[richpjr]

I am looking at these two amps and have browsed through the forums and read what I could about them. Unfortunately, since neither are sold retail I can't audition them and I don't know anyone close who owns them, so...I need help!

These amps are pretty close in price. I have read a ton of posts on the V2 praising it (except TubeRoller's review!). I don't see many posts at all on the HA-2 and have not seen any real reviews on it, other than a comment here or there about how it is close the the Prehead.

I'll be using the amp with Senn HD600s, Cardas cables, and a 963a as the source.

I read over on HeadWize about the V2 sale and tried to order it but Justin sent me an email saying the sale was over and I could either pay the difference or cancel my order (which I did) because at full retail the price is pretty close the the HA-2 and I am still not sure which one I want. For the sale price I would have gladly taken the V2 (hint hint Justin). I wish he would change the post on HeadWize, but at least he fixed the price on the web site...

Has anyone auditioned both of these amps? What was your opinion of the two? Which would you recommend and why?

A lot of the more "senior" posters really seem to love the V2-SE, the Prehead, and markl's favorite, the Emmeline HR-2, but those are another step up in price. I could wait (ack!) until finances allowed for these, but am not sure if my source warrants that good of an amp and I really don't want to go upgrading that as well.

Advice on these two amps? Or should I wait and go the next tier up?

Thanks!

Rich

 

[kuma]

Quote:

Originally posted by richpjr A lot of the more "senior" posters really seem to love the V2-SE, the Prehead, and markl's favorite, the Emmeline HR-2, but those are another step up in price. I could wait (ack!) until finances allowed for these, but am not sure if my source warrants that good of an amp and I really don't want to go upgrading that as well. Advice on these two amps? Or should I wait and go the next tier up?

If you can't audition those two amps in question with your own gear and fones, i'd suggest wait till you can hear 'em or do the source upgrade.

Both amps seem to be heavily 'fones/electronics dependant and chances are if you like Emmeline, you'd hate Gilmore or vice vica.

Just because a gear costs more does not mean they work to your liking.

 

[greenhorn]

Hi,

I know how both the HA1 and the Prehead sound.

I have read several opinions on how close the HA2 sounds to the Prehead.

I have never heard the Gilmore, but, according to my personal experience and to what I've read, I would go for the HA2 without any hesitation.

 

[dd3mon]

I've heard more positives for the HA-2/600 combo than the V2/600 combo. The V2 has been described as possibly a little bright, thin and very revealing. Many also find 963sa bright - this strikes me as a possible bad pairing.

In your position - I would go with the HA-2 if those are your only options. If not, I'd still consider the HA-2 strongly, but also look into the upcoming PPA, or possibly some tube amps in your price range (ASL OTL32 perhaps).

-dd3mon

 

[radrd]

I'd steer clear of the Gilmore V2 if I were you. Tuberoller didn't like it with the DVD963SA, and I can say from experience that it is highly source dependent. If you can't audition it first, then for your particular source, I wouldn't go for it.

I've never heard the HA-2, but IIRC, there are several people who use it with the DVD963SA and really like it, so that's the one I would lean towards if I were you.

 

[Canman]

I am a gilmore v2 fan and I don't think that the Gilmore is bright in the least. And I HATE brightness. I think the design lends itself to amplifying fairly accurately whatever is fed to it. So if your CD player sounds thin and bright (which unfortunately is common to many cheaper sources) then the Gilmore is not going to sweeten the sound for you. So yes the Gilmore is system dependent, but it will also allow your system to grow if you are planning on upgrading the source at any time in the future.

Used with a Rega Planet 2000 and Cardas interconnects, my Melos SHA-Gold with Amperex tubes is actually brighter than the Gilmore.

Some say that the 963SA is bright and if it is, you may want to find an amp with a warmer coloration.

 

[TravelLite]

Quote:

Originally posted by richpjr A lot of the more "senior" posters really seem to love the V2-SE, the Prehead, and markl's favorite, the Emmeline HR-2, but those are another step up in price. I could wait (ack!) until finances allowed for these, but am not sure if my source warrants that good of an amp and I really don't want to go upgrading that as well.

richpjr, you did know that the Prehead is currently available at a ($130.00) discount, correct? Sorry if this is old news.

TravelLite

 

[Uncledan]

Quote:

Originally posted by TravelLite richpjr, you did know that the Prehead is currently available at a ($130.00) discount, correct? Sorry if this is old news. TravelLite

It still exist!!!

 

[williamgoody]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, for what it's selling for as far as the August sale, the Prehead is a STEAL. I use mine with the 963sa and the 600/Carda's and the Cd3000's, and it's my dream setup.

With the 600's, this combo gives you excellent highs and lows, fantastic detail and definition, with a surprisingly wide soundstage. And it's "flexible" enough to handle the 3000's very well also. This is one of four amps I've heard the 3000's with that really allows these cans to shine through for me, and the only solid state choice (the others were an RKV, Earmax Pro, and the MG OTL32).

Having said this, I feel the HA-2 would be a fantastic choice as well. After hearing one I was readying myself to get into that market, but happened upon this Prehead (right place at right time).

I've owned a Gilmore V1 in the past and I greatly prefer the Corda.

 

[Hiker]

Quote:

Originally posted by TravelLite richpjr, you did know that the Prehead is currently available at a ($130.00) discount, correct? Sorry if this is old news. TravelLite

Holy Crap!! Still WAY out of my budget, but seeing the Prehead at those prices is really making me consider going all out and getting it. It will never be around at these prices again. Oh how I hate that I read this thread!

 

[SuperMario]

Everybody is, indeed, raving about this amp and how it pairs with HD600's (specially Williamgoody).

I think I can't resist any longer and should take this opportunity without hesitation. The price is very tempting and your comments/reviews are very assertive - I feel I can't go wrong with this amp!!

Nevertheless, let me ask you, guys: could I get a better amp for $770.00, shipping included? (I mean a SS amp)

Another question (for the ones who have read my thread HD600 WANTS PARTNER FOR LIFE and are aware of my voltage concerns): should I get the 220 V version (as this amp is intended for ultimate use in Europe) and use a converter while I am in the States, or the other way around?

 

[MusicLover]

Quote:

Originally posted by TravelLite richpjr, you did know that the Prehead is currently available at a ($130.00) discount, correct? Sorry if this is old news. TravelLite

Why did you have to go point that out? It's SUCH A GOOD DEAL! I wish I could have my own Prehead. Now I'm depressed.

 

[greenhorn]

Quote:

Originally posted by SuperMario Everybody is, indeed, raving about this amp and how it pairs with HD600's (specially Williamgoody).

... and he'as perfectly right!

This amp is fantastic.

 

[williamgoody]

Quote:

Another question (for the ones who have read my thread HD600 WANTS PARTNER FOR LIFE and are aware of my voltage concerns): should I get the 220 V version (as this amp is intended for ultimate use in Europe) and use a converter while I am in the States, or the other way around?

Sound like the way to go (220V with an adapter for the States).

As for youe "Amps for $770 or less" question, here are the solid state amps which I've either owned or been able to listen to extensively at that price range:

Sugden Headmaster (second hand), Gilmore V1, V2, Headroom Maxed Out Home (older Version), "Home" Meta 42, RA-1, Corda HA-1, Corda HA-2, Benchmark DAC.

Plus there are amps which cost more than the Prehead that I prefer the Prehead to as well.

 

[SuperMario]

Thanks, Williamgoody, I got it!

I know that you own the 220 V version and use a converter with excellent results (as you told me before); can I get one of those from Radio Schack, or should I look for a better piece elsewhere?