Which amp for the SA5k

[audiojoe1]

Hi I'm planning on picking up a pair of SA5k's. And I was wondering, which amp do you reccomend for them? I currently have the Grado RA-1. Will that power them ok? Works great for my RS-2's, however I wasnt sure about the sony's.
thanks
joe

 

[virometal]

What source are you using?

 

[tyrion]

I use SA5K's as my primary headphone. I have a Dynahi and Raptor and both go well with them. Both amps seem to tame the highs of the SA5K. The bass is nice and tight. The detail with either amp is as good as I've heard. Hopefully there will be some impressions of the SA5K with other amps on Saturday at the meet. I want to try them out with some of the Singlepower line, JMT M3 and hopefully a GS-1. Stay tuned.

 

[virometal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyrion Stay tuned.

Oooooh, I know I will.

If your source is at all forward or bright, I would suggest tubes to tame the beast.

 

[audiojoe1]

My sources are Sony SACD1, and a rotel 1072. can you reccomend a tube amp...I have always wanted to try one.

 

[jjcha]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyrion I use SA5K's as my primary headphone. I have a Dynahi and Raptor and both go well with them. Both amps seem to tame the highs of the SA5K.

Have you heard them with other Ray Samuels Audio amps? I'm not a fan of the SA5k with the SR-71. Actually, I just tried the Grado PS-1 with the SR-71, and I'm convinced that the amp (along with my Overture) push the SA5k/PS-1 a bit too far in the bright direction.

Best regards,

-Jason

 

[crazyfrenchman27]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjcha Have you heard them with other Ray Samuels Audio amps? I'm not a fan of the SA5k with the SR-71. Actually, I just tried the Grado PS-1 with the SR-71, and I'm convinced that the amp (along with my Overture) push the SA5k/PS-1 a bit too far in the bright direction. Best regards, -Jason

You'd consider the SR-71 a bright amp? I've never heard it, but the reviews seem to state the contrary.

-Matt

 

[TonyTripleA]

Well call me "old cloth ears" but the Benchmark DAC1 amp is adequate for my SA5000 and MS-2s to my ears... that's solid state of course. I know there is better out there but to me the DAC1 synergises with the SA5000 to deliver incredible detail - albiet in a bit of a sold state sounding way.

I'm looking for a tube amp recommendation myself. Not so much to "tame" the SA5000 treble (which I love) but because I think the SA5000 will be least effected by upper treble roll off that might be present in some tube amps. I really would like some of that tube warmth in the midrange. With that in mind the DM-1 sounds VERY interesting as its been reported in prototype to have good upper treble - plus dual mono... mmmmm

TonyAAA

 

[virometal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyTripleA DM-1

Pardon my ignorance, but what is this amp you speak of?

Personally, the SA5k/DAC1 combination pierces my skull like glass daggers. Alas, that is why there is chocolate and vanilla.

I am using an Earmax Pro with the Benchmark now, and the SA5k sounds super sweet. Of course, I purchased thie EmP because of its reputation with CD3k's and have not been dissapointed with the translation to the SA5.

 

[tyrion]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjcha Have you heard them with other Ray Samuels Audio amps? I'm not a fan of the SA5k with the SR-71. Actually, I just tried the Grado PS-1 with the SR-71, and I'm convinced that the amp (along with my Overture) push the SA5k/PS-1 a bit too far in the bright direction. Best regards, -Jason

I will have a chance on Sat at the meet to try the SR-71 with the SA5K. I've used the SA5K with the Raptor, Dynahi and now a JMT M3 and none of them are too bright, imo. I will be surprised if they are any brighter with the SR-71's. I will try to let you know after Sat.

 

[GoRedwings19]

Quote:

Originally Posted by virometal Pardon my ignorance, but what is this amp you speak of? Personally, the SA5k/DAC1 combination pierces my skull like glass daggers. Alas, that is why there is chocolate and vanilla. I am using an Earmax Pro with the Benchmark now, and the SA5k sounds super sweet. Of course, I purchased thie EmP because of its reputation with CD3k's and have not been dissapointed with the translation to the SA5.

I can relate to this, EMP will lessen the effect of bright headphones. Actually I think you might have a good synergy going.

The SA5K is a hyper quick headphone and a touch on the bright side. THe EmP is a slow paced amp and very warm sounding. That equals good synergy.

While I find the headphones like the Sa5k not to my taste's I will be eager to try it with the EMP anniv. to see how that affects the overall sound. It might be better with the Qualia than the Sa5k.

 

[devwild]

After having demoed, I'm getting an M^3 for my desktop amp with the SAs, less of a sharp edge compared to the PPA, and the customizability is always nice.

I also recently replaced my portable with a supermacro though, and the SMv3 w/ OPA627 seems to be a shockingly pleasant listen with the SA5000. Very clean, balanced sound, just not as fast as the bigger amps. Holding me nicely while I wait.

 

[GoRedwings19]

I think with careful synergy matching the Sa5k's can perform beyond what they have been slated for.

 

[palchiu]

I've put SA5K with the Little Dot 2, the Little Dot 2 is a warm sound and a little bit slow. They are not Hi end headphone amps, but just match with the SA5K, less bright and less sharp.

Then I put the SA5k with PPX3-6SN7, I can't listening more then an hour.

If you're looking for a amp for SA5K, they must be warm sound or .....

Some pics

 

[akwok]

Hey guys..

Is the Gilmore Lite a 'warm amp'? Will it tame the SA5k's? I am asking because I still haven't gotten mine yet, but would like to know what to expect!

Thanks a lot