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
jwaugh
103 posts
 
Generally, depends on your tastes and $ to spend, but I second the MG head recommendation (Antique Sound Labs) - very good headphone OTL amp.

It combines very well with the HD600.
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.
jinmtvt OP
58 posts
 
nah i don't need multiple inputs at all
i prefer not sacrificing $$$ or quality and haveing to chang4e inputs myself..that's a little to pay for the $$ and the quality you can sometime get instead of more connections and an example..

ok thanks..
i'll look into the antique sound amp!
seems to be a very popular choice :)
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.
erider
39 posts
 
I have the Sennheiser HD-600, I use them with the MG Head DT OTL amp. Instead of the stock tubes, I suggest 5751 in lieu of the standard 12AX7for the preamp end. Replacing the power tubes did not make a significant difference in my system.

Remember the three mica, blacks 5751s are the best. Among the better ones are NOS (new old stock) GEs, Raytheon, are telefunkin. The ultimate 5751 is said to be the Syvania Gold but I have not heard it. It commands a premium price too.

Read Joe's tube lore on the web - that is where I got most of my info.

Even with the stock tubes, this system sound wonderful so don't splurge before listening. Incidently, I have seen the MG Head DT advertised for $ 150-200 used on Audiogon. The Sennheisers have been advertised for $ 239 New.

Always listen first.

Erider
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