[chris719]

Well, currently I have an HD600 + cardas and I'm using my receiver as an amp, but would like something more. I've been looking at the Emmeline HR-2, Singlepower MPX3, or Headroom Home, but I can't really decide. Of course I will probably end up auditioning them but I was curious which of these amps would match the HD600 well. I should probably say that I would probably prefer something a little on the brighter side since the headphones seem a little dark to me, although it could be the receiver or source.

 

[JMT]

You can search the forums for a ton of opinions on this very question. Many here will recommend the MG Head OTL in a heartbeat. There seems to be a synergy with the Head and the HD600s. I owned an older MG HeadDT for a while and though it a good combination. But, I currently use a 2002 HeadRoom Max with my HD600/Equinox combo and think it's the ****. My understanding is that the HD600 is/was HeadRoom's reference when they designed the amp so the circuit was geared towards the HD600 voicing.

You'll also read a lot of positive comments around the Singlepower Supra/MPX3 (tube amps), Ray Samuels Audio Emmeline HR-2 (SS), EarMax Pro (tube), Sugden Headmaster (SS), ASL Twinhead (tubes, but the jury is still out on this one), Meier Audio HA series and PreHead, and the list goes on and on.

Definitely use the search function to get some opinions and reviews.

 

[Thump]

I'm using the AudioValve RKV with my Senn 600s (stock cable). I don't have much experience with other amps but like this combo a lot.

Just one more name for for list.

 

[mikepittarelli]

I have had the Emmeline HR-2 for about 10 days. I am using
it with the Sennheiser 600/Cardas combination. If you are looking
for something to liven up the Sennheisers, this may be it.
I had been using them with a Cary SLI-80 (tube) integrated
amp. With the Emmeline, there is a tremendous amount of
additional detail. Despite the added detail, there has been
no fatigue whatsoever. This is with the AD797 op amps.
It is actually reminiscent of the Grado RS-1/RA-1 combination,
which I had a couple of years ago, but without the ear
discomfort. I'm not sure which sound I prefer (Grado vs. Senn.),
but I strongly prefer the Emmeline to the Cary (with the
Sennheiser/Cardas). I should point out that various NOS
tube combinations made a big difference with the Cary,
but nothing was able to bring the performance up to this
(apparent) level. (Also, as you are probably aware, you
can easily change op amps, which gives it the flexibility with
respect to sound tailoring of a tube amp.)

 

[gbeard]

I have a lot less experience than most here, but I did just have the Emmeline HR-2 and the Meier Corda HA-1 Mark II in my home for an extended audition. I thought my HD600's (stock cord) sounded wonderful with both. I could easily live with either, but ultimately I feel the Emmeline is the better of the two by a sizable margin, albeit for more bucks...

I doubt you could go wrong with either one.

gb

 

[Sean H]

I can heartily recommend both the MG Head OTL Mk2 and the Emmeline HR-2 as mentioned in other replies. I have the HD600/Equinox. I recently picked up the latest version of the MG Head, the OTL Mk2, and I must say everyone is spot on with the talk about there being a nice synergy between it and the HD600's. It's a fantastic amp indeed sounding very engaging, smooth, rich and inviting with excellent detail and surprising speed for it's design. Massive bang for the buck here, just an incredible amp.

While the Emmeline is more than twice the price I didn't find it to be twice as good by any means however it is a fantastic solid state amp and will drive the HD600 with ease! As expected the Emmeline sounded vibrant, colorful, well extended at the extremes and a refined, effortless quality that spewed music. It's midrange was excellent if not slightly cooler than the MG Head (not surprising) but it's sheer toe tapping, grooving sound really takes you. Easily one of the best amps I have ever heard!