2. amps-preamps
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A home for my cans

Hi Goners,

Have spent last year researching headphones,whether they should be balanced or single ended,proper power cables and interconnects and lastly tubes vs. ss!

Phew...Can you guys and gals save me some time and point me towards a good preamp/headphone amp combo from the same source?
My headphones include Senns, Grados, Model 8's etc. and this is to be a bedroom system.
Have heard of Todd the vinyl junkie, Woo and Ray Samuels but would appreciate some guidance...

Thanks to all,

Jake
128x128azjake
azjake's avatar
azjake OP
277 posts
 
thanks guys...you've given me some great places to start...

I think, among auditioning for myself, a trip to the next RMAF is in order...:)

Jake
jax2
3,031 posts
 
If you were solely interested in headphones, CanJam 2010 is in Chicago, June 5-6. RMAF is definitely worth attending if you are in the market for new gear, or just want to socialize with like-minded folks on an Audiophile tangent. I don't know what kind of HP presence is at RMAF compared to the Chicago event - I wasn't looking for any the year I attended.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I would look at the Benchmark DAC Pre - a pre, DAC w/USB, and reportedly one of the best headphone amps on the market all rolled into one.
clio09
2,978 posts
 
I just bought a Berning Micro Zotl which is both a tube headphone amp and a personal 1W amp. These can be modified by Berning to also be a preamp with 2 inputs and 1 output. Mine has been modified and really surprised me with it's sound.

CanJam 2009 was bundled with RMAF, but appears to be going off on its own next year. That would be a great way to learn about headphone set-ups. Also, try the HeadFi forum and Moon Audio, who advertises on Audiogon and carries a good selection of headphone gear.
azjake's avatar
azjake OP
277 posts
 
Guys,

Canjam was indeed what i meant to say!

Glad to hear that it will be on it's own as i've heard it's "end user" friendly...

Should mention that i have 1 headphone amp/pre/dac now...The Grace 902.

That said, it is single end only and comes off a little too sterile for me.
That prompted my questions...Tube for more musicality? Balanced for greater recovery and detail?
What would be a realistic budget as i now have several k'stied up in great headphones and do not know if re-cabling them is all that necessary.

Once again, thanks to all!

Jake
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