What 'budget' amp (if any) can drive and bring out the details from a 650?

[Jonoh]

hi,

Title says is all.

I finally decided on Senn 650s. Now I need to decide on an amp to pair it with. Source will be my DVD player.

Background: I am not interested in upgrading my source unless it breaks. I auditioned a 650 out of a Grace 901 which at $1400 is way more than I want to spend. I also own Etymotic ER-6is and like them a lot.

I would like to keep the price for the amp to $300 or less. I have read good comments about the Gilmore Light, SuperMacro, PPA and many others.

Any of these or other ideas bring good details or clairty to 650s? Also, the idea of a portable or semi portable amp is intriging as I could use it on my infrequent plan trips out of an Ipod.

thanks

 

[morphie]

Check out the amps at www.wooaudio.com, I found them quite interesting and affordable.

 

[sacd lover]

I dont think you can go wrong with the gilmore lite.

I think this amp competes with and outperforms other much more expensive solid state amps. I use the senn 650 almost exclusively and I always enjoy this pairing.

 

[jpr703]

I'm more of a Grado fan, but I love my Gilmore Lite. It's one of the few amps that work great with Grados and Senns--you can't go wrong!

 

[fr4c]

Quote:

Originally Posted by morphie Check out the amps at www.wooaudio.com, I found them quite interesting and affordable.

Woo are a little out of his price range.

 

[Jonoh]

Thanks all...everyone has nothing but good things to say about the Gilmore Light.

Can anyone comment on how it compares to a PPA?

 

[jpr703]

Comparing a Lite to a PPA would be tough to do since there are so many variables in a PPA. The parts used, the options added and the skill of the builder can all make a big difference.

 

[jamato8]

I have the SuperMacro, SR-71 and the Woo3. If I could have only one amp I would like it to be portable and a good home unit. For my money I would buy the SuperMacro and have a fun time listening to music when I wanted to.

John

 

[HeavySoul]

Pioneer A-109R

I'm being exceedingly serious.

 

[kentamcolin]

My recommendation would be an Eddiecurrent HD300 or HD25. It's only a bit over budget but these were designed for HD600 & HD650's. Multiple inputs and preamp capabilities are a nice feature as well. Might find one used for $300 is you keep looking.

 

[acs236]

Regardless of the amp you end up, in my opinion, the HD650 are not the detailed phones. I think they sound great, but if I was craving detail those would not be the headphones I'd choose. So given that, I'm not sure any amp you purchase will bring out detail.

 

[__redruM]

PPA fits you semi-portable preference if you get it with the battery board and the hammond case. Sound great with highend headphones, and can be built with some flexibility too. Like a pot for bass boost, and switches for crossfeed and gain. And best of all, you can build it yourself...

 

[tiberian]

Quote:

Originally Posted by acs236 Regardless of the amp you end up, in my opinion, the HD650 are not the detailed phones. I think they sound great, but if I was craving detail those would not be the headphones I'd choose. So given that, I'm not sure any amp you purchase will bring out detail.

they do, its just the fact that you can't bring out the detail without a $$$$ rig.

 

[fr4c]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiberian they do, its just the fact that you can't bring out the detail without a $$$$ rig.

Bingo.

 

[Todd R]

Build one!

The SEX amp totally kicks ass. I sold all my high dollar store bought amps after hearing this one.

Only $369.
(Headphone rack not included

)