[bdot]

Hello,

After weeks and weeks of reading the amp forum, I am still trying to find and amp that would work well with my hd580's. My budget is ~300 USD and i can go a little more if it is needed but i dont want to spend over 400. The amp is going to be for homeuse only so it doesnt have to be portable. Also i do not want to get a tube amp because I know abosolutely nothing about tuberolling (if tuberolling means changing the tubes

).

Considering what I need, and dont want, I've been looking at the Gilmore Lite. If anyone has anyother suggestions or objections please post!

Thanks in advance.

 

[Gundam]

Rega Ear pehaps?

Don't discount it because at less than $300 it's a 'cheaper' headamp. It punches above its weight in this regard.

I use a Rega Ear at home with my HD650's and think the sound quality is quite something...

 

[mkmelt]

If you want a current production solid state amplifier for the HD-580 the Rega Ear is is a good value. If you are patient you should be able to find one that is previously owned for around $150.

If you have any plans to listen to vinyl LP records and place any value on having tone controls, a balance control, and multiple high level inputs, consider an older solid state Marantz amplifier such as the model 1060. These generally sell for around $100 and are a very good match for the HD-580 and HD-600 phones.

Take the money you save and put it towards either a better source (CD/SACD/Universal player or turntable) or more music.

 

[Alex Altorfer]

Bdot, the Rega Ear is designed by Rega Engineers to work with the higher end Senns. It's a "sure thing" for the HD 580s. What source do you plan to use with your new amp?

 

[Thaddy]

Have you considered getting a DIY amp? I would send a PM to MisterX and see what kind of PPA he can whip up within your budget

 

[bdot]

Well here it is, i have 450 saved up, and i plan to use 150 for the phones. if i went with the gilmore i would have to save up more and in maybe 1 or two weeks i would buy a new source, (planned to get 3960 or i could used my dad's. he has this old sharp dx-670 if i remember correctly.). For those one or two weeks I would have just ran it from the line out of my ipod until i got a new source.

Now, if i get the rega ear, ill have an extra 75 and i could use that for my source.

another question, where is the cheapest place i could get the rega ear new? cheapest i see online is 225.

 

[Natsuiro]

I don't think that the 3960 is that great of a source when not modded. Unless you are thinking of modding, i'd use your dad's sharp unless it sounds very very horrible. I also think that there maybe be better options out there than a rega ear, but considering I haven't every heard amps other than that in the price range, I'm not too sure what to recommend.

 

[bdot]

oh yeah, i might get an emu for a source. not sure which one yet, maybe the 1212m. if not then the 0404

 

[bdot]

i have decided and i am going to get the rega ear, but, will my MS-1's also benefit from this amp?

 

[jpr703]

For a little over $200, drewd could build you a Pimeta. It's a lot of amp for the money and he does good work.

 

[georgios]

How about the creek obh 21se? almost the same price

 

[Murdoch]

I'd advise you to avoid creek amps. Poor value to the money.

 

[antonik]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murdoch I'd advise you to avoid creek amps. Poor value to the money.

I would say it about OBH-11 and OBH-21, but OBH-11SE and OBH-21SE was/is a reasonable value for money.

Alex

 

[Asmo]

Another recommendation for the Rega Ear, you won't be disapointed.

 

[tyrion]

Eddie Current HD300 listed in the fs forum for $375. Great deal for a great amp for high imp cans. It retails for about $465.00.