Nanoha

Ah ha. Thanks Recstar and jPak. So that is another possible solution. I'm thinking that my total budget is stuck at $1k currently. (I might be able to upgrade later in the year, not sure.) Perhaps there may also be the solution of using my current PPX3 SLAM as a preamp and then connecting it to an inexpensive poweramp? I'm not sure whether this would be a more cost effective solution ($300 to $400 for a used poweramp versus $1000 for an integrated). By the way, am I fine to assume that the headphone jack of my PPX3 SLAM can serve as a preamp out if I have the correct cables?

Thanks for the all help everyone. I'm going to have to spend some serious time looking at all the various options. Haha, there are just so many. Btw, is there such a thing as a device that hooks up to power amp outs but suppresses the power down to headphone levels? Or is that absolutely unfeasible and ridiculous due to technicalities that I'm not knowledgeable about? (Impedance? I don't know.)

The Moths and Carys are indeed quite nice looking. Thinking about it, $1.5k is still a lot to spend. Though I'm sure they're pretty good for the price at around $1.5k used. Speaking of a M^3 or B22 built for speaker amplification, hmmm... that might be worth it. But I've been taken in by tubes and apprehensive about looking back at solid state.

Does anyone know of a decent integrated speaker amp that also has a nicely built headphone out? I think the Cary integrated amps may be an example of this, but I was wondering if there were any other choices. Around $1.5k max is a probable budget though I'm trying to stay under $1k used. Thanks for the help guys!

*Excited*

So that's what you got. Very nice!

*Jealousy meter going up* It must feel so good to listen to music through those...

I got the joke as soon as I saw the OP picture. I peed my pants from laughing. Wait, just kidding.

Arthurwells has arrived. Wow.

Just bought a PPX3 SLAM 6SN7. Let's see how it turns out. I'm worried about the "Oh noes, distortion with the K701!" thing they're been having a fun with on Head-Fi. \

Oh, that. Haha, I thought you were referring to something crazy like an absolutely messed up tonality.

Enlighten me! (Yes, I've come to realize the K701 isn't that excellent after all. I can't really pinpoint it though.)

:'( What's up? Grammar or the K701?

It seems like the K701 is as you guys have described. It's dry and quite neutral with no real sonic flaws. It's just that it's really dry and there is that slight upper mids peak. I don't know anyone with a HD650 around, but I'll try out the AD2000 with the GCHA sometime later this week. And if a Headsave Classic beats the GCHA in terms of richness, depth, and dynamics... ahhhhhh...!

Just ranting aimlessly. So I have a GCHA now. At first it sounded exhillirating; the amazing soundstage that is. But after listening to it for a while, my music just sounds so slim and uninspiring. I'm sort of a quiet listener, but it still sounds lean even when I turn up the volume. Maybe I'm just realizing the true nature of the K701 I'm using. (I also purchased the K701 recently and haven't tried it out of an amp other than the GCHA before.) Maybe I should have gone with a tube amplifier in the end after all despite having always thought I was a SS guy myself (high speed and punch). Female vocals are totally dry but I guess that is expected from a SS amp. However, I have yet to hear any punch with the GCHA though I remember someone told me last year that the GCHA packed a heavy mid-bass kick. Heck, my 2ndG Nano (which supposedly doesn't have a strong bass) packs fuller mids and a heavier bass punch. Of course there is the issue of my source (using that built-in DAC or my Fubar II, both of which are Burr Brown 2702's.). I wonder if the Burr Brown 2702 isn't a strong performer in terms of bass. I have a feeling the GCHA might pair quite well with something mellower like the HD650. I need to find someone with a HD580/600/650 on campus sometime. I remember there are some past GCHA owners around here. Any thoughts? If I had random cash lying around, I would send this somewhere for modding.

I might be interested in a nice new portable headphone actually. So the AH-D1000 is convenient enough for portable use from what people are saying?

zChan, you've heard all three models haven't you? What do you think of the D5000?

Wait. Copper tape can shield against E&M emissions? Oh snap, I need to buy some of that tape. (Actually, lead works the best doesn't it.... lead poisoning yays!)

Nanoha reporting.

What much would something like that awesomeness hurt one's wallet? 3k? 4k? 6k?! 9k?! haha.

I personally have made many "great" audio buys, but if I had to choose something, I would have to say my Klipsch ProMedia Ultra 2.0 speakers for $25. I mean, I got them for cheap, right?

Wouldn't this be the epitome of the dumbassness associated with "portable toys"? (Portable as in MP3 player not as in portability.) What kind of idiot amplifies an iPod with a Manley?

For those who missed it (either on gadget news sites or Head-Fi), Shure has updated their lineup. http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/06/shure-shows-off-its-new-se210-se310-se420-and-se530-earphones/ Meh, nothing special though.

Haha weird, I e-mailed them about getting a K240 headband and they responded within thirty minutes. They said they've shipped out the part within a day.

Haha, I might go take a look now that I'm back at home.