2. amps-preamps
  3. 1036198808

Headphone amps HD what are the choices?

I'm lost a little..pretty new to headphones :p

the headphones out of the sound card i will be getting the is not really good compare to the quality of it's normal line out..the stereo dac that was used + the small amp doesn't give any good headphone justice in quality ( the signal range is pretty bad also)

i will be purchasing HD-580 or Hd-600 in maximum 2weeks

so i'm on the market for a small good quality headphone amp
i need something that will match up good with the sennheiser's and something that will leave the sound untouched as much as possible
i am on a really tight budget
and i don't know anything about headphone amps!

SO this is where YOU knowledge people come into play! I need advice on what to look for, what kind of $$$ will i be paying for what range of quality ( i do not care to buy used at all)!!

Did i say i was on a tiite budget? hihi :)

Thanks all for your time and comments :)
jinmtvt

Showing 3 responses by tsrart

tsrart
79 posts
 
I think you'll be very happy with it. For the money, if you like the sound of tubes, I don't think there's any way that you can do better. Just remember not to judge it based on the stock tubes -- it becomes a whole new amp with better tubes. www.head-fi.org has a couple of threads devoted to tube rolling the MG Head, with lots of suggestions and reviews of various tubes you can use.
tsrart
79 posts
 
Easy -- Antique Sound Labs MG Head OTL. Tubes, great sound, perfect match for HD600s, and $329 new from HeadRoom (www.headphone.com).

You WILL want to replace the stock tubes, though. I've gone with NOS Sylvania black plate for power tubes, and NOS Telefunken 12AX7 for preamping, but you can roll to your taste.
tsrart
79 posts
 
The cost for replacement tubes will vary, depending on what you get. I think I paid about $75 for my tubes on eBay, although you can spend less or more than that.

One thing about the MG Head -- if you're looking at having multiple sources, be aware that the Head only has a single set of inputs -- you'd have to switch cables to go between a CDP and a PS2 or dish, unless you're using an outboard DAC with multiple digital inputs and one analog output for all your sources.
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