I recommend the Audio GD Master 9(M9)headphone amp/preamp that sells for about $1500 USD and with shipping to the US cost me about $1660. I've had a number of high end headphone amps including the Eddy Current Zana Deux SE, Cavalli Audio Liquid Fire, Ray Samuels DarkStar and Raptor, Luxman SQ-N100 integrated, SPL Phonitor, and the original Grace 900. All of these amps except for the Grace 900 cost more the the Master 9. To my ears,the Master 9 is the best out of all of them. It comes with a heavy aluminum remote contol and it can be used as a balanced preamp.
Best of all is the sound quality of the M9. It outputs 9 watts of full class A power into 40 ohms. That power will drive any headphone including the power demanding orthos such as the HE6 and the Audeze planars. The sound is smooth, dynamic, with excellent soundstaging (headstage)and imaging. It features switchable low and high gain. The volume control (either from the remote or the front panel) has 100 steps so it is very easy to set the desired volume. All my headphones sound great with this amp. I currently have the Audeze LCD X, HiFiMan HE6, Lawton Audio modified Denon D7000, and an AKG K340. It also features both single ended and balanced headphone outputs and the amp is fully balanced.
This amp is a beast, but a very refined one. It weighs in at 35lbs which is quite heavy for a headphone amp. If this amp was made in the USA and sold through a retailer, it would cost more than double its asking price. Don't just take my word for it, look it up on Head-fi in the High End Forum. There is a thread dedicated to the M9 there. Delivery is very fast as well. After placing the order, it was at my doorstep in less than 10 days. Audio Gd isn't well known here on Audiogon but it is a well respected brand on Head-Fi. I've owned my M9 for over 6 months and I have no desire to change. IMO, I would take it over either amp that you are considering.
Best of all is the sound quality of the M9. It outputs 9 watts of full class A power into 40 ohms. That power will drive any headphone including the power demanding orthos such as the HE6 and the Audeze planars. The sound is smooth, dynamic, with excellent soundstaging (headstage)and imaging. It features switchable low and high gain. The volume control (either from the remote or the front panel) has 100 steps so it is very easy to set the desired volume. All my headphones sound great with this amp. I currently have the Audeze LCD X, HiFiMan HE6, Lawton Audio modified Denon D7000, and an AKG K340. It also features both single ended and balanced headphone outputs and the amp is fully balanced.
This amp is a beast, but a very refined one. It weighs in at 35lbs which is quite heavy for a headphone amp. If this amp was made in the USA and sold through a retailer, it would cost more than double its asking price. Don't just take my word for it, look it up on Head-fi in the High End Forum. There is a thread dedicated to the M9 there. Delivery is very fast as well. After placing the order, it was at my doorstep in less than 10 days. Audio Gd isn't well known here on Audiogon but it is a well respected brand on Head-Fi. I've owned my M9 for over 6 months and I have no desire to change. IMO, I would take it over either amp that you are considering.