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Headphone Amp for Portable CDP

Since many of the better headphones IE Sennheiser HD 580 + 600 etc have impedance greater than 100 ohms, and most portable CDP have low output level to conserve battery consumption, an inexpensive headphone amp is needed for best sound. What amps are members using for under $400 retail?

Popular models include Creek OBH 11, Musical Fidelity X-Can 2, Grado RA-1 (battery powered) and various models from Headroom etc. I own Sennheiser HD580 cans and would like to run from portable CDP at home, any suggestions or recommendations for amp?
megasam
megasam's avatar
megasam OP
798 posts
 
SM I do own a TDS Passive Audiophile now, and could not even
for a second think of removing it from my main system, but
I like your thinking! I am hoping to buy new/used amp for
$300 tops and was wondering how the Creek,MF,and Grado units
compare to Headroom units available for $300?

Any thoughts
lornecherry
135 posts
 
The Grado RA-1 fits nicely into your price range and is excellent at driving Sens. Headroom will let you buy two amps and then return the one that comes in second during your audition. X-CAN is also good, and is superior to Creek at least with my gear, but I think the Grado is the best under $1K.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
I enjoy my original version of the X-Cans with my 580s but the Audio Alchemy HPA-1 that I have is even better. It contains the Headroom circuit. The thing is class A and runs hot enough to grill toast on but the sound is quite liquid and defined. Super cheap used to boot. Good luck.
danvetc
527 posts
 
I use the Grado amp with a portable player, but with Grado phones. I thought I remembered the general consensus was that the Grado amp was not as good with the Sennheiser phones as with their models. I personally have not tried the combo. Good luck.
mbierle
1 posts
 
I run the Grado amp on both Grado RS-1's and Sennheiser HD 600's and it sounds great on both. The nice bonus is its portability (plus the conversation factor on airplanes!
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