2. amps-preamps
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headphone amp under $350

I need recommendations for a headphone amp. I'd like to max the price at $350. I will likely use it with a Sennheiser HD-580. I listen to classical and jazz. I'm going to be using the headphones at night so I don't disturb (and am not disturbed by) my neighbors.

I'll be plugging my arcam alpha 9 cdp directly into the headphone amp. I want detail without the sound becoming analytical and prefer balanced sound top to bottom rather than something that really features the midrange (or lows/highs).

Thanks.
imrer
eagle
154 posts
 
I haven't heard one yet, but the Perreaux SXH1 is right at the price and is supposed to work great with the HD580/600/650 headphones.
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,811 posts
 
I am using the Creek OBH 11 ($200) with my Sennheiser 600 and I am pretty pleased. What Hi Fi reviews some headphone amps in its latest (January) issue and gives top honors to the Creek OBH 21 SE ($400) over the new Musical Fidelity X-Can and one from Pro-ject.

Regards, Rich
jeffloistarca
1,004 posts
 
The Grado RA-1 was a very nice match with my Senn 600's and can be had for under $300. I sold it cuz I couldn't use my Nakamichi tape deck with the Grado in-line. Bought a Rega Ear that has tape pass-through and that solved my problem. I sure loved the sound of the Grado though; maybe it's the batteries rather than an AC feed (I should have kept the RA-1 for traveling). One more suggestion: consider upgrading your stock cord on your Senns, the Cardas replacement is a significant step up.

On a related note I built my own headhpone amp lately, and having experimented extensively can confirm that the power supply will make the most obvious difference. I settled on an external 4 amp Hammond switching power supply. Happy listening, Jeff
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
Jon can build you Meta-42 based Home headphone amp w/ your choose of components. Jon built one for me recently and I'm very impressed by the amp and the builder. (With an upgraded power supply my amp ran $228 w/shipping inc. However, the price will be slightly more depending on what you wish to add to the base unit. Mine is a base unit.) Jon uses a Sennheiser headphone so he is very familiar w/their sound and would be able to build an amp to best match your tastes. To learn more, www.jmtaudio.com and www.head-fi.org.
Good luck! Bill
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