[nickrobotron]

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=116839

That's the exact headphone amp I'm buying from OrionKC, who bought from that ad. All the talk about the components in it and whatnot are jibberish to me. I do know that it made my AKG's sound much nicer. Is this a high quality headphone amp, worth $100 considering its age? Can it handle the K601/K701 or the TOTL Sennheisers? I'm pretty uneducated on the whole matter. It seems like the kind of headphone amp you use if you're only buying MOTL stuff like HD 580 or AKG K501 or even efficient Grados. For the price I can't imagine it doing an excellent job with the "harder to drive" headphones. Hopefully I'm wrong.

Nick

 

[tbonner1]

I am familiar with the 8610 and they tend to have fast attack with good clarity.

I would not go with AKG 601 or 701's as they like a warm source and are tough to drive.

I would go for the Senn 580's if you can find them, if not get the 650.

 

[nickrobotron]

That's what I like to hear! I really want a set of HD 580's. I've thought about paying the But It Now price on eBay from that one audio store. like 180 plus shipping. I'm only holding back in case someone on Head-Fi decides to sell theirs.

So would this amplifier significantly improve the sound of 580's? I really don't know what I have here...

 

[nickrobotron]

bump

 

[FallenAngel]

Pimeta is a nice low/mid level amp. Mine kicks ass vs any of the strictly "portable" amps I've seen. It is definitely worth $100. Mine was over $120 just to build.

 

[nickrobotron]

Is it capable of bringing out the best in any great headphone like the 580?

 

[blessingx]

I've yet to hear an amp "max-out" the Senns, so it's a bit of an unfair question, especially at this price point, but it should improve the sound and fill them in quite nicely compared to most sources by themselves. The HD580 is a good phone to choose here. Froogle says J&R is selling them at $140.

 

[tbonner1]

JMT made good amps for many people(including me) here a few short years ago.
A great guy who made many people happy with the gift of music when headphone amp choices were scarce for a low price.

Hello JMT where ever you are.

GETPARTSONLINE.COM has Senn 580 refurbs for $122.99 with fair shipping.

Senn man. refurbs have been very good for me, most look as new.

 

[tbonner1]

Link for refurbed Senn 580 mentioned above:

http://www.getpartsonline.com/hd580....ase&code=hd580

 

[nickrobotron]

What headphones would this amplifier "max out"? Grado SR225? That doesn't seem like a very hard job! I have a feeling this wasn't $100 worth spending.

 

[MaloS]

You have no idea what max out a Sennheiser means do you... There is this scaling factor, where every time you upgrade, hd580/600/650 gets better...and better...and better...noone is sure when they will stop getting better. Its not to think that with this amp you will not get your money's worth with hd580, its just that hd580 can behave like a much more expensive headphone if you want to put multi-grand equipment behind it.

 

[tbonner1]

Quote:

I've yet to hear an amp "max-out" the Senns

This is a stunning statement. I, too, have heard the Senn's only get better with better source and amplification. Among the best is the Beta 22.

 

[nickrobotron]

No I do not know what "maxing out a Sennheiser means". I am very new to headphones and this amplifier fell into my lap. I'm just trying to learn a little bit about it. Trying to find out if it's worth keeping.