[Svperstar]

I just got a phone call today, after 3 interviews I got my new job making a nice chunk more than at my current job

So I am thinking of rewarding myself with a new amp, in addition to recabling my SA5000s. My budget is $500-$1,000.

I am not sure where to go. I am interested in Tubes, but having never heard a tube amp, I would hate to drop $500-$1000 on a good one and not like the sound.

I like detail, but I also don't like hearing too many pops and clicks. I change between the SA5000s and my Senn 580s quite a bit, the Senns get more use simply because right now my favorite genre of music is Ambient and the SA5ks are too revealing on many tracks.

I'm thinking a slightly warm, dark amp might be a good change from the Gilmore Lite, not that I dislike the Gilmore Lite but variety is good.

I don't know if amps are capable, but I like a wide soundstage, so if any amp enhances the soundstage that would be a great plus.

The only thing I don't want is ridiculously strong bass, I can't stand overpowering bass in headphones, it gives me a headache, I EQ down the bass on the 580s for Bed-Fi. The bass on the SA5ks is perfect IMO and the best I have heard on any can(this is another reason I didn't go tfor the 650s, if they have stronger bass than the 580s......uh no thanks).

So I think a warm dark tube amp, or maybe a hybrid Tube/SS amp might be good.

I could also use a tube as a preamp for the GL, I think I posted about this before. I was thinking about the Little Dot 3

Are there any dark/warm SS amps? That would be good.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Why don't you take a look at some used tube amps? If you don't like it, you can usually unload it for about the same price you paid.

If you want a new one, what immediately came to mind is the HeadRoom Millett Hybrid. Take a look.

 

[Svperstar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik Why don't you take a look at some used tube amps? If you don't like it, you can usually unload it for about the same price you paid. If you want a new one, what immediately came to mind is the HeadRoom Millett Hybrid. Take a look.

I will read up on the millett, thanks.

I had been thinking about the Little Dot 2, seemed to be a great price to find out if I liked the "Tube Sound". The Little Dot 3 with its 300+40 shipping seemed a bit much if I wasn't sure I would like Tubes.

However I just saw that there is a LDII+ that fixes those problems and it isn't much more money. I may order one on monday, and if I like it then go for a really high end Tube setup.

Thanks.

 

[Uncle Erik]

You know, for around Little Dot prices, you might want to consider these:

http://www.eddiecurrent.com/

The LunchBox is $160, and appears to be a good deal. Several here have ordered it, but I don't think anyone has it yet. However, the EC01 is also there and it has gotten excellent reviews here.

Eddie Current is sort of the continuation of Moth Audio. Moth made an excellent product, and I've been very happy with a pair of Cicadas, which are still sold by Eddie Current.

Anyhow, take a look before you buy.

 

[humanflyz]

Does Eddie Current sell the speakers or just the drivers?

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

I've heard the SA5000 sound very good with a Singlepower MPX3-slam, owned by Voltron. He now owns my SA5000, so maybe ask him about the particulars of that amp.

 

[PFKMan23]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron_Dreamer I've heard the SA5000 sound very good with a Singlepower MPX3-slam, owned by Voltron. He now owns my SA5000, so maybe ask him about the particulars of that amp.

Did Voltron get 5687s at some point (and the adapters)? Becasue if you're talking about what you heard at the Toga meet, then you didn't hear a MPX3 SLAM.

 

[Thaddy]

While you're interested in the Headamp products, check out the GS-1.

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFKMan23 Did Voltron get 5687s at some point (and the adapters)? Becasue if you're talking about what you heard at the Toga meet, then you didn't hear a MPX3 SLAM.

Oh really?! For some reason I though it was a slam, oops! Anyway then, I guess I could only imagine how the higher current tubes must have given it a bit of extra oomph.

 

[robm321]

I went from the GL to an X-can v.3 (used around $300). The improvement was pretty significant. But that was with Senn, Grado, and AKG - you get the tube sound with the accurate SS qualities.