TOTL Headphone Amps

I have to say, I really like the Neve.   It has 3.5mm, RCA,  and xlr/ trs combo inputs.   I have it connected directly to my DAC's balanced outs 25' away.    The Quicksilver is connected to my pre's tape out so all my sources appear at it's input.  

I am using Beyer DT911, an older phone that is 600 Ohm.  The Neve can drive them but not as loud and clean as the QS.    I was concerned the QS would struggle with low imp. phones but it drives my 32 Ohm Grado RS2e and Klipsch HP 3 with authority.   The manual  states 2w into 30 Ohm , 4 w max.....    The Quicksilver / HP 3 combo is awesome and the Grados sound better than they ever have.

Guys, I hope I don't come off as a snob and don't mean to belittle your gear. There are a lot of nice headphone amps available for under $1K and I'm sure some "punch above their weight", but I don't think the amps you're discussing are in the same league as those being discussed by the OP.

I’m the OP. Appreciate all the inputs. I think I’m going to stick with the Rogue Audio RH-5. It is really sounding amazing the longer I run it in. I’m pairing it with a Pass Labs XP-17 and it makes my vinyl sing! I’m getting hooked on the creature comforts too, such as remote standby, volume control, mute, and input selection. The 4 inputs include a balanced-in, which I’ve been using with the XP-17.

I’d love to eventually try the 430HA. I have a dedicated rack, so I am probably in the minority of folks looking for standard sized rack components (i.e. 17" width). The multiple inputs and remote control are requirements now, for me at least.

The 430HA is a great amp, very neutral with tons of power. Some characterize it as slow and boring. If your preference is for something more on the hyped up side, it might not be the best choice. I find it very easy to listen to, with great detail. The volume control is excellent, providing almost infinite control over volume settings. 

Big Greg,  no offense taken !    I assure you if you spent some time with either amp you would agree that they are superb performers.   Both made in USA by companies with serious audio roots.

You have a unique perspective,  you are a DIY guy who can build amps , but you also have some fine toys that are at the top of their class, so you probably see a lot of overpriced crap that just isn't worth the money.  That's part of the problem with the headphone category.  Lots of cheaply built cans and amps from China.  Many which are flavor of the week.

Are amps like the Manley and conrad -johnson worth their asking prices of $4500 and $7500 respectively?    I don't know and I'll probably never get to find out.     I think in every category you reach the point of diminishing returns, where is that with phones?  I don't know....

Neve must be having some success in the home arena or they wouldn't have re-cased the RNHP to look like a slick piece of home gear.... the amp is exactly the same inside, identical.  The new Fidelice RNHP goes for $1195.    That puts it $200 more than the Quicksilver which is clearly the better amp so they really didn't do their customers any favors.   They are targeting the home demographic now with case work.

So I will just say the Neve is great for the money,  maybe not TOTL , but it will crush a number of more expensive amps.  

The Quicksilver on the other hand is every bit of what I would expect in a top shelf amp.  It is built exactly like their amps.  In fact the chassis is like a 2/3 scale Mid Mono.  Same heavy gauge steel,  same beefy power transformer. Beautiful fit and finish  The only plastic on the entire case is the fuse holder and IEC receptacle.    It's a tank,  it weighs 16 lbs.   It sounds phenomenal and I would put it up against anything 2 maybe even 3 times the price.    

Happy listening