2. headphones
  3. 168183-13640

Inexpensive, neutral-to-warm sounding SS headphone amp?

Looking to get a headphone amp solely for evening listening after wife has gone to bed. 

Using modest (Grado SR225 phones). Although I've read these are considered bright
I've never experienced them as such but then, I'm particularly sensitive to fatguing highs
so I don't own any bright-sounding components.  

My DAC is Aqua La Voce S2. 

Budget: $200 new or used.  Two possibilities, so far;

Schiit Magni 
Geshelli Labs Archel2.5 Pro  

Any other suggestions? 
stuartk
stuartk OP
2,613 posts
 
Hi soix--

Thanks for your response. 

I've upped my budget to $400, so now I could afford a Jotunheim 2, for example.

Anything else come to mind??? 
 
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,496 posts
 
I had a Creek that was relatively warm.  Aqua DACs are pretty warm so you shouldn’t need to warm of a headphone amp.  
stuartk OP
2,613 posts
 
Yes, indeed-- the Aqua DAC is on the warm side but my headphones are not...

I will probably try the Jotunheim first, see how I like it.

stuartk OP
2,613 posts
 
I'm very sensitive to highs, hence my (perhaps) over-concern with straying into fatiguing territory. . . 
jun_zhang's avatar
jun_zhang
19 posts
 
Schitt Asgard ii, class A
Massdrop THX AAA 789Audeze Decard DAC/AMP class A
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