Solid State amp recommendations for Sennheiser HD650 + Equinox cable

[DrUrsus]

I have Sennheiser HD650 headphones with a Stefan AudioArts Equinox cable that I currently use with a Musical Fidelity X-Can V3. I really like the X-Cans, but would like to go with a Solid State amp. I need to keep the price under $1500 and preferably under $1000. What do you think of Ray Samuels amps? Is the RS Emmeline SR-71 portable a pretty good amp. I don't necessarily need a portable though.

 

[sonic32]

I can tell you the RSA Emmeline HR2 sounds beautiful with this combo. For less money a Headamp Gilmore Lite sounds very good as well. Do a search on the forums for these two amps with the HD650's to give you an idea.

 

[sonic32]

Forgot to mention the PS Audio GCHA amplifier/dac. Haven't heard this one so cannot personally recommend, but from what info there is available it seems this would be a highly regarded combo as well. Also, it has a built-in dac with USB connectivity. Check it out.

 

[Thaddy]

Also don't forget about the HeadAmp GS-1...

 

[KenW]

I've heard both the HR-2 as well as the GCHA. Can't go wrong with either but my nod goes to the GCHA. Does the Senns remarkably well. Throw in that DAC and gain cell technology and you've got a versatile winner IMO. Of course, if you want to go tubes, the 2A3 + Senn 650 is something else!

 

[fr4c]

I would suggest the Headamp GS-1. IMO, it is one of the most musical SS amps I have ever heard. But may I ask what it is you dont like about the V3, or tube amps in general?

 

[drarthurwells]

Lehmann BC linear.

 

[DigiPete]

Dynahi...

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fr4c I would suggest the Headamp GS-1. IMO, it is one of the most musical SS amps I have ever heard. But may I ask what it is you dont like about the V3, or tube amps in general?

Vote #3 for the GS-1 ..... and I am in agreement with fr4c ..... this is the most musical SS amps I have heard.

Plus, the GS-1 has added features the competition lacks ..... like a preamp output, loop out, two position gain switch, two inputs with a front panel selector switch, and finally, two headphone outputs.

As for price, the GS-1 is only $749, again besting the competition.

I am using the GS-1 with a senn 600/ cardas and the new AKG K701 and the sound quality is excellent in every way. Just like the Headamp Gilmore Lite .... the GS-1 is one of the very best amp values available.

 

[DrUrsus]

The GS-1 looks great. I will have to look into it more.
I have absolutely nothing against my X-Can V3's + PSU V3 combo. I think it sounds great. I don't have a good solid state amp right now, but have heard that they can be better for certain music like Rock though. What do you all think?

 

[fr4c]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrUrsus The GS-1 looks great. I will have to look into it more. I have absolutely nothing against my X-Can V3's + PSU V3 combo. I think it sounds great. I don't have a good solid state amp right now, but have heard that they can be better for certain music like Rock though. What do you all think?

well in that case, SS amps will suit you quite well. but it also wouldnt hurt to look into other tube amp offerings. IMO with tubes you can tailor the sound to your listening preferences, and may I add tube rolling is also very fun and addicting. some tube amps that you may also want to consider are those from Singlepower, specifically the SLAM series.

perhaps Earl would like to take it from here

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fr4c well in that case, SS amps will suit you quite well. but it also wouldnt hurt to look into other tube amp offerings. IMO with tubes you can tailor the sound to your listening preferences, and may I add tube rolling is also very fun and addicting. some tube amps that you may also want to consider are those from Singlepower, specifically the SLAM series. perhaps Earl would like to take it from here

Hey this guy is from Ohio .... I already sent him a pm inviting him down for an audition. I am sure he wouldnt mind hearing the tube amps too.

There are lots of new Ohio members coming aboard ..... we need to get some of them to the Cinci meet.

 

[fr4c]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sacd lover Hey this guy is from Ohio .... I already sent him a pm inviting him down for an audition. I am sure he wouldnt mind hearing the tube amps too. There are lots of new Ohio members coming aboard ..... we need to get some of them to the Cinci meet.

Look like my job here is done

DrUrsus, if you do decide to head over Earl's, ENJOY!

 

[cpw]

Make sure you hear an HR-2 before you buy. Additional flexibilty from op amp rolling makes this one tough to beat w/ Senns and Grados.
CPW

 

[bozebuttons]

For solid state I would look at the M^3 amp .I have been listening to a rockhopper built M^3 with seperate ,steps power supply using the 650 silver Dragon .I have the equinox cable but haven't tried it yet with the M^3.
Very Musical combo,you may get other amps that may have more strengths but the M^3 is a well balanced offering sonicaly especially for the price.
For Tubes I would definately look at the Singlepower offerings for the 650.