My New Year resolution for 2023 is to find a great SS Amp to add to my chain. I've been reading a lot of SS Amp threads like the new Bliss, Zahl HM1, some Schiit, etc etc, but honestly been more interested in the SS amps that were released years ago. The SS amps I really interested in buying 2023 is the Mass Kobo 394 II, Aurorasound Heada, Bakoon HDA-5210MK4, and the unreleased NITSCH DSHA-3FN.
I want to know what everyone's favorite SS Amp is and what headphones you pair it with. Trying to get influence on what SS Amp to buy
Vioelectric HPA V281. Excellent on all headphones that I own (see ‘signature’). PS, nice DAC, @Saberpunch ! I own the Mojo Audio Mystique EVO Pro Level.
My New Year resolution for 2023 is to find a great SS Amp to add to my chain. I've been reading a lot of SS Amp threads like the new Bliss, Zahl HM1, some Schiit, etc etc, but honestly been more interested in the SS amps that were released years ago. The SS amps I really interested in buying 2023 is the Mass Kobo 394 II, Aurorasound Heada, Bakoon HDA-5210MK4, and the unreleased NITSCH DSHA-3FN.
I want to know what everyone's favorite SS Amp is and what headphones you pair it with. Trying to get influence on what SS Amp to buy
Good choice with Mass Kobo and Bakoon, but if Onkyo are your only headphone then I would go for Mass Kobo. Bakoon's expertise is for planar headphones.
I'm also looking for a top tier SS HPA to partner my OTL HPA. I simply cannot justify the cost of the Zähl HM1, so will probably slum it with the Holo Audio Bliss
I did look into the Nitsch DSHA-3FN a few months ago. That looks very interesting.
I have had the Tom Christian Audio HA-1 for a few months. Flawless sound and great design/build. I use both the XLR and RCA inputs. I appreciate the gain settings having a 0 gain. My sources have high outputs. I have a RSA Raptor OTL amp but it is packed with gain and I rarely turn the volume past 9 o’clock.
Vioelectric HPA V281. Excellent on all headphones that I own (see ‘signature’). PS, nice DAC, @Saberpunch ! I own the Mojo Audio Mystique EVO Pro Level.
Nice to see another Mystique Evo brother although I only got the basic version. I may email Ben to upgrade it to the pro in the future once I find a good music server. I heard magical things about the V281. That’s why I’m interested in the Aurorasound Heada since it’s also a magical sounding SS with a warm tube sound.
Good choice with Mass Kobo and Bakoon, but if Onkyo are your only headphone then I would go for Mass Kobo. Bakoon's expertise is for planar headphones.
I’m currently have the Caldera and is planning to try the Final Audio D8000 one day so I wanted to get a planar headphone amp as well. I actually discovered the Bakoon HDA-5210MK4 thanks to your thread. Great job on the latest post, it was a great read
I’m currently have the Caldera and is planning to try the Final Audio D8000 one day so I wanted to get a planar headphone amp as well. I actually discovered the Bakoon HDA-5210MK4 thanks to your thread. Great job on the latest post, it was a great read
Glad it was helpful! Final D8000 does pair nicely with Bakoon, though to be honest, I found it actually pairs better with tube amps.
Can't speak for Caldera, but would certainly be interested in how it pairs with Bakoon. One you should actually check out - not least because Zach from ZMF is a fan - is Sparkos Labs Aries. That paired really nicely with VC when I had it, so possibly also Caldera. Really an overlooked amp, IMO.
I have had the Tom Christian Audio HA-1 for a few months. Flawless sound and great design/build. I use both the XLR and RCA inputs. I appreciate the gain settings having a 0 gain. My sources have high outputs. I have a RSA Raptor OTL amp but it is packed with gain and I rarely turn the volume past 9 o’clock.
Glad it was helpful! Final D8000 does pair nicely with Bakoon, though to be honest, I found it actually pairs better with tube amps.
Can't speak for Caldera, but would certainly be interested in how it pairs with Bakoon. One you should actually check out - not least because Zach from ZMF is a fan - is Sparkos Labs Aries. That paired really nicely with VC when I had it, so possibly also Caldera. Really an overlooked amp, IMO.
The Sparkos Labs Aries looks interesting
There is a review that says the Aries can drive from sensitive iems to high impedance while keeping a black background and a clean sound. That’s good for my sensitive Onkyo and about to have soon have Sony MA900.
The Sparkos Labs Aries looks interesting
There is a review that says the Aries can drive from sensitive iems to high impedance while keeping a black background and a clean sound. That’s good for my sensitive Onkyo and about to have soon have Sony MA900.
My favorite SS amp that is Not astronomical in price is the Nitsche Piety. After that, i am a huge advocate of using speakers amps as headphone amps...
So All time best SS amp for me goes to the real Dartzeel NHB-108. i can count the SS amps on one hand that ive heard that can do the imaging, layering, and most importantly correct Tone/timbre at the power levels of SS >150+watts.
My favorite SS amp that is Not astronomical in price is the Nitsche Piety. After that, i am a huge advocate of using speakers amps as headphone amps...
So All time best SS amp for me goes to the real Dartzeel NHB-108. i can count the SS amps on one hand that ive heard that can do the imaging, layering, and most importantly correct Tone/timbre at the power levels of SS >150+watts.
I google the Dartzeel NHB-108 amp and that looks insane
I click on the first review page I see and they said the price is $18,181, now that's summit fi! The most expensive/good SS headphone amp I heard people talk about is the Oji Special BDI DC-44B GT, but yours is definitely the best looking.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
