Top 3 rated Headphone Amps upto $1800

[Fickle-Friend]

Just wondering what the TOP 3 headphone amps as of 5th May 2005 are around here. Gives me idea as to what to consider buying. Lets put a top price of around $1800.

 

[john_jcb]

The elusive quest for the best amp in yet another thread. There can be no best without a set of criteria. Even when you have criteria it is extremely subjective and I believe dependent on the other components in your setup. At the price point you give I doubt that there are any bad amps.

 

[philodox]

With no criteria and assuming that these are standard amps and not balanced I would say that out of what I have heard they would be:

Kevin Gilmore Dynahi [in its various incarnations]
Ray Samuels Emmeline II "The Raptor"
Headroom Max

Note: I do have a heavy preference for headphone amps that are high gain and pack enough power to drive my K340's. There are some great amps out there that are lower powered and sound amazing with Grado's or other low impedence cans.

 

[Mikey01]

[size=x-large]Moth 2A3si.....#1![/size]

And remember, 2nd place is the first looser.

 

[saint.panda]

edit
In my opinion, there's no best but rather "different" at this price point especially if you take different tastes and matching systems (headphones, source, cables) into consideration. A fair (yet always subjective) ranking would also require a comparison that involves a lot of time, a whole bunch of amps, the same or similar system setting for all amps, no personal bias, various musical styles, different headphones, perhaps some prior experience with amps costing this much, etc.

There also needs to be a reason why most of the comparison-type reviews don't conclude with a simple overall ranking, at least not without explicitly stating personal preferences for certain aspects.

I've only listened to 3 or 4 amps approaching $1800 (and only 2 in the same system) so far and just listing the top 3 would be valid but neither fair nor representative in the slightest. However, I can say that for this amount of money, the Dynamight should be an option to consider, as well as the Prehead MKII - both of them sounding very good with both the HD 650 and Sony CD3000. I would also be curious about the higher end Singlepower amps because the PPX3 for "just" $600-700 sounded excellent.

 

[kmcdonou]

Well, regardless of one's musical taste, I don't think too many people would argue that an upgraded MPX3 would appear somewhere in a top 5 list, and certainly in my top 3.

From what people have been saying, I also agree that the Raptor and Dynahi belong on the list, along with the Moth.

 

[woodcans]

After the ohio mini-meet last weekend, 2 excellent choices are the Moth 2a3 and an upgraded MPX3. Can't go wrong with either.

 

[bhd812]

Kevin Gilmore Dynahi [in its various incarnations]
Ray Samuels Emmeline II "The Raptor"
Headroom Max




I must second that, though I havent heard a fully loaded and super high priced sp though. the moth amp and tuberollers weatfield are two I either heard little of or havent heard at all. I heard the cary stuff and sounds nice to.

the dynahi was great, but if you look at a $1800 fully loaded price tag it may not be to great afterall...depends up to the person and the budget (I cant see spending $1800 on a headamp...its personal)

the Raptor showed me things that I never thought possible off a tube amp, very close to solid state yet with the rite tubes in it can get lushhhhh..lol

 

[some1x]

One thing about the Dynahi is that there might be while between when you buy and when you actually get the amp in your hands. Still waiting for mine after 4 months.

Worth the wait? I don't know.

 

[philodox]

Quote:

Originally Posted by some1x Worth the wait? I don't know.

Most definately.

 

[Kurt]

Quote:

Originally Posted by some1x Still waiting for mine after 4 months.

I waited more than 5 months too. =o)


Quote:

Originally Posted by some1x Worth the wait? I don't know.

For me, it was. Absolutely.

For 1800 USD I would buy a basic sft Dynamight (balanced Dynahi).

Cheers

 

[Edwood]

I would spend a lot more money on the Headphones and Source first.

Amps are not as different sounding as you would think with most headphones.

Well. Most headphones.

-Ed

 

[aseltzer144]

I tend to agree with Ed on this. I know that doesn't answer the question, but I think you also have to look at how critical the headphone experience is. Personally, while I haven't experienced the highest end of the headphone spectrum, I can't imagine it ever being superior to the loudspeaker experience in terms of realism and soundstage presentation. At the given price point, I would consider applying that to a preamp/amp/loudspeaker setup or an upgraded source player. However, if I were in a situation where I could or had to mainly do my listening on headphones, I would probably feel different.

From some experience with high end audio, I have learned that you shouldn't just simply buy at the max that your budget allows. Often, in audio as with most everything, you do get what you pay for, but there are also a lot of high priced products that don't necessarily result in higher sound quality. Then there's the law of diminshing returns which is very applicable in audio. Its wonderful to have a budget that allows for many satisfying possibilities, but before making that kind of outlay, I would audition at lot of equipment. A subjective listing on a hifi forum may be a good starting point, but its no substitute for evaluating the fine equipment available at your price point in concert with your sonic preferences with the types of music that you listen to.

 

[elrod-tom]

I would also support Edwood's comments about source and cans...particularly source. I would spend probably two to three times on my source what I spend on my amp and cans combined.

As for the amps...I think it depends on whether they are tube or solid state, as they have significantly different sonic signatures.

TUBE:

Moth Audio 2A3SiH - This would be Nightfall's amp, and it's a damn fine one. Not only does is sound great, but it's a good looking amp too.

ASL Twinhead Prototype - This would be Jude's famous "ringer" amp, which has since departed this earth (or at least around Detroit). I heard it for the first time at a meet, hooked up to a Wadia 861, and all I could say was WOW!!

Ray Samuels Emmeline II (The Raptor) - Ray has done something here in which he should take great pride. This is a sweet sounding amp with nice detail and well-controlled bass. It really takes some of the best features of tube and solid state amps. I've heard it a couple of times now, the last listen at a recent Detroit meet with an SACD-Mods Sony 555, and I've been more impressed each time. A very nice amp!


SOLID STATE:

HeadRoom Max w/ 2004 Reference Module and Stepped Attenuator - This is how music ought to be done in Solid State. It's sweet, detailed, with nice punchy bass...but they really get the midrange right on this one. It's one of those amps that just disappears when you listen to it...all you hear is the music. I happen to think that it's got a lot to do with the crossfeed...but that's my opinion.

Ray Samuels Emmeline HR-2 - Dead quiet, with nice detail...yet the highs don't sound harsh. Paired with the AKG K501 or Sennheiser HD-600 it will knock your socks off.

Meier Corda PreHead - That it includes preamp functionality makes it a very nice buy.

I also make a special mention of chosen1's Uber-PPA, which is without a doubt the finest DIY amp I've heard. He has made something very special here.

 

[PATB]

I also completely agree with Edwood. The sonic difference between a Prehead MK II SE v. a Regar Ear for an HD50 is not as big as the sonic difference between a Meridian G08 and the Rega Planet. I prefer to spend as much as I can afford towards headphones, then source, then amp. Most amps, specially solid state, sound the same.

I went through this same exercise 6 months ago: looking for the best solid state amp in the $1,800 max bracket for an HD650. This was for my first "real" amp, so I had no DIY on my list. The amp must come from an established, reputable vendor. I came up with the same list as Elrod-Tom! I still believe that is the best listing for my needs.

For an HD650, solid state, no DIY, $1800 and below:
1) Prehead MKII SE -- excellent synergy with HD650. On the bright side of neutral compared to the HR-2. Don't even need a Zu Mobius to lift the so-called "sennheiser veil." I prefer it over the HR-2 for the HD650, but I ended up returning it after two weeks because it is not as pitch black as I want for my Sensaphonics 2X-S.
2) Ray Samuels HR-2 -- black as night between sounds. Warm and detailed, just like the HD650. Works well with all headphones in my modest collection. I use the Zu Mobius with the HR-2 to get a touch more treble. Still listen to this baby everyday.
3) Headroom Max -- I have not heard the Max but it has a good reputation and is from an established vendor. Also reportedly good with the HD650.