[LeonWho]

Hello. I'm looking for a headphone amp for under $200.

I'm open to any and all suggestions including DIY amps, and will be using the amp for my Alessandro MS1000i and my Audio-Technica ESW9 and perhaps a Grado RS1 soon.

My friend has offered to build me a CK2III, but I'm not sure if that is the best choice.

Thanks,
Leon

 

[DayoftheGreek]

When looking for an under $200 amp, I picked up this one:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/rev...sb-dac-433150/

 

[LeonWho]

Yeah. I was interested in the EF2, but I don't need a DAC.

Thanks though!

 

[the search never ends]

You can't go wrong with the Pete Millet starving student DIY hybrid, great sound for the money, lots of info all over the place, not a tough build, and it's highly regarded.
It would drive all the cans you mentioned just fine.

 

[moomooemu]

How does the EF1 compare to the EF2....I too have a DAC already and am looking for amp. Is the ef2 amplifier still better?!

 

[LeonWho]

FWIR, the EF1 is better if you only need an amp.

 

[drclaw]

I too would have to recommend the starving student. There is plenty of info on how to build it in the DIY forum. I bought one of the kits recently, it's my first DIY project, and I haven't had any problems. Yet (knocks on wood).
I haven't listened to it yet, because I'm not quite done, but I have only read good reviews about it. I can't wait to get it finished up!

 

[burgunder]

If your friend will build you a CK2III I think you should go with that! Confused? Wait til the next episode of .....

 

[the_equalizer]

Your friend's offer is certainly a generous one, the Cavalli-Kan Kumisa III seems like a great amp, and it has a very good reputation.

On the other hand I join in the bandwagon for the Millett Hybrids. The "Starving Student" has vibe and power to spare and is most definitely under your budget. What's more, you can still get a kit at Beezar. I've built three of these, including one Beezar kit, and I just love this little amp.

If you want a bit more refinement, the Millet MiniMAX kit is just a tad over your budget but it's simply a fantastic value.

cheers !

 

[LeonWho]

Yeah. Now I'm just deciding between a Starving Student or a CK2III.

FWIR, the CK2III is technically better, but is it worth $50 more?

Thanks,
Leon

 

[foaming at the ears]

I can't give you any comparisons because the CKKIII is the only headphone amp I've experienced, but it does great things for my headphones. I would recommend it a great buy for <$200.

 

[MrSlim]

The CTH can be built for under $200 and it's a great little amp. I've built two, and use them with K601's and HD580's

 

[Drag0n]

Whiplash Audio Dynamics

They carry the Millet also.
I know the builder of this one, and own one made by him.
Its a nice little amp....Ill never sell mine

 

[Melanter]

How would the headphones mentioned do with the Sennheiser 650s? I know it isn't ideal but I'm broke and would like a cheap amp for now!

 

[Drag0n]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melanter /img/forum/go_quote.gif How would the headphones mentioned do with the Sennheiser 650s? I know it isn't ideal but I'm broke and would like a cheap amp for now!

What headphones with the 650s? if you want a headphone to comlement the 650 to get another flavour, alot of people get Grado RS1s as an alternate for Jazz, Techno, Rock....and use the 650 for classical, mellow music like Norah Jones/ Diana Krall , etc. Its all taste and youll get 100 different answers.
As far as a cheap amp....

The Millet is a nice little amp :
http://www.whiplashaudio.com/amplifi...amplifier.html


Or Little Dot Amps:

http://www.audiophilechina.com/produ..._id2=2&s_id=24


Dark Voice : http://www.audiophilechina.com/produ..._id2=2&s_id=25


Other amps : http://www.whiplashaudio.com/amplifi...mplifiers.html


Also check : Headroom, TTVJ, Firestone Audio, Travagans, ..... Which are on the sidebar of the Head-Fi site and contribute here.

The sidebar is your friend

Theres many more also. Firestone Audio has some tube and solid state amps too. Theres so many....but that should get you started.
They sound decent even out of a portable player to me, but they also scale very well and do much better with a good home amp.
you can start using them with anything really, but i wouldnt purchase 650s if all your gonna do is use them on a portable. And theyre a little delicate for daily outdoor use, plus theyre open.
For that sound in a cheaper can id get 595 or px100 etc.