Topic: High current amps that won't break the bank? (Read 2522 times)

takato14 · « **on:** October 27, 2014, 01:19:50 AM »

Ideally I'd get a CMA-800R, but that's restrictively expensive, so I was hoping for something else that could tide me over until I can afford it.

The headphones that I will primarily be using with it are very flat and linear so I'd prefer an amp that is much of the same. The drivers are spec'd at 25 ohms with a 1W max input, and are basically tiny fullrange speaker cones. They should respond quite well to a high current, low-z output. It will most likely be connected by an ODAC, so some compensation for its low bass rolloff would probably be wise (but not necessary).

Hoping to stay in the <=$300 range. I am not completely adverse to DIY amps, but would like to avoid tubes (which shouldn't be very hard considering what I'm looking for).

Cheers.

Maxvla · « **Reply #1 on:** October 27, 2014, 02:11:12 AM »

So far, the collective opinion here is that none of the current mode amps are true to source with revealing headphones. They can manage some interesting synergies though, as Anaxilus commented about the HD600 with the Bakoon HPA-01.

takato14 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 27, 2014, 02:14:05 AM »

Quote from: Maxvla on October 27, 2014, 02:11:12 AM

So far, the collective opinion here is that none of the current mode amps are true to source with revealing headphones. They can manage some interesting synergies though, as Anaxilus commented about the HD600 with the Bakoon HPA-01.

Odd, I thought I saw some (fantastic) measurements for it...

Maybe I'm mistaken. Either way, I'd really like to give these things a massive amount of power to see how they respond, due to the unique driver design.

Marvey · « **Reply #3 on:** October 27, 2014, 02:19:25 AM »

CMA-800R is unoffensive sounding (no treble strangeness), good control, but incredibly flat and lifeless. That amp is way way way overhyped on HF. A lot of the Chinese amps that go between $1000-$2000 are pretty craptastic with $99 worth of electronic parts + $249 worth of chassis (that's $99 in reality because it's Chinese parts).

Get this if you want cheap power: http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-dta-120-class-t-digital-mini-amplifier-60-wpc--300-3800?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pla

I guesstimate about 10watts into 25 ohms.

Tachikoma · « **Reply #4 on:** October 27, 2014, 02:20:13 AM »

High current doesn't necessarily mean current mode does it? Current mode outputs have mega-ohm z too.

If you're going to stay on the cheap side, maybe the Schitt Magni?

I'm not 100% sure that its truly linear, but it does make my samsung IEM sound flatter.

Marvey · « **Reply #5 on:** October 27, 2014, 02:23:51 AM »

nope - has nothing to do with current. what you want it Powah at 25 ohms.

Asgard 2 is another possibility. Just much better sound to Magni, although I haven't heard latest Magni revisions. Don't bother with Asgard 1.

takato14 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 27, 2014, 02:27:17 AM »

Quote from: marvey on October 27, 2014, 02:19:25 AM

CMA-800R is unoffensive sounding (no treble strangeness), good control, but incredibly flat and lifeless.

Do you feel the same way about the Objective2?

I was thinking about a Matrix M-stage (or suitable clone) but it seems unsuited for this application due to impedance matching. I might try the Dayton, thanks.

Quote from: Tachikoma on October 27, 2014, 02:20:13 AM

Current mode outputs have mega-ohm z too.

Troubling. I was unaware of this.

Quote from: marvey on October 27, 2014, 02:23:51 AM

Asgard 2 is another possibility. Just much better sound to Magni, although I haven't heard latest Magni revisions. Don't bother with Asgard 1.

So the Asgard 2 is a considerable evolution of the original, then?

Marvey · « **Reply #7 on:** October 27, 2014, 02:29:31 AM »

Quote from: takato14 on October 27, 2014, 02:27:17 AM

Do you feel the same way about the Objective2?

Veiled. Some treble stridency. Not a bad amp for the money actually. But yes, slightly flat and lacks plankton.

ultrabike · « **Reply #8 on:** October 27, 2014, 03:11:12 AM »

Not sure about the Dayton. If it's like a Fiio E9 then it might not be low-z enough given your requirements. Also, based on your requirements, I would avoid any current mode type amplifier given you require low-z. Since your headphones are 25 ohms and 1W max I would proly consider a Schiit Magni.

It is less than 0.1 ohms and delivers 1.2W into 32 ohms, so relative to your headphone needs, it is a high current amp. It is also $99 brand new and does not look like a POS.

If you add a class-A operation requirement then go for the Asgard which can do 1W into 32 ohm.

gelocks · « **Reply #9 on:** October 27, 2014, 03:12:16 AM »

You could probably also look into buying used Burson Soloist (Soloist SL) amps? I think the non-SL is like 4W @ 16Ohm or something like that?

Author Topic: High current amps that won't break the bank? (Read 2522 times)

takato14

High current amps that won't break the bank?

Maxvla

Re: High current amps that won't break the bank?

takato14

Re: High current amps that won't break the bank?

Marvey

Re: High current amps that won't break the bank?

Tachikoma

Re: High current amps that won't break the bank?

Marvey

Re: High current amps that won't break the bank?

takato14

Re: High current amps that won't break the bank?

Marvey

Re: High current amps that won't break the bank?

ultrabike

Re: High current amps that won't break the bank?

gelocks

Re: High current amps that won't break the bank?

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Author Topic: High current amps that won't break the bank? (Read 2522 times)