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Thread: Headphone amp

  1. #1
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    Headphone amp

    Looking for opinions. Currently I am using my Benchmark DAC3 HGC purely as a headphone amplifier. I am having my W4S DAC handle the heavy lifting and sending the analog signal to the Benchmark. So the Benchmark is not using much of it's capabilities.

    Granted it is one heck of a headphone amp, even receiving Stereophile's A rating, but wasting much of it's functions. Therefore I will probably move it on to someone who will more fully use it's capabilities.

    So I am looking for suggestions on headphone amps, without DACs, in the under $1k range.

    I have had the Schiit recommended to me. Thoughts? Suggestions? I am not interested in hearing about off shoot products that may be hard to find. I want to know about alternatives that I can be easily obtained.

    Or would I be better to just keep the Benchmark even though I am not using many of it's functions. After all, it is a great back up DAC (latest ESS chip), and backup pre-amplifier...
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
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  2. #2
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    Re: Headphone amp

    Randy

    Jason's got a Headphone Amp/Preamp that gets really good reviews (see Head-Fi) and you have a 30 day trial with their stuff from AA and other dealers. Plus half width like the Benchmark and fits in with your other gear.

    http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NPHPA9
    Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack

    Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810

    Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.

  3. #3
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    Re: Headphone amp

    Hey Jack... yea Jason is a good guy and I have no issues considering his gear. Do you have a preference between the NuPrime or the Schiit
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

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    Re: Headphone amp

    I would probably go with the Nuprime personally because I am familiar with their gear and Jason plus it has more flexibility. On the other hand the Schitt design is tried and tested and on it second revision. Plus if it matters to you it has tubes. I think both allow you a test period so you could try both.
    Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack

    Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810

    Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.

  5. #5
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    Re: Headphone amp

    I agree on Jason. He is great and stands behind his gear. I also like that Schiit is American made and the idea of being tube and solid state is intriguing.

    Or I may just stay with the Benchmark. It is probably better than either of the others as a headphone amplifier and has tremendous flexibility as a backup pre-amp and new generation ESS chip DAC. I just was looking through the new Stereophile issue. Not only did the piece get an A+ rating as a DAC (very rare rating) but was given a separate A rating as a headphone amplifier. It is just an expensive unit to use only part of it's capabilities...

    We'll see how it all plays out in the next few days.
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  6. #6
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    Re: Headphone amp

    I was able to sell the Benchmark. I wanted to get a straight headphone amplifier, with no DAC or anything else for that matter. I am going to hook it up as another amplifier in my system. My preamplifier, the W4S STP-SE has four outputs, making this very easy. I also decided I wanted to try tubes with rolling capability. Anyway I decided on a Woo Audio WA6. AA has a 30 day return if I simply do not like it.
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  7. #7
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    Re: Headphone amp

    Randy

    Congrats on the new Woo. If you decide to tube roll it you need to be careful. Most all of these companies are selling their products with "cheap to them" Chinese or Russian tubes. You can make improvements if NOS equivalents are available. On the rectifier front the NOS quality 5AR4 tubes are expensive and more neutral (SS) sounding while the 5U4 tube family is more available and cheaper. I would stay away from the "modern" tubes no matter what name brand is recommended. They are all made in in the same factories to the same specs with the pricing determined by cosmetics and packaging. You can buy a quality NOS 5U4 tube for less than $25. I don't have a clue about a replacement for the two power tubes but I am sure the guys on head.fi do.
    Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack

    Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810

    Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.

  8. #8
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    Re: Headphone amp

    Thanks Jack. At first I plan on just getting used to it with what comes with it. I know Woo sells tubes, but probably a little on the expensive side. I heard that the rectifier tube would make the biggest difference rolling, but the standard is not bad.

    I want to play around with setup and cabling first any way. I sort of want to separate it from the rack a little, but I love the idea of running it off the STP-SE. I know that works since I was running the Benchmark that way.
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  9. #9
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    Re: Headphone amp

    Randy

    If you decide you want to buy a quality NOS rectifier tube without getting gouged let me know and I will point you in the right direction or I probably have multiples.
    Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack

    Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810

    Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.

  10. #10
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    Re: Headphone amp

    Hey Jack, I will definitely do that! Very much appreciated. Probably before to long I will try some other ones. If for no other reason than to play around with tube rolling. Just to experiment first hand what sound differences there are in changing out tubes. It sounds interesting and like a lot of fun!

    The Woo is supposed to arrive tomorrow so I will be able to start playing around with it. I have my Sennheiser cans and will probably grab my KEF back from EJ soon just to listen to a variety.
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  11. #11
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    Re: Headphone amp

    We have Woo .... First listen, pretty darn good. Of course not even close to being broken in. Woo suggests 150+ hours for the unit to reach top performance. My HD800S headphones have never sounded so good.
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  12. #12
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    Re: Headphone amp

    I have had a couple people ask for photos

    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  13. #13
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    Re: Headphone amp

    I had an issue over the weekend where the amp got very distorted. After pulling the tubes a couple times and reseating them it seemed to clear up. I was still concerned so I spoke with Michael at Woo. He believes one of the tubes may not be perfect so he is sending me replacements. All I can say is that Woo impressed the heck out of me. Great service, friendly, and definitely understanding their product.

    One other bit of interesting news is that the 6DE7 tubes are actual NOS tubes. They actually send NOS output tubes with the unit! I ordered a NOS rectifier tube that Jack recommended to play around with rolling a bit.

    Also, thank you Jack for helping troubleshooting, etc. I was concerned when it first happened (out of the blue), but Jack's excellent help and knowledge of tube equipment was a God send!
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  14. #14
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    Re: Headphone amp

    I picked up a special tube from Upscale Audio; here is a review by Bob Levi on the NOS Philips 5R4GYS Rectifier Tube Made in Holland. It was a little pricy but oh what a sound. I did not think a rectifier tube would make this much of a difference. And it is not even close to being broken in. First listen, more detail, smoother, instruments had more air between them. Quite amazing. My Sennheisre have never sounded so good!

    "This 1960's made tube developed for rugged video application has been found in quantity by Upscale Audio, in Upland, CA. Kevin Deal searches the world for new old stock tubes hidden in the wildest places, and he struck gold here! It may have been made for video, but it kicks ass for audio!!From Upscale:
    The Sound
    I compared them to the holy grail of rectifiers, the Mullard GZ34/5AR4 which I bought used for $80. New is $250, if you can find them. In the ModWright PS9 Power supply and in a Dynaco Stereo 70, the Phillips worked wonders. I experienced more definition, more subtlety, more elegance, tighter imaging, fleshier, quicker, added depth, and just more realism. Vocals are better than ever, and alive with inner definition and nuance."
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  15. #15
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    Re: Headphone amp

    I have got to say, this 50+ year old tube (NOS) sounds amazing. I find I am using headphones more than speakers lately and the Woo amp with this rectifier tube is fantastic!
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  16. #16
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    Re: Headphone amp

    Wow ............ Randy, I think you've been 'Wooed' !
    Cheers ! …. Dave

  17. #17
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    Re: Headphone amp

    LOL.... true true...
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  18. #18
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    Re: Headphone amp

    Randy, what say Woo?

    How is it holding up?
    Looking to purchase an upgrade.

    My first foray into serious headphone listening started 18 month ago with a PangeaHP201 and Senn 650.

    At Christmas upgraded to 800 and LOVE them.

    Now, it is time for a great headphone amp. Looking at offerings from Schitt, Sennheiser and Woo. Looking to spend up to $2K.

    Any suggestions?
    McIntosh/Sonus Faber/SimAudio, Woo Audio and Sennheiser stuff.

  19. #19
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    Re: Headphone amp

    Well the Woo was/is a very nice amp. A friend of mine is using it. This is his entry back into this crazy hobby. He is enjoying tube rolling ...

    I got as Bryston headphone amp and recently replaced the Sennheiser cans with a pair of MrSpeakers Ethers. They are one of the few headphones that I felt are as comfortable as the Sennheiser, but I liked the sound better.
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  20. #20
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    Re: Headphone amp

    Thanks.
    Do you prefer the Bryston to the Woo?
    McIntosh/Sonus Faber/SimAudio, Woo Audio and Sennheiser stuff.

  21. #21
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    Re: Headphone amp

    Yes I do, but it is not really a fair comparison. The Bryston is about three times the price.

  22. #22
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    Re: Headphone amp

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    Well the Woo was/is a very nice amp. A friend of mine is using it. This is his entry back into this crazy hobby. He is enjoying tube rolling ...

    I got as Bryston headphone amp and recently replaced the Sennheiser cans with a pair of MrSpeakers Ethers. They are one of the few headphones that I felt are as comfortable as the Sennheiser, but I liked the sound better.
    Love my Mr Speakers
    2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)

  23. #23
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    Re: Headphone amp

    At a $2K budget the Bryston falls into the same price category as the Sennheiser (which does include a DAC) the Schitt (Gumby multi and Moli2 combo) , and the Woo WA22 (no DAC) which I am considering.

    May need to take a good look at the Bryston as I have been very impressed with their speakers.
    McIntosh/Sonus Faber/SimAudio, Woo Audio and Sennheiser stuff.

  24. #24

    Re: Headphone amp

    Currently using a Pathos Aurium here. Have not really compared it with it's current-day competition but I am happy with it - it's dead quiet, drives anything, has adjustable gain and impedance, selectable XLR and RCA inputs (but no balanced output.) Using it with Senn HD650's, Denon D7000's, and Focal Elear, works great with them all.
    Main system: PS Audio P5, CAPS server w/HDPlex power supply, Hegel H160, AQ Colorado and Rocket 44, Vandersteen Treos, PS Audio DS DAC. NAD M4 tuner, Mcintosh MR74. Analog: Bryston BLP1, Ortofon Quintet Black, customized Tavish Adagio phono pre. AudioSensibility Statement interconnects. Rythmik Audio 15-inch sub. Other stuff: Sequerra Met 7's (original) Met 7 MK. II, REL Q108, Berning ea-230's, Micro Seiki BL51 with Grace and Rega arms. Too much else to list, I am gonna leave a heck of a pile of stuff when I die.

  25. #25
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    Re: Headphone amp

    Quote Originally Posted by JayNudel View Post
    Currently using a Pathos Aurium here. Have not really compared it with it's current-day competition but I am happy with it - it's dead quiet, drives anything, has adjustable gain and impedance, selectable XLR and RCA inputs (but no balanced output.) Using it with Senn HD650's, Denon D7000's, and Focal Elear, works great with them all.
    I had a chance to borrow the Pathos, what an awesome sounding headphone amp. It drove LCD-3s, MR Speaker Ether Flows C with ease.
    2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)

  26. #26

    Re: Headphone amp

    ..and it has a solid state output stage with a nice low output impedance, so no weirdness driving very low-impedance phones.
    Main system: PS Audio P5, CAPS server w/HDPlex power supply, Hegel H160, AQ Colorado and Rocket 44, Vandersteen Treos, PS Audio DS DAC. NAD M4 tuner, Mcintosh MR74. Analog: Bryston BLP1, Ortofon Quintet Black, customized Tavish Adagio phono pre. AudioSensibility Statement interconnects. Rythmik Audio 15-inch sub. Other stuff: Sequerra Met 7's (original) Met 7 MK. II, REL Q108, Berning ea-230's, Micro Seiki BL51 with Grace and Rega arms. Too much else to list, I am gonna leave a heck of a pile of stuff when I die.

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Headphone amp

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