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

[sethk]

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.

Somewhat surprised to hear you say this, sure these aren't forward cans, but are they really missing details on a high-end system with a good source, good amp and good cables? What would you recommend for a detailed (end-to-end) pair of headphones?

 

[chumley]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sethk Somewhat surprised to hear you say this, sure these aren't forward cans, but are they really missing details on a high-end system with a good source, good amp and good cables? What would you recommend for a detailed (end-to-end) pair of headphones?

No. With my Meridian G08 and either my Gilmore Balanced Reference (bought it from my friend finally, after a 2 month 'audition'; I couldn't bear to give it back...

), or my Blockhead w/SA's and balanced Cardas cabling, my HD650's have a LOT of detail... not quite as much as my newest purchase, a set of custom balanced cable R10's, but pretty darn great. Using a Std cabled setup, such as my L3 SO modded Music Hall CD-25>SR-71/Gilmore Lite+PSU>Cardas>HD650s, a wonderful level of detail in all my music shines through as well.

Std. type cabled (with a Cardas cable) to a more modest, but brilliantly capable rig in its own realm (4G iPod>Lossless>Sik Din>Cardas mini-to-mini>SR-71>Senn HD650 1/4"-to-1/8" adapter>Cardas>HD650s), I still hear PLENTY of detail in my music, as well as a satisfying level of imaging, sound stage, etc... not what I get with the balanced rigs, but my HD650s produce more detail than any other set of dynamic cans I own, and on par with my HP1000s, DT880s, or PS-1s...

The Senns are capable of transmitting a breathtaking amount of detail... if the source and amp are up to it. And even my 'semi-portable', 4G iPod source based rig I mention above allows the HD650s to begin hitting its stride...

 

[tiberian]

after buying the running springs haley power conditioner my senn 650s almost sound like the omega IIs.

 

[kentamcolin]

Quote:

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.

No offense, but you obviously have not heard the HD650 with a Moth Si2A3!

 

[jerb]

how much does a gilmore light run? or is it a build only thing?

 

[fr4c]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerb how much does a gilmore light run? or is it a build only thing?

a Gilmore Lite runs for $299.

 

[blumenco]

I just got back from demoing my sex amp with some cain and cain single horns. this thing rocks high efficiency speakers too.

In my opinion, the sex amp flat out burns. it beats everything but the supra and meastro from single power, and just plain kills most everything else. if you can touch a hot iron to a lead and add solder, this thing is for you.

doc b. really did a bang up job on this thing. I am using a swenson modded toshiba player, total synergy to my ears. BTW, experiment with the load resistors to get the right sound.

course, you might not be into tube stuff, but all i can say is you might not have not heard the RIGHT tube stuff. granted, the grace 901 is awesome, but it is very expensive.

additionally, with the budget you have you get immesurably higher performance out of a kit than a commercial product.

Clark

 

[Jonoh]

Original poster, back again...

Coincidentally, I am just now purchasing a 650/Zu combo used from Nierika

. My money goes out later today so if all goes well, I will have them in my hot little hands next week or even sooner. I can't wait.

Now I really need to get moving on getting that amp. I also need a new DVD player for my source. This stuff adds up. I may have to give up eating for awhile to pay for this

. Actually, I need to lose a few pounds.

Coincidentally, Nierika is also going to sell his Gilmore Lite...hmm very interesting. There's also a PPA for sale in the forum. One thing about that PPA is that is has the power switch in front and for where I will place the amp, that would be useful.


From the comments earlier in this thread, I see that the 650 has very good "details" and also that is most definitely does not have "details."

To each his own I guess.

I will have to see for myself when the 650/Zu comes in. My comparsion in the details department and hence why I was asking about a "detailed" amp is my Etymotic ER6is. This is the first decent set of phones I have ever had and I love them but now long to experience a higher end phone. I find my Etys wonderfully detailed out of my old DVD player, my source for the 650s, and even out of my laptop.

I am fairly certain that even without a high-end source or even an amp yet, I will find the 650/Zu combination pretty darn good and a good foundation for building up a solid rig. I have also owned an old Sennheiser HD433 for years so I am not afriad of the Sennheiser's darker house sound. To me the 433s are a bit warmer then my Etys, though otherwise vastly inferior. I find I like both sounds.

Thanks

 

[Todd R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by blumenco I just got back from demoing my sex amp with some cain and cain single horns. this thing rocks high efficiency speakers too. In my opinion, the sex amp flat out burns. it beats everything but the supra and meastro from single power, and just plain kills most everything else. if you can touch a hot iron to a lead and add solder, this thing is for you. doc b. really did a bang up job on this thing. I am using a swenson modded toshiba player, total synergy to my ears. BTW, experiment with the load resistors to get the right sound. course, you might not be into tube stuff, but all i can say is you might not have not heard the RIGHT tube stuff. granted, the grace 901 is awesome, but it is very expensive. additionally, with the budget you have you get immesurably higher performance out of a kit than a commercial product. Clark

Yes!
You know the other great thing about the SEX amp? The 6DN7 tubes it uses are only $5-$7 ea. (GE sounds better than the RCA's)

 

[acs236]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kentamcolin No offense, but you obviously have not heard the HD650 with a Moth Si2A3!

Why would I take offense to this?

Should I be offended that I haven't heard a particular source?

My comments are not directed to someone who has the highest end source. True, I have not heard a Moth or (I think) any of the sources you mentioned. That being said, compared to other headphones I have heard (for example, the CD3000), on systems that I have heard, the 650s are not as detailed.

 

[e_dawg]

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.

LOL!

... Oh wait, he's serious.

 

[GoRedwings19]

If you are on a budget and you can find someone to build one for you then a WNA amp is a good choice. I am currently using one and think it is great for the money. It works great with the senns or grado's I have.

 

[chumley]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

(Adjusts Senn/Cardas HD650s on head, turns up volume on Gilmore Lite and types post with big grin on face)

"Yes, indeed."

 

[Jonoh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chumley (Adjusts Senn/Cardas HD650s on head, turns up volume on Gilmore Lite and types post with big grin on face) "Yes, indeed."

Sweet. My 650s/Zu should be here late next week. I am likely going to pair them with a Gilmore Lite. Sounds like everyone really likes that amp.

I will post my take on the setup once I have everything.

 

[acs236]

Quote:

Originally Posted by e_dawg LOL! ... Oh wait, he's serious.

What are you talking about?