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

Showing 1 response by jeffloistarca

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