop amping. linkie to e-bay post

What would give me better sound... this investment in the amp, or an investment in a better sound-card?

Last but not least.. thank you ingwe for the welcome

 

[wrecked_porsche]

I think its called PA2V2 rather than PAV2.

U can get it here: http://www.electric-avenues.com/audio8.html
I think the guy who makes it is called Gary IIANM.

Cheers

 

[The_Red]

ok... i've looked into both... I can only find them in auction-style purchase that I personally am cautious of. I sort of need to know how high the price will get to compare which amp to buy.

But seriously, which is better? ... one uses the OPA2227 chip, or the LM4881 amplifier which the PA2V2 uses? ... I'm going to guess the differences are much deeper. But opinions are more than welcomed.

This modded CMOY vs. the PA2V2

 

[kpeezy]

I think there's a Mister X Cmoy on the FS forums for $45 and a JMT Penguin amp for $35

Might have a looksy.

 

[shirleywhite]

Hi The_Red.

My first amp is/was the Pocketamp 2V2. Can wholheartedly recommend the amp - but especially the service. Gary who builds them is excellent for answering any questions, keeping you informed re shipping , packing safely etc etc.

For info - I'm using line out from Sony HD5 into the 2v2 into Superfi 5pros or ety 6is - IMHO the amp improves things quite nicely!!

PS Sorry about your wallet..................LOL!!

 

[Kees]

Just chiming in to support the PA2V2.
It is a remarkably good amp for the money and Gary is an excellent guy.
I can't comment on the match with your ATH 700s, but the PA2V2 is very good with Grados, from the SR60 up to the SR325i.
Just in case you thought you would stop here....

 

[The_Red]

its nice to see so many recommendations... but could anyone tell me which is better? ... The CMOY with the OPA2227 chip, or the PAV2V... ?