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Why The Dearth Of Good Headphone Amps?

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Posted on March 31, 1999 at 18:14:02
Marc


 
I have a healthy budget for an amp for my Sennheiser 600s, but there aren't many amps. Creek makes one--is it any good? Are there any ones that are better? Thanks.

 

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Re: Why The Dearth Of Good Headphone Amps?, posted on March 31, 1999 at 19:33:49
Moses


 
Although I haven't heard any of these, I just thought I would post so you would know that there are a few headphone amps out there.

Headroom has several different headphone amps: $300-$1400

I think Grado just came out with one for around $300-$400

 

Actually not, posted on March 31, 1999 at 21:08:53
Rodney Gold


 
Creek , Naim , headroom etc all make.
There is a site www.headwize.com that lists lots of DIY projects
I built one (not from headwize), dual mono , class A discete components etc , cost me a fortune but sounded like crap (way to reavealing , even tho it measured textbook perfect)
I then had the opportunity to buy a valve h/phone amp , locally built at a horrendous cost (I think over $4000) for the princely sum of $400 , this sounds absolutely superb.
I would try for a valve amp If I were you as it works superbly with my 600's.
Now dont laugh, the BEST ss headphone amp I had was actually a cheap HT reciever , the Fisher RS929 , this thrashed all the custom / purpose built h/phone amps I tried , was in the region of about $160 and best of all had a tuner and was remote , I actually bought a few , for my HT syster, for my 2nd system and for my main system , in the HT and 2nd system , it was used as the main power amp as well , with surprisingly good results.

 

Re: Why The Dearth Of Good Headphone Amps?, posted on April 1, 1999 at 02:33:59
David Spear


 
I'm very pleased with the HeadRoom Maxed-Out Home (about $1000), which I use to drive a pair of Sennheiser HD 580's. The Maxed-Out Home uses the same internal circuits as the Max (about $1300,I believe), but is housed in the same case as the Home and uses a less expensive volume control. The amp sounds great, is perfectly quiet, and includes an excellent cross-feed circuit to pull the sound out of the cans. The operation of this circuit is very subtle, but the improvement is real. Depending on the recording, you might not notice anything when you switch it on, but if you listen for a while and then switch it off, the soundstage just collapses. I can't listen to headphones without it. I'd strongly suggest you give the Maxed-Out Home (or the Max) a listen. You might also want to check out the HeadRoom homepage at http://headroom.headphone.com/.

 

Re: Why The Dearth Of Good Headphone Amps?, posted on April 1, 1999 at 09:26:53
aaron


 
I just wanted to say that I concur with everything that David said below. I also have the maxxed-out home headroom with Sennheiser 580's. That little amp is really impressive. It is the reference tool for my humble system. When I start to think "I wonder what this album sounds like on a really impressive system?" I reach for the headphones. This thing has spelled bad news for my speaker and my wallet. They are soon to be replaced and I am soon to be poor.

It is only unfortunate that there is nowhere that you can listen to one. Laying out that kind of money without hearing it is hard to justify.

I am also currently running the headroom as my main preamp (when vinyl is not in play). It is heads and tails above my NAD in that job as well. It also has a removable power cord for upgrades.

Check out headroom (http://www.headphone.com)
and there is a review on Soundstage (http://www.soundstage.com/das_max.htm) of the exact amp that David and I are talking about.

I have not heard any competing headphone amps, so I can only give my biased opinion of this unit. I purchased this unit used, but when I had the money and was contemplating a headphone amp, I was also looking at the Earmax Tube headphone amp... Ahhh ... Tuuuubes.....

aaron

 

Re: Why The Dearth Of Good Headphone Amps?, posted on April 1, 1999 at 16:55:40
Jim


 
I have been using a Musical Fidelity X-Cans with my 580's for a couple years. Can get for $199 from Audio Advisor -- small, round and tubed.

Very pleased with it ... but, have not heard the headroom or creek amps ... you're right .. .no place to listen ... just buy. Anyhow, AA offers 30 day return policy (sans shipping) and I have been pleased, especially for the money....... definately improvement over HP jack on receiver.

Intrigued by the heardooom max though, especially the special circuit which pulls the sound out from "between the ears." Oh well, I am sure I will be tempted to upgrade(?) at some point in time .. after all, they are my only toys!

 

this may be of interest to you........, posted on April 2, 1999 at 06:59:00
Moses


 
http://www.planethifi.com/planethifi5/mar99gradoamp.htm

 

Re: this may be of interest to you........, posted on April 2, 1999 at 08:08:24
Rodney gold


 
I read that review , basically slammed the product big time

 

Re: this may be of interest to you........, posted on April 2, 1999 at 15:21:31
Marc


 

They did slam Grado, which leaves even fewer amps.

 

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