Which Headphone Amp in the $500 - $800 range

Hey Poots,

If you haven't done it already I recommend you check out head-fi.org, a website dedicated to headphone listening. Very knowledgeable folks over there and I'm sure they could come up with several amps in your range.

I am currently using a grace designs m901 to drive my Senn. 650's and I feel that it compliments the cans quite well. If you're patient you may be able to find a used one in your price range. I've also been very curious about the offerings from Headamp. The gs1 is just slightly over your budget but have gotten some pretty awesome reviews. Rudistor may also have something that would mate well with you 600's.

Do you want to stick with a tube amp? If so maybe the Ray Samuels Raptor would interest you or maybe a used Audiovalve if you can find one.

With sooo many headphone specific amps out there it may take you a while to find one to replace your Earmax but you have a budget that almost assures that you'll be able to top it. Good luck on your hunt.

Aloha,
Dave

When you visit Head-Fi.org, take a look at the review I wrote on Consonance Cyber 20. The review is a few years old. I've not actively looked into the headphone scene for the past two years so things may have changed quite a bit.

I had started out looking at the Earmax Pro. Then I got really involved with Head-Fi.org and organized several local meets. I brought all my front end gear to these meets so I could try out different amps. But ended up buying this one, and two other amps, Cyber 30 (using 2A3s) and Rudistor RP-5.1cav (tube hybrid). Each amp has it's own special personality. I have both HD600 and HD650. I especially enjoy the HD600 w/ Cardas headphone cable and the Cyber 600 combo for Jazz and female vocals.

I believe there's also a review of the Cyber 20 at Soundstage as well.

FrankC

If you check out the for sale forum at www.head-fi.org there is a Singlepower PPX3 with the output adapters for 5687 tubes. Its a steal at the asking price of $650. Probably some reviews out there on the PPX3 and the PPX3-slam. (which it is with the 5687 output tubes) If you google them.