[Asr]

Due to the curse that is Head-Fi, I've decided I want to add a tube amp for the sake of having a tube amp, to hear what tube amps are like. For a while I was considering the Little Dot III+ but the quality control history of the LD2 and LD3 put me off it, and I don't want to risk a gamble on something most people here don't have either.

So what are the best tube amps I can get upwards of $800, that will offer great SQ for the price, and would match up well with headphones ranging from a K271S to a K701 or DT880, and beyond, like an AT woody? (I'm also working on upgrading my source, probably going to be a Marantz, Cambridge Audio, or Music Hall).

Right now I'm eyeing the Woo Audio 3, HeadRoom's Millett Hybrid, and the Singlepower PPX3. Which gives the most bang for the buck?

 

[ghiberti]

Earmax Pro or Singlepower PPX3

 

[Uncle Erik]

$800?!

Why not build the DIY Millett Hybrid? Only about $100 altogether. Or maybe one of the offerings from Bottlehead:

http://www.bottlehead.com/

Their S.E.X. amp kit is $369, and everyone who has one seems happy with it.

$100 will get you an excellent soldering iron and another $100 will get you an excellent Fluke DMM. With those, you can build any tube amp you want. There are hundreds of circuits to choose from, too.

 

[rocktboy]

Yo dude,
Jasmine T-200 right here in your area!

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=177619
Your stereotypical entry level tube sound.

No obligations home audition for a week!

 

[cpw]

PPX3 is probably one of the best values though it wasn't my cuppa tea.
I'd say the Earmax is a great deal considering the "neutrality" (if there is such a thing).
If I were buying a tube amp today, I'd be looking hard EC offrerings could I not afford a Raptor.
CPW

 

[sacd lover]

The SLAM PPX3 is an awesome amp for $799. These amps sound wonderful with the AKG 701's and have great synergy with the sennheiser 600/650 headphones too.

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ight=ppx3+slam

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ight=ppx3+slam

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ight=ppx3+slam

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ight=ppx3+slam

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ight=ppx3+slam

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ight=ppx3+slam

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ight=ppx3+slam

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ight=ppx3+slam

 

[mrarroyo]

Mapletree Ear Purist + HD at $600 is a great amp. A bit utilitarian looking but the sound is fantastic.

 

[tyrion]

You may want to consider the EC-01 and save some money. There is a new review on 6moons of the amp. 6moons

 

[ilovesocks]

IMO this amp looks hardcore - more so than the audiophile version below it.

 

[tyrion]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovesocks IMO this amp looks hardcore - more so than the audiophile version below it.

That is very similar to the Laconic EC-01 sold by Eddie Current. The differences are described in the 6moons review of the EC-01. The link to the review is in my post above.

 

[ilovesocks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyrion That is very similar to the Laconic EC-01 sold by Eddie Current. The differences are described in the 6moons review of the EC-01. The link to the review is in my post above.

Well, I'll have to read it, then!

 

[kugino]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo Mapletree Ear Purist + HD at $600 is a great amp. A bit utilitarian looking but the sound is fantastic.

second this...i actually like the retro look of this amp...and boy, does it make grados sing!