Headphone Amplification

Is it still possible to get a Dynahi built and if so how much would it cost? Or would it be wiser to just get a headroom desktop with max modules?

Hi guys. I just bought a Stax SRS-005 system which consists in a SRM-Xh amp and SR-003 earphones. After some time spent on thinking, I've decided to experiment some configurations. Basically, I'm looking for a better amp. I know the SRM-Xh is a vintage amp, and there should be better alternatives to use with the babystax. I'd like something that's an upgrade over the stock SRM-252 amp. I have been advised towards the SRM-313 as a good match, but I'd like to know if there are any others. I really want to exploit the best potential of the sr-003, especially since they tend to be dark, while higher models, like the Lambdas, tend to be very forward in the upper midrange, w…

Arrived on Thursday, I got it on Friday: I've had a couple of days to listen to it, and it really is a superb HD650 amp. Reminds me of the first time I fell for the HD650 with the PPX3 Slam. Impossible to say which is better since I haven't owned the PPX3 for over a year. The bass is in total control and reaches lower then I recall it ever reaching (I have actually turned around a couple times to make sure my 22Ls weren't on). The amp makes the HD650 do all those lovely audiophile things, like create a nice space around guitar plucks and the like. Also does a damn fine job of recreating electric guitar crunch. This amp has certainly made rediscovering my HD650s…

Courtesy of tkam, I managed to get my hands on the special PPX3 that the Toddler himself dreamed up. The amp is now mine. I loved this amp the last time we were down in Cinci. I thought about getting one for weeks back then but I already had a high voltage MPX3 and eventually sort of forgot about the amp. I dont know what prompted me to ask Mikhail about the amp. When I did, I found out that this amp is more like a mini-Maestro than a PPX3 SLAM. The power supply is fully regulated unlike the PPX3, the power supply used a number of Maestro techniques and the Maestro plitron .... and added the high voltage operation with 6BL7GTA's. In short, this amp kick…

OK I've gotten off the binge & purge wagon, and have settled in with 840c/Almarro/K1000 as my main rig (and Earmax AE for other phones like HD650). Now my main system is pretty much perfect (to me) except for one annoying thing: 840c is fixed out RCA to the Almarro integrated amp. Even with low 5wpc output of the amp and the K1000, I can only use the volume knob up to about 9 o'clock before it's too loud (maybe a bit more for classical/opera). That is, very limited range of volume knob. I wish the 840c had some kind of variable out option, then I could optimize so the amp volume can turn to, say, 10-12 o'clock. Is there some device, like a passive line attenuato…

So I need to send in my Balanced Desktop for a minor repair. I am very tempted to have them install a stepper while it's in the shop. Yea or Nay?

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/4233707-post19.html I've seen this for nth time, how true is this statement?

Well a couple of evenings careful experimentation has resulted in no explosions, I'm still reluctant to leave the H2 connected continuously to the SRM-717 until longer term verification that nothing bad is happening to the headphone or the amp. There's not a huge amount of difference between direct drive from the 717 and the Pass Labs/TR-2 drive. I'd give the nod to the 717 overall though. A big nod once you look at the difference in price between an adapter cable and the TR-2 of course. I also plugged the H2 into the SRM-212, and at anything other than the total bottom of volume control there's a mass of distortion and scratching sound as the H2 tries to suck every…

Hi. I'm looking for a good value amp in the under 800$ price range. I have been adviced to get an HR-2, a Gillmore Lite and M^3. While I am not sure I want to spend 850$ for the HR-2 (plus I've read some constrasting opinions about it), I'm seriously considering the Lite with DPS and M^3. I like the fact that the former is only transistor based, but it has been described as hyperdetailed and somewhat piercing in the highs by more than a few people on Headfi. Considering that I can't stand sibilance/harshness, I am not sure if I should go on with it. I read here that the M^3 is on the "warm" side. I am not sure if I am going to use Sennheiser HDxx or Denon D5000 with it. …

My interest in tube amps has been growing since around last October, and now that I have my own Aikido hybrid I'm only even more interested. I'm personally more interested in what I can DIY, but I'm cool to hear whatever. I fully expect that the ZD, HD2, the Luna, and the SDS (is this just a really charged up Waarde?) to be part of the list, but I like to hear about what else is out there, again especially in the DIY realm (like dsavitsk's cool looking shunt-regulated, single feed, spud amp).

Because of a thread on Head-Fi (see link) it got me wondering, only I wanted to add a poll. I know that a poll is somewhat useless as they are misleading since not many people, or maybe even none, have heard them all which will ultimately lead to a misformed / incomplete picture. Nonetheless I would like to try and ask the people who are voting to explain why they voted the way they did, what else they've heard from the list and what sound(sig) they're after. When you feel I have left out an option which cannot be missed on the list, feel free to add your thoughts and please eloborate. A little background: I still have to save up for a desktop amp and had my mind set…

Long time lurker, first time poster... I've managed to assemble the following rig, however, since I haven't been able to attend any meets, my purchases have been based solely on other's opinions. My current setup is MF a3.24 -> Opera analog -> RS-1s/HD650s What would be the most cost effective way to upgrade? I'm happy with my current cans, so an amp upgrade is probably in order. Would a se b22 be a significant step up?

I'm debating which amp I should get. Right now, I have a home based Pimeta. I would like something warmer though. Which of these amps should I get? I only use Grado headphones (sr225 and sr100) thanks

At what point should you start to worry about how hot your amps (and other components) get? For example, my HR Balanced desktop runs hot, as expected, and so does the Desktop Power Supply. Further the DAC1 also runs pretty warm, which is also expected. Regardless of the fact that it is expected, it still concerns me. Should it? At what point do you consider the heat as a sign of a problem, or the imminent cause of one. Er, aside from fire that is.

With my feel HP 200SE tube mosfet hybrid amp, whenever I have my headphones pugged into the low gain jack, every now and again the left channel fades out to a whisper. If I turn the amp off and then turn it back on it corrects itself and won't fade out again that listening session. I know that amps are complex but is there an obvious reason why this would be happening?

I posted this on head-fi a while back and thought it might be interesting reposting it here for the ones who haven't seen it and just to post something interesting... I already forgot what was in it so I'll have to reread again I guess, it's very long: "Audio Power Amplifier Fundamentals Introduction The term amplifier is very generic. In general, the purpose of an amplifier is to take an input signal and make it stronger (or in more technically correct terms, increase its amplitude). Amplifiers find application in all kinds of electronic devices designed to perform any number of functions. There are many different types of amplifiers, each with a specific purpo…

Why do some amps have two volume controls? My HeadAmp KGSS has two volume knobs. I always set them at the same setting. I would prefer one knob and not have to set the volume twice or use both hands at once. They are stepped attenuators so it isn't too difficult to do so, but one knob would still be more convenient. Is there a reason for this?

Anyone have any good combos they would like to recommend? Currently using Russian 6N6P as driver and Sylvania 6922 as output and a EZ80 in the power supply

First things first - I have no direct affiliation with this product or the vendor but I'm friendly with the designer. If that makes me biased, so be it, I guess I'm biased. Now, onto the amp. Basically it's a single ended amp with transformer coupled inputs and outputs to provide balanced operation and was designed to drive anything from IEMs to the K1000 (via selectable outputs). The tube compliment consists of a 7N7 input tube and two 307A output tubes. More details are available on Todd's site. I'm certainly looking forward to giving it a listen at CanJam even though it far exceeds the ability of my wallet.

Untill now I read only severe negative posts for SRM-727II. But I still can't find anywhere concrete opinion what's the problem with this Stax amp. I see most people own SRM-007tII, SRM-006t and even SRM-717 but not the 727 How many of you had the opportunity to compare 727II with another amps?

This maybe a very stupid question but I'd like to ask it anyway. I'd really like to have a small and portable dac/headphone amp and I'd also like to be able to use it with mah stereo, for various reasons; the obvious being that I'm not made out of money and would like less electronic gear in my apartment. Are there any valid reasons to think this would be a hysterically bad idea? enlighten this noob please That being said, I'm aware that the signal is being amplified obviously but is it THAT bad? are there any sane alternatives? The stereo is an ageing Sony 730ES and a pair of JBL 4408's so don't tell me I wont benefit from a detailed dac

My gear is in my sig. I am very happy with it, and should probably just leave it at that. But that's no fun. So I could use some help focusing on what my next amp will be. This purchase likely is well in the future, but I'd like to start the search now. My first thoughts are either a balanced b22 or something real tubey since I don't have much experience with tube amps. I guess the sound sig I am after would be on the warmer side. Budget needs to be south of 2K. Any thoughts?

After talking with somebody fairly extensively about the topology and circuitry of the amp, seems it's like a PPAv2 (or any other PPL amp), but slightly tweaked. What's the consensus around here for one? Is it worth the asking price over a PPAv2? What are the sonic differences between the two? I've heard a Lisa, but not the PPAv2...just wondering if it's worth supporting the DIY community or supporting somebody who doesn't really hold back his designs to the DIY community. http://www.esnips.com/doc/837045c1-25a0-4004-b933-7b9f9c842bc0/LISA-III-New-Front-Panel-019 I like how slender the new Lisa is, as it's not TOO bothersome to carry around. Carrying around that …

Hi guys, I'm looking to buy a new portable amp. I am owner of an iBasso P2, but it's a bit too big and I'd rather having more battery life. The P2 is very spacious and detailed, but has a slight midbass hump: some people seem to love this added "warmth", but I'd rather having a more neutral amp. I am interested in a Pico, but I wonder if there are any other good alternatives for the same price/size. I'm not thrilled by Xin amps, since an used Supermicro (only one I might be interested to) sells for more than a Pico, and for the same price I would get a latter. Are there any other portables (at a reasonable size) that can compete against the Pico? I know Skylab love…

Can any HE90 owners suggest a 'budget' amp for driving a pair of these headphones? There are a few Stax SRM-007T on Yahoo Japan that won't plunge me further into horrible debt ($600-ish). How would they do? This is really only until I can save up for something a lot nicer. Cheers, Wai