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I just started using an integrated tube amp in my main set up and now my SS headphone sounds dull, flat, and boring.
Any recommendations for a tube headphone amp?
My requirements...
1. Full tube headphone amp. Not hybrid not a SS headphone amp with a tube buffer.
2. Under $1000. Fine with used or Chinese.
Follow Ups:
I'm very late to this party, but I must recommend electrostatic headphones. You can buy a used STAX system for less than $800. That's the earspeakers & amp/energizer. The resolution & speed are unbeatable. I've had very good luck on eBay, but make absolutely sure the line voltage requirement is the same as your country's voltage. Japan's is 100V, and you'll find a lot of excellent deals from Japanese sellers, so beware of compatibility.Another thing to remember is bias voltage. Make sure your amp/energizer supports the bias requirement of your phones. A little research will explain this more succinctly than I can at the present moment.
I was very skeptical before I listened for the first time. After I did listen, electrodynamic headphones sounded like mud. I had been using Beyerdynamic DT-990 with a Crack amp. Now, I use STAX exclusively for all my music listening. Apartment living is not really conducive to my music over speakers.
There are tube & hybrid amp/energizer choices out there, both STAX & otherwise.
Good luck.
"'Cause when love is gone, there's always justice./And when justice is gone, there's always force./And when force is gone, there's always Mom. Hi Mom!" Laurie Anderson, "O Superman (For Massenet)"
Edits: 12/21/22
I recently purchased a pair of Hifiman Sundara headphones and have tried them on three different amps in my home -- an Audioengine N22, an all-tube LSA VT-70 with EL34 outputs, and my Lyr 3. All sounded very good, but the Lyr was really a step up from the other two -- better bass and dynamics, and an extra level of clarity. I don't know if you are looking for an all tube headphone amp as the Lyr only uses its 6SN7 in the preamp section. However, it runs class A for the headphone and, though that makes for a warm amp, I just love good class A amps. They have a quality that is missing from A/B and D amps.
generally regarded as the king of the somewhat affordable tube audio headphone amplifier world.
They have Black Friday sales on now so it might be worth perusing their website to see if there is something you will like - they have amps under $1k.
And free shipping
sounds nice and also works as an integrated - ~$800 though I would negotiate fairly hard on LM products as the price in the US is marked up quite a bit.
I originally used the PrimaLuna HP integrated to drive my HE-560s.Recently,I purchased my first piece of Schiit.A LYR3 and am enjoying it.Uses a single 6SN7.I use a Kenrad,but am curious about their LISST.
Offers two gain settings and optional inputs.
I have an old Schiit Valhalla (triode OTL) that I am very happy with. Drives my old Sennheiser HD600s very comfortably. $399 currently.
"Decaf is for cowards."
Jack Kevorkian
Caveat, I haven't heard this dedicated HP amp, but I do own one of their integrated amps (ZOTL UL+) and the HP amp in that is outstanding. A little more than your budget, but they have a show coming up and might have demo products available. That's how I got my amp and saved quite a bit.
The Microzotl MZ2 is a headphone amp, a preamp and a 1 watt speaker amp. Uses 6sn7's or 12sn7's. They make great products and are built in Maryland. Very easy to deal with and will answer any questions promptly.
How about this one?
It's on my bucket list.
mg16
If you have high-impedance cans, the Crack amp is outstanding. With the Senn HD-800 it's the best sound I've ever had. It costs $350-460 depending on options. It's a kit, with excellent instructions, and great support from Bottlehead's very active forum. Mine has a few extra switches, as I added a Corda crossfeed circuit to it. The basic kit is easy, and the optional Speedball constant-current p/s upgrade requires some precision soldering.
WW
"Put on your high heeled sneakers. Baby, we''re goin'' out tonight.
Bill--I was wondering what power tube are you using in the 6080 position? I'm getting a set of HD800s to use with my BHC, and I was thinking that 5998/7236 might be preferable because of the lower output impedance.
The 6080, 5998, and WE 421A all sound the same to me. The 421A has the coolness factor of the WE logo, so there's that. Silly, I know. For real answers to your question, browse the user forums on the Bottlehead site - lots of good info there with people who know their stuff.
WW
"Put on your high heeled sneakers. Baby, we''re goin'' out tonight.
good to know using 6as7 family tubes drive Senn HD800 well. It is going to be my project, it is for my 800s.
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