Headphone Amp Advice

Nate75 · 20 Aug 2017 at 08:12

Hi.

I use HD650's with a TEAC UD-H01 for DAC/AMP.

I'm happy with this set up but would like to upgrade what I use for an AMP.

I'm looking to spend up to £200 or thereabouts.

So far I have been looking at the Vali 2 and the Marantz PM5005 which seems to be on offer at the moment.

Any suggestions or advice appreciated.

Cheers.

Nate75 · 20 Aug 2017 at 10:28

Just found a little dot mk2 for £100.

Seems like a good deal/suitable...

Nate75 · 20 Aug 2017 at 11:12

OK thanks both.

I think I'll go with the dot given the price and suitability. Seems all round the right choice.

Cheers.

Nate75 · 20 Aug 2017 at 11:55

Interesting stuff

Nate75 · 25 Aug 2017 at 17:11

Very close to making the purchase now. Little Dot ll is around £125 and as mentioned wouldn't be coming from a proper supplier which is a worry.

Richer Sounds have a sale on and this looks great with great reviews. A solid state amp admittedly...

Arcam rHead.

A decent review here which suggests they would go well with the HD650's

https://www.innerfidelity.com/conte...e-arrives-headphone-world-arcams-rhead-page-2

So it would be USB to TEAC, RCA to rHead and then HD650's.

This sound like it will be a winner here?

Cheers.

Nate75 · 25 Aug 2017 at 19:56

rids57 said:
Making the choice between the Arcam and the Little Dot isn't really fair though, you should be comparing it with amps like the Schiit Lyr II (hybrid) and Jotunheim (solid state), both of which work brilliantly with the HD650s

Ha yeh maybe I should save a few more quid...

The Arcam is bang on 200 notes in the Richer Sound sale. I could go grab it tomorrow. Too tempting...

Nate75 · 6 Sep 2017 at 16:13

Okay I was all set for the Arcam however the Little Dot 2 came up in the MM with upgraded tubes so I grabbed that

Quick question.

Should you have the headphones connected when you power up the Little Dot (or tube amp's in general).

Basically I read the headphones should be connected as otherwise you create an open circuit, but then came across this video when looking for reviews...

Nate75 · 7 Sep 2017 at 13:42

Just to conclude...

I have now had a blast of the Little Dot 2 and am immensely pleased. Everything sounds, I dunno, exciting!

I have picked up the HD650, TEAC UD-H01 DAC and now the Little Dot 2 tube Amp which combined is amazing really... All bought on advice from this forum.

Cheers for the help