[Carlos3]

For those of you who have sampled the CD3000 with many amps, how would you rank amps specifically to be paired with the CD3000? And how do the different amps alter/work with the CD3000's sound?

The RKV w/Imedancer and MircoZotl seem to be the most beloved matches. But how do the Emmeline, Gilmore, Cordas, etc. compare? I know tidbits of this information is spread throughout the archives, but usually without much context or depth. Would a "Top 10" amps for the CD3000 be possible?

The problem I have with my Rega Ear is that it was voiced by Rega for the Senn 580/600, and the gain is set so high that the difference between mute and max listening volume (75-80 db) with the CD3000 is 6:30 to 7:00. While the sound is good so far (still breaking in), I doubt that I am getting the best possible sound given that I can only use a tiny portion of the pot's lowest range.

 

[dd3mon]

Pure speculation, based on other's opinions of these amps with CD3000s and other similar cans - I would venture to say the Singlepower tube amps and the Emmeline solid state would rank among the best for the CD3000.

One combination I have almost *never* heard described as good is any headroom product with the CD3000.

-dd3mon

 

[ServinginEcuador]

From personal experience I loved the Sony with the RKV Mk II and the Gilmore V2. Each for different reasons, but they sounded great with each.

 

[john_jcb]

I think this will be a hard list to compile. Few people have both all of the amps that you want to assess and the CD3000's. I have the CD3000's but have only heard them on the Emmeline HR-2 and the Headroom Cosmic. I haven't had the time to compare them as my time has been consumed lately. I can tell you they sound great with the Emmeline, soundstage is excellent and I have enjoyed them very much. I will hook up the Cosmic again to my home source sometime and compare the two.

 

[Carlos3]

How was the sound different between the RKV and the Gilmore?

 

[john_jcb]

Quote:

Originally posted by dd3mon One combination I have almost *never* heard described as good is any headroom product with the CD3000. -dd3mon

Could it be that not that many people have bought the CD3000's compared to other headphones and of that group how many own Headroom amps? Just a thought on why you may not have heard much one way or the other.

 

[joelongwood]

Don't forget the little Earmax Pro. Matches up wonderfully with the CD3000.

 

[ServinginEcuador]

Quote:

Originally posted by Carlos3 How was the sound different between the RKV and the Gilmore?

RKV - rich & lush midrange, powerful bass, rolled-off highs, simply huge soundstage, smooth sound that is not accurate but very enjoyable.

Gilmore - incredibly detailed, highs that went on forever and sounded great, tight and controlled bass, flat response from lows to highs, also very enjoyable, but for different reasons.

 

[screwdriver]

i think if you go with mikhail's supra or MPX3 - he can tune the amp to match the headphones.......

 

[john_jcb]

Carlos,

Remember too that the sound you hear is also dependant on the source you are using. The same setup will sound different to you if you just change sources.

 

[markl]

I've owned the CD3000, and found it a great match with the ZOTL, which is an even-handed somewhat laid-back amp that could be used to round off some of the CD3K's rougher edges, especially if you find them approaching "brightness" or they are causing you some fatigue. A good choice if your source is pretty good but not necessarily great, the ZOTL will make it easily palatable.

OTOH, I also own the Emmeline HR-2, and although I've never heard it with the CD3000, this would seem to me to be a totally logical and synergistic match-up on paper at least. This combo would be for the person who really likes what the CD3000 can do, and wants to hear it fully. A good choice if your source is a killer and you want to hear it in all its glory.

I hear Ray Samuels has picked up a CD3000 and he likes it a lot with his HR-2.

Mark

 

[tom hankins]

I've used the Cd-3000 with the following three amps and thought they where good with them all. But they really seemed to shine with the ASL.
1. Antique Sound Labs OTL32
2. Headroom MOHR/stepped attn.
3. Meta42/elpac 24V wall wart
The CD-3000 with the ASL amp, and a Rega Jupitor 2K CDP, using Kimber Silver Streak IC's, and LAT AC2 PC's was really enjoyable. The tubes I used where the RCA Cleartops.

 

[Carlos3]

How is the sound different between the ASL OTL32 and the Headroom?

 

[Hirsch]

Supra is a good match, as is ZOTL. I liked the synergy between CD3K and X-Can v2 (op amp modded). The carlo-modded SHA-1 is another good amp for CD3K, as is Emmeline HR-2. Grado HPA-1 is pretty good, but RA-1+CD3K is awful.

Best I've heard for that headphone is EAR HP4.

 

[MERTON]

what about nik's amp?