Headphone Amp for Portable CDP


Since many of the better headphones IE Sennheiser HD 580 + 600 etc have impedance greater than 100 ohms, and most portable CDP have low output level to conserve battery consumption, an inexpensive headphone amp is needed for best sound. What amps are members using for under $400 retail?

Popular models include Creek OBH 11, Musical Fidelity X-Can 2, Grado RA-1 (battery powered) and various models from Headroom etc. I own Sennheiser HD580 cans and would like to run from portable CDP at home, any suggestions or recommendations for amp?
megasam

Showing 1 response by prfont

I run the RA-1 with a Panasonic sl-ct570 portable and Grado SR-80 phones. The sound is amazing. The RA-1 is a very neat little piece that is addictive on looks alone. I also have the Headroom airhead ($100) which is good, but not as good as the Grado - but hell, it's 1/3 the price. Although I've heard that the Grado will drive Senns I think you're better off going Grado with Grado, and take advantage of the built in synergy. Battery life with the grado's is about 50 hours. Headroom's new amps will have a 3 way gain setting which could be fun. They'll be out in a couple of weeks I hear.

If you don't care about the power cord, I listened to the Creek side by side with the Grado and it was very close, the Grado was a bit smoother(with Grado Phones) so that's what I went with.