Need help picking a Headphone amp.


I recently purchased a Westone 2 IE phone and I love the sound that comes out. I have become so hooked listening to it, that I know want to purchase a headphone and amp for my home system. I am looking to purchase the Sennheiser HD598.

I want a really good amp, but I don't want to spend more than $400. I am looking at the PS Audio GCHA, Headroom brand, and Project Box II. Can anyone help put me in the right direction?

Thanks,
matt00

Showing 1 response by trebejo

Van Alstine has a very nice headphone amp included in his preamps. You can save some $$ and get one of the solid-state models, since the headphone amp stage is SS (even in his tube models). Then you'd have a great preamp as well. In the end you are spending closer to $1K (if you buy it new) but of course you get a preamp with the headphone amp.

This is a general consideration, dedicated headphone amps are a bit of a boutique item but it's pretty straightforward to combine it inside a preamp chassis.

If you want to spend "real" money, you can look at Woo Audio, they make lovely stuff but it will take you above $400. Unlike the Van Alstine, it's highly unlikely that you will be able to find a used one, unless you're both fast and patient (hard to combine).