[AndrewZander]

Here is my current set up:

iMac (Apple Lossless) -> Beresford TC-7510 -> Senn. HD-580

So, after having the Beresford TC-7510 for a while - and have been happy with it compared to the output of my iMac, I would like to take a step up.

My target price is about $300, but absolutely no more than $500. I'd like to have some money left over for a cable upgrade for around $120, recommendations?

I've been considering a (used) Apogee Duet. But I wonder if I would be better off getting a dedicated amp since I already have a DAC? If so, which amp would you all recommend that works well with Senn. HD 580 and fits my budget?

Thanks!
Andrew

 

[malldian]

The headphone out on the beresford is pretty poor. I would suggest keeping it and finding an amp that would suit your tastes.

 

[tfarney]

My 580s sounded fabulous through a borrowed Glow Audio Amp One I had for a week. The only caveat is the built-in USB DAC in the Glow, which was awful. But you already have that covered. It even has speaker terminals that put out 5 watts per if you ever decide to buy some high efficiency speakers. And it looks mahvelous...

<$500.

Tim

 

[Uncle Erik]

You might be interested in the PreSonus Central Station. I had one until I was bitten by vinyl and analog - it did a fine job driving a HD-650 and I ran it from the optical output of a Mac Mini.

 

[andychen]

take a look at little dot amps and music fidelity x-can, incredible value and nice match with HD580

 

[Cankin]

Get the Duet, I've read that it's headphone out is pretty good, I may pick up one later myself. If you don't like it in the end, you can return it.

 

[charley phogg]

Check out the review of Graham Slee's Novo, fully discrete (amended, thought it was class A, but now can't find where it says it ) for $400.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f45/or...2008-a-354511/

mrarroyo had a beta Novo at the mini-meet in Florida.

 

[AndrewZander]

So, here are a few options i'm looking at:

Millett Max

Little Dot 3

RSA Hornet: Emmeline "The Hornet" Portable Headphone Amp - Ray Samuels Audio

Cute Beyond: Cute BEYOND Headphone Amplifier - Headphone Amplifier - Headphone Amp - Firestone Audio

Does anyone have any experience with paring these with HD-580's?

Thanks,
Andrew

 

[paaj]

i've got a hornet, and use it sometimes with my hd650, sounds good. so i expect no problems with the hd580. have not heard the others

 

[pinkfloyd4ever]

I was just curious to see how much the Millett Max was mentioned in the non-diy amp forum, and I found this. It seems us DIYers don't spend alot of time in this forum, but anyway...I personally haven't heard the Millett Max with 580s, but I know I've seen several rave reviews of the combo .... Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio - Search Results so the Millett Max gets my vote. Plus it's so configurable to one's specific tastes, and I'm sure if you can't find one in the FS forum, that you can find someone to build you one ...assuming you're not into DIY