headphone amps -- tubes??

[Feanor]

My good buds: I listen to headphones occassionally and might like to do more often but I'm not very please with what I've got at the moment.

My headphones are Sennheiser HD555's which I feel are OK for now. They are full-sized 50 ohm 'phones that are very comfortable to wear, (first cans I've ever been willing to concede are comfortable).

I will listen through my computer. Presently I'm using a Pro-ject Head Box for an amp driven by my M-Audio Revo 7.1 soundcards analog outs. Although a lot better than my computer's headphone output. I'm quite disappointed with this unit which has neither resolution nor dynamics. I'm looking for replacement suggestions.



Since I'm constantly nagged by the likes of RGA about SET and OTL, I wonder if there is such a thing as half-decent tube headphone amps of this type. I'm open to your suggestions. Big caveat: it needs to be <$300.

[Ajani]

I'd opt for this Schiit:



http://schiit.com/cart/index.php?mai...&products_id=2

Over budget at $350... but u might luck out and find a used one within budget...

[Feanor]

I'd opt for this Schiit:



http://schiit.com/cart/index.php?mai...&products_id=2

Over budget at $350... but u might luck out and find a used one within budget...

I like the name.

[the hand of boredom]

You can also look at Bottlehead if you are good with a soldering iron:

http://www.bottlehead.com/store.php?...on=show_detail

If you can find a used Musical Fidelity xCAN, they are fine units.

[the hand of boredom]

Antique Sound Labs has a unit you should look at also... The MG Head, which lists for about $800 is available on CAM for 200.

http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/detai...ube_amplifier/

[Jack in Wilmington]

I'm going to go in a different direction. I think your Project box is fine. I think you should upgrade your cans. I saw a excellent pair of Sennheiser HD600's on Audiogon for $230. These are the 300 ohm phones as you probably know. I had the HD590's and upgraded to the 600's and it made a world of difference. I've heard reviewers say they are like having a set of $10,000 speakers strapped to your head.

[RGA]

Have to agree with Jack. I like SET and all and I own the MG Head DT which is a fine headphone amp but the headphones are more important.

I would also add that the HD 600 (which I own) is a terrific sound headphone but if you want pretty much the same sound (nitpick differences) the 580 is the one to buy in the sense that it is very very close in sound to the 600 but considerably less money. The 580 and 600 are IMHO better than the 590 which for whatever reason irritates me. I don't know what Sennheiser was thinking with this can.

There are other fine headphones out there - comfort is the main thing - Senns are very comfortable - all day wearable and that is even more important than sound quality.

I reviewed the Trends headphone amp - I sent the unit to UHF magazine and their editor reviewed it and it is in their current issue.

It's $225. It does take awhile to warm up and it runs hot. I like it more than my Total Bithead. But it's not completely transparent - and it isn't the last word in Single Ended tube audio - it's $225 and there is a limit.

Here is what UHF magazine had to say http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEUW3...eature=related

Remember I reviewed this same unit - but at the time I was in China so I had no access to my CD player or any good CD player. So my review was strictly computer based audio out to their external converter to this unit. UHF is reviewing it strictly as a headphone amplifier from CD source - so combined with mine it gives a fuller picture.

The ASL MG Head has been improved a LOT over the years and it may be an option second hand.

[Poultrygeist]

Bill,

Here's a SET from a Canadian dealer with a headphone output in your price range. It will drive efficient speakers as well.


http://www.musicalparadise.ca/mp/ind...products_id=75

[Ajani]

I like the name.

Yes, Valhalla is a nice name... Especially if you enjoy Norse mythology...

[Feanor]

Bear in mind that I have two objectives: (1) improve my headphone experience overall, and (2) get a flavor of SET and/or OTL. If the headphone amp were able to act as a preamp, that would be good too.

Suggestions so far are helpful, keep 'em coming if you've got 'em.

THOB, the Bottlehead Crack OTL is very interesting (though I'll read up a little further). The price is good and I pretty sure I can handle the construction..

I've notice a couple of interestin eBay options under the 'Little Dot' brand. They claim to be "SEPP (Single-ended Push-Pull) OTL in class A". They make a Mk II and a Mk III that are within my budget and can at as preamps. I'm currious with SEPP means; on the face of it, it seems a contradiction in terms.

MK II ... http://cgi.ebay.ca/Little-Dot-MK-2-I...item2eb4a6991a

MK III ... http://cgi.ebay.ca/Little-Dot-MK-III...item2eb5fe283a

[Ajani]

Bear in mind that I have two objectives: (1) improve my headphone experience overall, and (2) get a flavor of SET and/or OTL. If the headphone amp were able to act as a preamp, that would be good too.

Suggestions so far are helpful, keep 'em coming if you've got 'em.

THOB, the Bottlehead Crack OTL is very interesting (though I'll read up a little further). The price is good and I pretty sure I can handle the construction..

I've notice a couple of interestin eBay options under the 'Little Dot' brand. They claim to be "SEPP (Single-ended Push-Pull) OTL in class A". They make a Mk II and a Mk III that are within my budget and can at as preamps. I'm currious with SEPP means; on the face of it, it seems a contradiction in terms.

MK II ... http://cgi.ebay.ca/Little-Dot-MK-2-I...item2eb4a6991a

MK III ... http://cgi.ebay.ca/Little-Dot-MK-III...item2eb5fe283a

No idea what SEPP means, but I know there are a number of Little Dot users on Head-Fi, so you should be able to find several little dot reviews there...

[Feanor]

Bill,

Here's a SET from a Canadian dealer with a headphone output in your price range. It will drive efficient speakers as well.


http://www.musicalparadise.ca/mp/ind...products_id=75

That looks very interesting indeed.

[the hand of boredom]

Bill, I heard Little Dot with a 580 at a local audiophiles place... Holy Cr@p was this combo insane - holographic imaging, large presentation, great dynamics.

Haven't actually heard the Bottlehead units, but from reading on AA there's not alot of trash talking about their products.

[Feanor]

Bill, I heard Little Dot with a 580 at a local audiophiles place... Holy Cr@p was this combo insane - holographic imaging, large presentation, great dynamics.

Haven't actually heard the Bottlehead units, but from reading on AA there's not alot of trash talking about their products.

Wow, thanks for the info, Steve.

Reading further, I see that the Bottlehead Crack OTL is rated for 'phones >130 ohms which leaves out my HD555's.