Headphone Amplification

apparently ray samuels has a new amp...a balanced one perhaps? any ideas?

So I got one of them non-pro Stax adapters off of eBay, but I have pro headphones (with the higher charging voltage, or whatever it's called). Anyone know of a way to change the voltage, besides selling it off and buying the right one? I'm thinking it's just a transformer tap, but I'm also thinking that the tranny that's already in there probably won't deal, so I'm thinking I'm going to have to get a new transformer...which is alright, as I suspect I'm going to want to (a) ground the thing (it currently only has a two-prong power cord); and ( replace the speaker wires with something better. So what I'm saying is, I'm already going to be inside the thing mucking around. So…

Anyone here have any info about this tube? I read somewhere that this is a higher quality 6AS7G but upon inpection, I see that it has 5998 plates. This is where I'm confused: Is this tube supposed to sound like a 6AS7G or a 5998? BTW, I got my Chatham 2399s when I got my Extreme used and I like it....spacious and detailed but the 7236 trumps it in speed and punch.

I don't know if there is anybody that has heard both of these amps, but if you have, which one did you like better. And if you haven't but know a lot about tube amp design, which one is better designed / made? I'm looking for the best possible amp for both the K1000 and the HD800 and now that I am leaning towards a tube amp, these two seem to be the leading candidates. Unfortunately, I know nothing about tubes or tube amps. (p.s. let's put aside the fact that Eddie Current is also balanced since (a) it doesn't matter for the K1000 and ( while I may buy a balanced cable for the HD800, I likely won't be reterminating other headphones with hardwired cables.)

Okay, I've been debating streamlining a bit if not downright downsizing. I find that I don't use "multiple" amps and sources nearly enough to justify having them sitting around so I'm thinking about a move to get a single amp that can handle various needs. Right now, I'm using nothing but headphones but likely will be adding speakers somewhere down the road plus I'd like to try the K1000 sometime. With that in mind, should I part with my MPX3 slam and GCHA and just pick up something that's a bit more flexible? Say the SLI-80 Signature F-1? It seems to fit the bill and from what I've read it's a solid performer with no real weaknesses. So the question.....go for it or s…

There has been very tranparent and clear pictures of the 32000 USD base model of Warwick Aperio. Sonic wise, while it doesn't have the stage height of Hifiman Shang SR and maybe even the seperation of Stax X9000 driven by T2/ Grand Cayman with TOTL source, it does have the best low extension as well as the most normal shape of stage. While I feel TOTL AIO electrostactic systems as HE-1 and Aperio have better transducer and headphones (or most current after market electrostactic headphones are problematic here and there ), they might be limited by the geometery to accomodate the best amplification. Looking inside of the chasis, while I won't judge the component…

So, would it be possible to have the gain lowered on a Pico so those with IEM's can enjoy more of the amps sonic characteristics? I would also like to have more volume control for IEM's. What I have gathered from home amplifiers (ex. Macintosh) is that the less gain and more volume or (the other way around) really has a dif effect on sound. Is it possible to change this or is the gain set in stone? I really think you can get a better taste of the sound of a headphone amp When the gain is set propperly for your headphones. Witha portable like Pico, I think users will usually use the same headphone. Way back 7-8 years ago, the META42 and penguin builders always asked wha…

CANOR-AUDIO.COM : Headphone tube amplifier SH1 : Tube amplifier & high end audio found this while following random integrated amp links. any thoughts? construction looks clean. worth the $550 they charge for it?

http://www.head-fi.org/t/683115/the-apex-high-fi-audio-teton http://www.ttvjaudio.com/Apex_High_Fi_Audio_Teton_Preamp_and_Headphone_amp_p/aaa0000020.htm The Apex Teton - NEW from Apex High Fi Audio and TTVJAudio! Come to RMAF CanJam and be one of the first to hear it!!! The Apex Teton is a single-ended output-transformer-less (OTL) vacuum tube preamplifier and headphone amp. Its roots lie in the Wheatfield Audio HA-2 from nearly 15 years ago. While similar, it is far superior to the original design. Retaining the same tube compliment and amplifier topology, it has been greatly improved through the use of a better power supply and higher quality co…

I have a stand alone Koss E90 box and a Stax SRD-7 transformer box. I am just curious which one every one prefers and why? iFi has their eESL trans former box, which is as about as universal as one can get, and there is of course used Stax transformer boxes. There is also a plethora of electrostatic amps, stax, Woo, Mjolner and so on. Just curious as to what every one likes for their Stax or other electrostatic headphones.

The more I think about, the more I realize that I don't really want an Omega 2 setup, and all the RS-1 loving has really got to me, so now my target is on a RS-1 setup. I'm set on getting a Singlepower amp to mate with the RS-1s, so this thread is to get some good info. 1) I'm going to get a MPX3 as the base, with octal tube sockets for maximum flexibility. 2) Gain tube: So far I know you can use the 6SN7, 7n7, 7af7, and their 12/14v variants. I'm a bit wary of using the 6SN7 since good NOS 6SN7 are expensive as hell. And also, what does the 12v option do to the sound? If I get it, does that mean I can no longer use the 6v variants? 3) Output: I'm pretty much set on…

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…

I am in the market for a headphone amp in the $300 price range. I own a pair of shure e4c's. I believe they are 29ohm earbuds. I do not plan on buying an upgrade headphone anytime soon. Anyone have any advice? Will these earbuds be a good fit with this amp?

Hey guys. Who is the biggest, toughest guy here who I should punch and get beaten up by to fit in and look kool? I got a question for you, as I don't like to take the word of head-fi to be gospel and like to get a variety of opinions from a variety of sources, and it seems people are a bit more straight forward here, which is what I am after. I recently purchased the HD650s and am looking at getting some RS1s in the near future. I am looking for a sexy amp to take hold of these cans reins and take me for a ride I will never forget.. or something. In your wise opinions, what should I be looking at as a match made in heaven for these 2 cans? A few I've been looking at…

I just got a Dynahi and the amp makes a pretty loud sound when it turns off. Can this damage the headphones? The other option is to unplug the headphones and short the amp to ground, which can only be a terrible idea on an amp this powerful.

Info about an upcoming electrostatic amp from Bottlehead. https://forum.bottlehead.com/index.php?topic=12157.0

So many pretty (or not so pretty but just BIG) boxes out now that it is hard to know what to get. I am contemplating a partial return to dynamics. What are the top ten hubbub-causing high-end dynamic amps?

I'm waiting to hear back from Stephen from Rockhopper audio about a possible home B22 trial. While I wait, can anyone comment on comparing tubes to a B22? I have a Woo Audio 6 SE so any direct comparisons would be great. As far as music goes, I listen to almost everything (no country) but right now I'm mostly listening to folk and indie rock. Thanks in advance!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/Romanee/small%20tube%20amps/audiokitsLunchboxLaconic_01.jpg

in general, do any specific brands stand out among others when it comes to cheap receiver headphone amps? i'm looking for an inexpensive remote-controlled video switching device and a cheap used receiver seems to fit the bill... i remember reading a while ago that the pioneer elite series supposedly have discreet amplification for their headphone out... basically, i'm looking to spend a couple hundred bucks at most and the only thing i care about is that i can switch video sources, so i thought i'd try to narrow it down by something i do care about... i realize most or all will suck compared to a decent separate headphone amp, but i'm just looking for any that s…

See the inside of that new ALO (Amphora) bullshit?

I'm about to get a tube headphone amp that uses a pair of 300B tubes and am looking for any recommendations on reasonably priced tubes (under $300 / pair). I'm thinking about getting the JJ Tesla, but would like to hear any other recommendations on 300B tubes. Thanks, Steve

Reference Amplifier for Electrostatic --------->>>>>>>> what do you think? does it look good or bad? found this on the net today

I tried to share this pic at head-fi, but my thread has been deleted fro some reason... Here's a compacted version of the front panel's picture that Justin has just sent.

and so the amp parade begins A bit of a disclaimer I am NOT an audiophile and will never claim to have "golden ears". I am just getting into this world of headphones. Right now I have the Senn HD-650 and AKG K-701. I have had one amp for a few years now a Headroom Coda Amp LE so that is my frame of reference. The few things I don't like 8-) about the P1 is that the top and bottom seem to have been coated with some oil and grease magnet ( the PSP has nothing on the P1 as far as revealing any and all contact with the top and bottom) the side however have a narrowly spaced ribbing that I rather like. Its not really something I didn't like but something that may b…