Many Questions Need Help


Ok, first and foremost i like headphones first, then speaker listening.  Let's assume i own nothing at this moment.  I have 3 options to achieve where i want to get to.  I want something that will drive my HD 650 headphones and drive some easy-to-drive speakers, this is the end goal, i did fail to mention it needs to be tubes.  My budget for this not counting speakers, is going to be $1000.

 

1.  Headphone amp that can be used as a preamp also, problem here is not a ton of choices, Little Dot Mark 2, is not a great preamp, but Little Dot Mark 3, works as a preamp, butt ugly amp IMO.  This route only needs a decent amp and use the headphone amp as a preamp.

 

2. Get a tube preamp and a good integrated amp with a headphone jack, the problem with this approach is finding an integrated amp with a good headphone jack is not easy, most amps make the headphone jack any good.  Emotiva A2M has a very good headphone jack and speaker hookup, this is an option.

 

3  Last one but a more expensive way, but a good headphone amp, and a separate amp and tube preamp.

 

All ideas and feedback are welcome.

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Showing 1 response by soix

This LTA MZ2 could well fit the bill.  It’s a really great headphone amp and preamp, and it can drive speakers that are an easy load.  Add their linear power supply later for a significant performance boost, or you can wait for one to pop up used with the LPS and it’s still not much above your budget.  I think this would be hard to beat — read the reviews. 

https://www.lineartubeaudio.com/products/mz2mz2-s