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24.17.2.81
I've been curious to build or buy a SET headphone amp for my HD800S's.
Years ago owned a 2A3 Wrightsound amp and loved it so thinking 2A3 or better yet a 45 head amp.
I'm up for an easy build or?
Any suggestions?
Follow Ups:
You might want to take a look at this 45 build.
I make something similar with an EL84 wired as a triode. Headphones don't require much power, but you do need low output impedance for good bass. A 45 or 2A3 can do this through OPT without feedback (just like my EL84), where the sound is extremely open and non-fatiguing.
... DNA Audio Stratus and Stellaris 2A3 headphone amps have good reputations. Pricey - but worth the money too, I'm sure.
I own the original DNA Sonett. Not a 2A3, but stellar sound and build quality nonetheless.
I built Eric Barbours "Single Ended Glory" 45 amp. I had Magnequest wind me output transformers with a 32 ohm tap. It used AC filaments and the hum with my Sennheiser HD650 was annoying. I noticed that when I shut it off while still listening to music, as the capacitors drained and music faded, it was heavenly sounding for a few seconds without the hum until the music dies out. I bought Stax Electrostatics ,with Stax tube amp, which has dampened my enthusiasm for the 45 headphone amp.
I will try DC on the 45 and 6sn7 filaments for the Single Ended Glory amp down the road, but for now I am busy enjoying the Stax setup. It has everything I am looking ,(listening), for, as of now.
Not a 45, but a single-ended triode, output transformer-less headphone amp for high-impedance cans, built around the 8080/5998/421A dual triode. It's heaven on my Senn 800's. Bonus: there's plenty of room inside to add a Corda Crossfeed circuit, a resistor-ladder volume switch, and accommodate your favorite enormous caps. Excellent support from Doc Schmalle and company, and from their very active user forum. At $350-$464, depending on whether you order the optional "Speedball" constant-current power supply, it's a steal. This amp on my 800's is by far the best sound I've ever had.
The chicken beak and toggle switches are for the Corda circuit, btw.
Assembly is very easy, though the Speedball add-on requires some precision soldering.
WW
"Put on your high heeled sneakers. Baby, we''re goin'' out tonight.
KP
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