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Kulaaas
1
Sep 8, 2017
Been reading the discussion but couldnt decide for an amp for this, people said solid state and hybrids would be better for planars?any amp recommendations around 200$?
Z0d1Ac
251
Sep 8, 2017
KulaaasI would recommend the aune x1s ($200) Problem is massdrop is not selling it separately right now. Very good dac and good amp.
If you wanted more power and class A, then the aune x7s ($225 or $240). You need to buy an expensive xlr cable to get more power and this unit is not truly balanced (no balanced inputs for a balanced dac). Very good amp, but you will probably end up pairing it with a ok dac like the grace one on massdrop right now for $80.
If you wanted a true balanced dac/amp then the topping DX7 ($320). Massdrop just ended it like a day ago. Not as powerful as the aune x7s tho. NOTE: There is a used XDA-1 on ebay for auction for less than $150 and you could buy a smsl sap 9 then all you would need is too buy xlr cables (cheapest option I can find if you wanted to try balanced).
If you want balanced and lots of power then most people's end game choice is the schiit jotunheim ($400 amp, $100 dac).
I decided I will be buying a aune x1s until a jot goes on sale, because I don't think balanced is going to be worth it, I rather have a good amp and dac vs a not so good dac and amp but balanced. :)
Z0d1Ac
251
Sep 8, 2017
Z0d1AcAlso would like to add that the aune x1s does not break the bank and I don't think the he4xx will not need a powerful amp.
Kulaaas
1
Sep 8, 2017
Z0d1AcThanks for the input, that's what everybody's saying that it doesnt need a powerful amp since it has a low impednce for planars. Will check out and do a research about the aune though i was hoping to get a tube amp but some says it wouldn't be great for planars. I was thinkin of Schiit vali 2 or magna 2.
Z0d1Ac
251
Sep 8, 2017
KulaaasMagni 2 and Modi 2 is a good combo, probably the only thing that can really compete with the aune x1s. I still would lean towards the aune x1s.
As for the vali 2 is missing a dac. So you may want to consider these instead, Little dot MKIII, Alex Cavalli hydrid tube amp, dark voice 336Se. They are also missing dacs, but are probably better.
In fact the Little dot MKIII SE (balanced) is a bit intriguing, full balanced powerful tube amp while the dark voice is at least a full tube amp.
When you start to get into the cheaper tube amps they are only hybrids and have not heard good things about them. (Not tuby enough and stock tubes are bad). = Best option I know of would again be the aune t1 MK3 ($170 massdrop). Stock tube is better than most other cheap tube amps including the schit vali 2 and the aune even comes with a built in dac already.
If you wanted to go cheaper I know there is the little dot I+ amp ($90 I think on massdrop, I forgot). But the stock tube is really bad I heard so I read this guide in the link. So you have to pay an extra $40 for the Voshkod 6ZH1P-EV tube pair on ebay from the yenaudiostore seller. Then you still need to add a dac like the grace which is $80 = $210 total and at that price you may just want to spend a $100 more and get true tube amp and a cheap dac.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/little-dot-tube-amps-vacuum-tube-rolling-guide.563884/
Z0d1Ac
251
Sep 8, 2017
Z0d1AcSorry I think that guide is for the MKIII since the guy said he used that in like the first paragraph. Not sure if the little dot I+ supports those tubes, so just scrap that idea.
Kulaaas
1
Sep 8, 2017
Z0d1AcWoww that's a lot...thanks, well i need to start and look into it. I'll be updating this thread once Ive got my amps. Tell me what your thoughts with the aune x1s when you acquire one..
Z0d1Ac
251
Sep 10, 2017
KulaaasSo what have you decided on?
Massdrop seems to really be trying to sell people plenty of options. The Xduoo TA-10 spec wise seems like a good choice, I will probably be looking into it.
jersey_boy
197
Sep 12, 2017
Kulaaaswhile the impedance of planar headphones are low, they require a powerful amp because they need a high current, and because they have a low sensitivity and are inefficient. power/db are also not a linear curve. most planar headphones have a 1-4 w ideal power req in their specs. typically, you need a really powerful amp to put 1w+ into ~50ohm. This is one of the many reasons why the nfb11 is so praised. so like, a lyr2, an nfb11, jotunheim, other high power amps are often paired with planars. personally, i have an audeze deckard for my planars. you can obviously power with less, but you'll find these types tend to pair better.
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