New Headphone Amplifier

[Randy Myers]

Lately I find myself using my headphones more and more. While the headphone section in the T+A DAC 8 DSD is nothing to sneeze at, I believe it does not compete with a nice dedicated headphone amplifier. So I started searching for a good deal on a headphone amp. I preferred getting a straight amp, without DAC, etc. I was definitely going to continue using my T+A DAC!

I watched various used sites trying to see if something came up. I liked the Bryston I had that I had traded to a friend, I also liked the Woo basic model that I had before that I trade to another friend. I felt that this Woo was maybe a bit too low but I was hoping to maybe get another tube model.

I came across a model that I was unfamiliar with that looked interesting. Upon doing some research it looked even more interesting. I started a conversation with the gentleman selling it. He said it was under a year old and he simply did not use it that much and therefore he was going to use his new piece as a headphone amp also. He recently purchased a Dave!

We came to a deal and the unit finally arrived yesterday (at about half price including the extra tubes!). I got a Dennis Hap Dragon Inspire IHA-1. The reviewers appear to all agree that it is superb at revealing the difference in various tubes and therefore really great for tube rolling. When I inspected the unit it was nice to see that Dennis Hap signs the amplifiers himself including the date it was finished being built. As it turns out, the unit is only a few months old! He also included some very nice tubes to play with. The original factory tubes were included (a set of J/J pre-amp tubes along with a J/J rectifier tube) and some nice extras; a set of NOS Sylvania tubes, a NOS Westinghouse rectifier, and a NOS Phillips rectifier. The reviewers appear to really like the Sylvania and Westinghouse; none had tried the Phillips tube that was included with the sale.

I do not believe that the unit is even broken in yet, but listening last evening I was very impressed. My MrSpeakers have never sounded so good, including how they performed with the Bryston. Side note, on their website (sold by Moon Audio) they cheated and pictured the amp with my MrSpeaker cans ...

Anyway, this amplifier seems to be one of those hidden treasures for sure. I have heard that Moon Audio does not advertise it a huge amount because they do not want to overwhelm Dennis doing his "retirement project". I have also read that the amp is gaining a following, and some of the reviewers mentioned how it was all the rave at the London Can Jam.

So there you have it, my new little toy!

[CPP]

Congrats Randy can't wait for a report after you break it in.

[Sean]

Congrats, Randy! Sounds like a good score for you.

[Audio 1]

Randy that is an awesome headphone amplifier! I remember listening to it and lusting after it at Canam @ RMAf a few years ago.
Looking forward to following your journey with it.

[Randy Myers]

Thank you guys. So far I love the sound. I tried the Westinghouse rectifier. One of the reviewers said it was his favorite. It was nice, but I think the Phillips is more detailed but also a bit smoother, more inviting and musical. I don't think any of the reviewers had one of these. Upscale bought the entire supply from a Holland warehouse where they were found. I had one for my Woo... it was great. I was surprised that he sent one with the amp, but very happy.

[Randy Myers]

I am really enjoying the Dennis Had headphone amp. Seems to be very nicely built sounds very open... a touch on the warm side... but you can tailor the sound a bit with tube rolling... the Westinghouse rectifier bests the JJ, but I think the Phillips is even better.

My buddy who has a Woo WA22 is really into rolling. He wants to bring over some of his favorites and try them out.

I recently got a pair of Focal Clears to go along with my MrSpeakers Ethers. Definitely two different headphones. Makes headphone listening very interesting.

Anyway, this gorgeous little Dragon is an amazing headphone amp. If you ever get a chance to get your hands on one I highly suggest going for it!

[Randy Myers]

I hooked up the Dragon as my pre-amp since it is also a DHT pre-amp. Very nice... I actually decided to keep this amazing little unit as my system controller and recently got ride of the ARC pre-amp. Yea, it's that good!