2. misc-audio
  3. 973646551

tube headphone amp?

I was just informed that I may not be able to get a headphone amp that I was seriously considering, the Audio Valve RKV Mk II. It's being "upgraded", (waiting to hear reviews + what the price will be). I'm currently using a MF X-CAN v2, so the only criteria are: it must be tubed, and it must be an upgrade from what I've currently got. So here is my short list, any additions/deletions? Let's start with a price-no-object list, I can whittle down from there: - The Earmax Pro; - David Berning Co. sells something called the microZOTL, but direct only; - that Cary preamp that Headroom claims is the best in the world; - Wheatfield Audio HA-2; - Antique Sound Labs - the MG Head DT; - Zeus OTL Headphone Amplifier by Fuchs Audio Technology; - Holmes Powell;
dustych
mrbean79b1
1 posts
 
Hi, I am selling my Holmes Powell headphone amp for 1/2 price. The Holmes Powell recieved the 1999 Golden Year Award. It's not the best but its 2nd best rated by The Absolute Sound magazine. The best is the new Esoteric Audio Research HP4 headphone amp. Email me for details: mrbean@omnisky.net More info: http://headwize.com/ubb/Forum5/HTML/000064.html And also search the forum for holmes powell.
denf
241 posts
 
I currently own the Antique Sound Lab headphone amp. My prior set-up was X-cans w/X-PSU power supply. The Antique blows the X-cans out of the proverbial water - in ALL parameters (and is cheaper @ $260.00). UNBELIEVABLE sound for so little coin. Using with Sennheiser HD600.
sedond
1,387 posts
 
the headfone amp in the melos sha-gold or maestro reference preamps are continually raved about by the audio press. an outstanding line-stage comes attached, too! ;~) their sha-1 is also excellent. doug
dustych OP
53 posts
 
I'm taken care of (thank you Brooklyn Audio), but for anyone else who's reading: Add EAR to the list. It may not be on their website, but I received an email telling me that they do indeed now sell a headphone amp. It's really nice that a lot of these manufacturers sell preamps connected to these headphone amps.
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