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suggestions for a headphone amplifier

I recently bought a pair of Senn 650s. Up till now I have listened through the headphone jack on my Jolida JD100 player. Well, that only gets you so far....now it's time to liven it up with an amplifier designed to make the most of whatever these 650s have to offer. I am ready to choose based on the groups suggestions, so show me what you've got!
roccodigiacomo

Showing 2 responses by johnrob

johnrob
76 posts
 
There have been several threads on this question in the not too distant past. I started one in February that provided some good suggestions. (http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1108700500&read&keyw&zzheadphone=amp).

BTW, out of the past discussion, I purchased a Musical Fidelity X-Can V3, which, I believe, has a Stereophile A rating. I liked it over the SS Headphone amps that I auditioned (e.g., Grado). It's a SET amp and uses 6922 tubes. I've swaped tubes and now I'm using Siemens CCa, which provides remarkable detail and clarity. I've also used Mullard tubes, which created a lush and rich sound, but these tubes are in my hybrid integrated and will stay there awhile. The MF X-Can V3 is also reasonably priced. At the time I posted the thread, I was using Senn 600, but I've upgrade to 650s.

John
johnrob
76 posts
 
Daltonlanny -

IMO the Senn 650 has a smoother, richer midbass and better balance than the 600. I find the midrange of the 650 is flowing and the highs are smooth, with a slightly dark presentation. To me, the sound of the 600 is generally similar to the 650; however there are some slight differences - the 600 treble is grainier, the midbass is boomier, and the bass is less robust. I also find the 650 to be more comfortable than the 600 and I have less listening fatigue with the 650.

Also, the MF X-Can does not lack power to drive the 650.

John
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