Which Amp Suits Best

[Audio Jester]

This is my first post so patience is requested.

I have a pair of Senn 595's and I want to get an amp that is best suited to my situation. I listen to most of my music through my PC/ Laptop and really want to hook it up to my DVD player as well. I don't care about portability and basically want a system with enough (kinds of) inputs so it is quite versatile. I was looking at the HeadRoom Desktop amp with DAC

The other amp that keeps coming up is the Corda Aria that many people here keep talking about.

I am working to a budget here, but it seems to me that if I want to have RCA, USB and maybe digital inputs then I am going to have to fork out some serious change.

So, does anyone here have any suggestions? Thanks for your help.

[thetargetarcher]

I have the Senns HD595s too.

I recently bought a Zero Audiocraft amp: $50 + shipping. It is very well built and has no hiss whatsoever at any volume setting. It is powered by a 9V battery. The only downside is that it does not have a DC jack as it cannot accommodate one in the box. That does not matter so much as battery life is supposed to be something like 35-50 hrs plus. Inputs and outputs are 3.5mm. The components are very good and the amp allows Op amp rolling- this is where you can change the Op amp to get a different sound. The seller recommended the OPA2228 in my amp as it pairs well with the Senns HD595s (50 Ohms)

I also have the Creative Labs HQ2300D. This is a Dolby Headphone Technology adapter which is excellent as you get DTS and DD via any normal headphones. The headphones that came with the adapter are not so great though. But it is the adapter which is excellent. The adapter takes optical, digital coaxial and analogue inputs. All are 3.5mm. Its easy to get a Tos to 3.5mm optical adapter for a couple of pounds. A RCA (single Phono) to 3.5mm gold contact adapter is available from Cut Price Cables for around £2 with free delivery.

Some people recommend tube amps for the HD595s. Others say that you do not need an expensive amp. The Practical Devices XM4 is also supposed to be a good headphone amp.

Hope that helps.

[alexs2]

The Headroom series of amps represents good value and performance,and the Bithead may suit you very well,but you would have to buy without hearing one,which is very difficult.

The cheaper Chinese amps are all very similar in appearance and quality,but generally well reviewed for the money.

For the money,and give that you are based in Australia,the Headroom will be difficult to beat on versatility and matching your needs.

[Audio Jester]

The only problem with the headroom amp is the price. Portability is not really a big concern, but it would be nice if it could take both battery and DC input. My biggest problem is that I live in Australia, down here you mention the word in-ear monitors and you get shown a small LCD screen (seriously that has happened to me). I know the 595's are not top of the line, but I put them through my friends old Marantz amp and damn do they sing. I am just a little unsure that the tiny Cmoy-type amps are going to deliver the same sound as the Marantz (because I have never listened through them), but if there is a portable out there that could take both DC and batteries and really gives a good bang for your buck I would love to know about it.

Cheers.

[thetargetarcher]

Originally Posted by Audio Jester

The only problem with the headroom amp is the price. Portability is not really a big concern, but it would be nice if it could take both battery and DC input. My biggest problem is that I live in Australia, down here you mention the word in-ear monitors and you get shown a small LCD screen (seriously that has happened to me). I know the 595's are not top of the line, but I put them through my friends old Marantz amp and damn do they sing. I am just a little unsure that the tiny Cmoy-type amps are going to deliver the same sound as the Marantz (because I have never listened through them), but if there is a portable out there that could take both DC and batteries and really gives a good bang for your buck I would love to know about it.

Cheers.

The Practical Devices XM4 has both battery and DC connectivity. Allows Op amp rolling - so you can change the Op Amps. It has a bass boost button and has a crossfeeder.

It got a good review on Headfi whereby a member reviewed a load of portable amps. It was deemed to have a lot of amp for your money.

The amp is available on Ebay or via their website.

Someone on Headfi owns the HD595 and has the XM4 as well. Said they go very well together.

It costs 130 USD BIN on Ebay but you could bid for one on Ebay- I have seen winning bids around 90-100 USD. It costs $135 with a high quality cable from the website. Worldwide insured shipping is $9.

They even offer a 30 day money back offer where they will refund the cost and outbound shipping if you are not happy with it.