Hi All,
I'm writing to get everyone's thought on a new amp. I've sent the email below to Nick and Schiit and he recommended the Lyr 2. Before I pull the trigger, I thought I'd see what the Pirates came up with. . .
I've been using Maple Tree Ear + Purist HD100 headphone amp for the past 8 years or so and love the amp. (You can look it up on the web if interested.) It has performed flawlessly, but of late has begun to crackle - with or without a source attached. I've replaced the tubes, but no success in resolving the issue.
Thus, I may be in the market soon for a replacement.
So, given that I like my mapletree amp and typically listen with a set of Luis' Paradox or HD 580 headphones, I thought I would write and get your recommendations.
As a bit more background, I particularly like how quiet the Mapletree amp has been -- there has been absolutely no noise from the amp, from the lowest volume setting to the loudest. Several amps I've tried always seemed to have an underlying background hiss that I find annoying. I have a CTH I use at work sparingly as it has an annoying hiss -- probably due to a ground loop or just poor electrical at work.
Lastly I very much like how the mapletree is not fatiguing. I had a Meier Concerto that was very quiet, but far to clinical - almost sterile sounding. (If that makes sense.)
My budget is $500 and used or new works.
Lastly, I listen to blues / classic rock, classical, and jazz.
Thanks,
Tim