What is best amp to get to drive my Sennheiser HD 650's

[Runkby]

I am currently driving my Sennheiser HD650's (with a 15 foot equinox) using the benchmark dac1 hdr and the computer as my source with .wav files. I also sometimes use my Krell Kav300cd as my source, but for now it is broken and I am sending it back to get repaired. In any case, I was wondering if the Benchmark Dac1 HDR, which is essentially the same as the Dac1 Pre, is adequate as a headphone amp for my 650's or should I be thinking of adding another amp on top of that. I have looked into both solid state as well as tube amps and a couple of amps that got my attention have so far been the grahm slee solo as well as the woo audio 6se maxed. I plan on getting more headphones in the future, although not sure which ones, so I am not 100% sure what the impedence of my new headphones will be. Does anybody have some imput as to what I should do, if anything regarding headphone amps? Is a grahm slee solo, for example, much better than the amp that comes with the benchmark dac1 hdr? And what are peoples thoughts with the tube amp idea, and if tubes are a good option is woo audio the one I should be considering or am I overlooking other good options. Basically I want to buy a graet amp that will last for a long time and I dont mind spending a few extra bucks because I'm sure ill have it for years.

 

[robinje]

The search function is your friend...

 

[linuxworks]

yes, read the forum. don't ask such a vague question like this - read the forum first!

 

[Spareribs]

The Ray Samuels Raptor amp is a good choice.

Emmeline II "The Raptor" Headphone Amp - Ray Samuels Audio

 

[punk_guy182]

The little Dot MK IV SE works like a charm with the HD 650. The great Penchum who wrote a review of the amp uses it with his HD650.
Here is a review: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/rev...mkivse-266751/

 

[ph0rk]

I like a DIY or pay-DIY M^3 with mine

 

[Gradofan2]

Yes... do a search for "amp for HD650," or something similar and begin reading... There are no easy answers.

But... in the <$700 range: Millett Hybrid MiniMax, GS Solo SRG, PA KICAS Caliente, Audio gd C2C, M^3, DV3322, DV332, are a few of the better options.

But there are others, especially if you increase your budget above $700, and you'll have to do your "homework" (via search) to determine what you should try. However, you will find that most of these in the <$700 range, will sound 95%+ as good as most of the "high-priced spread."

And... you'll need to make sure you have a good source (see the source forum).

In general... the amps that are contained within sources (e.g. Benchmark, etc.) are not really the best, or even better, options for driving HD650s... and "vice versa." Though... there are some exceptions that come close with one type of phones, or another. For example, the line stage amp in the Monarchy M24 / NM24 Tube DAC is exceptional with the HD650s, which rivals many of the better amps... but... it is weak with low impedance phones.

Good luck...

 

[krmathis]

How about a quad-board β22?

Search is you friend as well. Searching thread topics in the amplifier forum for "HD650" give 385 hits. Including:
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/bes...-hd650-412186/
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/upg...-k1000-422852/
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/bes...-hd650-418839/
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/bes...-hd650-415404/
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/amp-hd650-223599/
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/nee...e-help-403347/
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/wha...-using-166537/

 

[KrishM]

If you're looking to spend a little more, it really sounds like the new Cayin HA-1A is the way to go. It just won the Absolute Sound's Editor's Choice Award, and Stereophile is in love with it. Check out the details and loads of reviews on it:

Cayin Audio - HA-1A Integrated Headphone Vacuum Tube Amplifier - Headphone Amplifier

If you don't want to spend that much, I agree with punk_guy182 **ahem... even though he's dumping that post everywhere to promote the selling of his unit**: the Little Dot MK IV SE is an incredible amp! I have it paired with my HD600s and am incredibly happy with it! Sennheiser + Little Dot = Ultimate Pairing

Hope this helps!

 

[djevoultion]

I heard some good things about Cantate and the HD650, you could look into that.

 

[ciphercomplete]

Seriously I think the ultimate amp for the HD650 is the Zana Deux. Its just a tremendous combo. The M^3 and the WA6 are decent subs, with the Fully upgraded WA6 being awfully close to what I heard with the Zana+HD650.

You might want to check out a Beta22. The HD650 is awesome with the M^3 so I can't imagine what it sounds like with the Beta22. I should have tried the combo at the Atlanta meet last month.

 

[Runkby]

do you know if you can get the zna deux with a remote?

 

[Uncle Erik]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Runkby /img/forum/go_quote.gif do you know if you can get the zna deux with a remote?

Not stock, unfortunately. It might be possible to do a custom install.

Just so you know, the vast majority of audiophile gear does not come with a remote. If you want a remote, then you'll either need to buy the more commercially-oriented gear or go the DIY/hired builder route and build with motorized pots designed for remotes. However, you are not going to find motorized versions of the very best volume controls.

 

[Happy Camper]

If you can handle the budget, the ZD is the best I've heard (limited experience) with a re-cabled HD 600. A balanced Beta 22 with a re-cabled HD is also a blast. Another is the Bijou balanced and I have also liked my SP Platinum in SE.

There are lots of amps that will give the HD6xx the power it needs. You have to decide whether you want tubes or SS. Either should give you the option to roll the output device, be it tubes or opamps. The price range you seem to be willing to consider will give you this.

Your geography has many meets. Check out the Meets forum to see when they are having another. They have all the toys and it's a great time to spend with like minded hobbyists. This way, you can see what some hi end gear has to offer without spending cash. If you do go to a meet, get there before mention of bars and live music or you'll never get to hear it sober.

 

[Runkby]

Ok so I know I initially started this thread and was accused of being a tad vague with my question; pardon me I was just getting into it at the time and knew very little about it. However, I now have the benchmark dac1 hdr and I also picked up a pair of denon ahd7000's as well as my senn 650's... I got the benchmark because I have to have a dac to use with my computer, but I also listen to a lot of music with my cd player (krell kav300cd). I figured the benchmark would be good for me at the time because it made my computer a potentially good source and I would use the built in amp that came with it for the time being. After having it for more than a month I would like to ask if the benchmark amp is adequate to drive, particually, the senn 650's. I have looked into possibly a higher end stand alone amp (maybe even tube), but I wonder if what I already have is good or would it be advisable to get a better amp? Was that to vague... jk