Headphone Amp for HD650s

sdavlaws · 12 May 2018 at 15:27

I have been using my AV receiver (currently a denon 2300) as an amp for my HD 650s for a few years I am now wondering if they would have more to offer with a true headphone amp.

So i suppose I have two questions for you all: -

Would a dedicated amp provided improved sound above my AV receiver?
What would be the cost of entry be to see an improvement?

Thanks.

Rroff · 12 May 2018 at 15:31

HD600 series scales well with the amplifier used - look for something that has a decent amount of voltage output/voltage swing as they don't need much current but do need reasonably good capabilities to "drive" voltage.

A lot of people like tube or hybrid tube amps to drive those headphones - personally I ended up going the DIY route as I never found anything off the shelf I was 100% happy with for them as most amplifiers are designed to drive a wide range of headphones and not the 600 series specifically.

sdavlaws · 12 May 2018 at 15:46

Having never really looked at headphone amps I didn't know DIY is even an option.
I would prefer an off the shelf option even if it is not "perfect" i would be willing to pay a little more for a tube amp if that was the better option as they also look interesting when the tubes are visible.

TALON1973 · 12 May 2018 at 21:16

Max budget?

sdavlaws · 13 May 2018 at 09:02

I would be willing to pay £2-250 as I would expect it to last a while.

Hedge · 13 May 2018 at 21:13

Schiit is probably worth a look.

Or go portable and get an oppo ha2se or something

sdavlaws · 14 May 2018 at 12:30

I have looked a the modi/magni based on reading other threads it's just getting hold of one that might be the problem.

PapaLazaru · 14 May 2018 at 12:37

Arcam rHead could be a good option, especially as it can be bought for £169 at the moment.

rids57 · 14 May 2018 at 13:04

will a DAC be needed too?

As an alternative to Schiit, Hifiheadphones.co.uk now carry the JDS Labs linup including the OL DAC and The Element Amp & DAC

sdavlaws · 14 May 2018 at 17:47

I will be needing a DAC, having never looked beyond AV receivers I didn't know they where general separate things that element AMP/DAC looks very interesting.

TALON1973 · 15 May 2018 at 17:06

I'd stretch the budget if you want a dac as well. Go chord mojo.

Although if you want seperates I just happen to have a graham slee srg11 headphone amp with psu1 power supply and an arcam irdac v1 available. About to go on sale

£450 for both. The headphone amp has an upgrade path available as well.

MorleySA · 21 May 2018 at 11:03

Maybe have a look at the Schiit Jotunheim, I have the HD6xx's and was tempted to get the Jotunheim, check out this review:

T.Kay · 26 May 2018 at 13:29

Hi guys, do you have a rough idea what the best value dac would be, for 6XX. Have the E10K currently.

nicknack35 · 26 May 2018 at 13:53

T.Kay said:
Hi guys, do you have a rough idea what the best value dac would be, for 6XX. Have the E10K currently.

I have a Musical Fidelity V90 dac which is a great Dac used to be £199 but since gone up to £230

Hedge · 27 May 2018 at 18:00

I have an Rha l1 dac amp. Very nice little portable. Could be one to consider alongside oppo ha2.

Review here

https://www.avforums.com/review/rha-dacamp-l1-dac-digital-to-analogue-converter-review.14593

I managed to get mine for about £235 at the time.