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Rhamnetin
172
Nov 14, 2018
You're in Japan? Audio Note. I repeat: Audio Note (Kondo). Forget everyone else. And Takatsuki tubes. Even if you can't afford it, try to demo some Audio Note systems (their AN-E speakers with their amps). Just because. You'll be blown away. But yes OTL is for high impedance headphones only, so only the LCD-4 would play nice with them really, and I wouldn't recommend that headphone if it was $1,000. Ultimately your main question is entirely subjective at the end of the day. My favorite headphone amp for every planar I have ever used is a balanced Dynalo build; either the HeadAmp GS-X Mk2 or Mjolnir Audio Pure BiPolar (and now there's the HeadAmp GS-X Mini). Most tube headphone gear cheap out on the transformers which are crucial in the design, so rarely do I recommend tube headphone amps. One of the advantages planars have over dynamic drivers is faster decay due to the design, which is further enhanced by excellent solid state gear while tubes can slow this down. Never heard of 2/3 of the amps you listed, but I doubt any of those will be "better" than the Objective2.
Artismo
461
Nov 14, 2018
RhamnetinThanks for the great advice and pointing me in a direction. The tube amps I mentioned are budget friendly and I figured if I dip my toes and don’t like it, I won’t get swallowed by price. The more I read, the more I get the impression that I have to invest a bit more to get much more and I’m fine with that. I don’t know many places to audition sound equipment besides the local Yodabashi Camera and maybe some random shop I find in Akihabara. The first tube amp I listened to was a Cayin HA-1A MK2 with Audioquest Nighthawks (I liked the Nightowls better). The opened soundstage, . Sweetened mids, and vocal depth had me craving more. I’ll start hunting for your recommendations on Yahoo Auction and Merukari. So, do you recommend I stick with SS amps for my planars? If so, are there any that you recommend with more power than the O2? What are your thoughts on hybrid tube amps? Also, I assume you listen to music for pleasure too. If so, do you have any favorite cans or recommended cans? I know everyone has their tastes, but what cans come to mind that make you say “wow, THIS is IT”? What started me on my path was listening to the Senheiser 6 series, even the Meze Classics got me going. Strangely the DT1990s too. I’ve never had the pleasure of Fostex (there’s tons of options in Japan) or Audeze (import premiums kill me).
Rhamnetin
172
Nov 14, 2018
ArtismoSolid states are easier to match with planars due to their power and current delivery. Most tube hybrids don't really run the tubes within specifications and have other issues; you can have a killer tube hybrid for a good price, but I don't really know of any. The best budget one I know of is the Millett Hybrid which is strictly DIY. $300 gets you the Argon Mk3 (I suggest ZMF Protein pads) or ZMF Classic; very refined sound for the price, with the deepest bass you're going to get for the price. The Argon is closer to basshead territory; the most rumbly bass I've ever heard, but both extend down to around 10 Hz. They have a very laid back treble response making them some of the darkest headphones I have ever heard, but don't have any big treble dips (or peaks). These headphones are power hungry; the new Massdrop THX amp looks like it's worth saving up for. Then at $500 you have an open back planar that easily competes with headphones 3x the price technically; the HiFiMan Sundara. A very open and precise sound for the price, but with bass heft you won't get from an open back dynamic headphone in this price range, full bodied mids, polite treble, it's like a little brother to the HE1000s.
Artismo
461
Nov 14, 2018
RhamnetinI’m kicking myself now because I was on the fence when I saw Sundaras in an unopened box on Yahoo Auc for about $380USD after JPY conversion. I went for days without a bid while I scoured the net reading about it. After your comment, I went back to drop a bid. I completed my research too late before pulling the trigger and someone snagged them with free shipping. I’m checking out the Aragon and ZMF online now. I might got my finger on the buy button for the ZMF, but I’m holding out just in case I see something this weekend at e-earphone in Akihabara. Have you heard of the Blue Sadie (dynamic) or Ella(planar)? I heard they’re warm too, a bit heavy, and come powered with analog amps or can be run passively. I checked out a review by Zeos on YouTube for the Sadie and he seemed to like it. But for both headphones, I keep seeing mixed reviews about sound quality. Also, I had the Meze Neo and loved the warmth, but the bass was a bit muddy so I sold them. I heard the Meze Classics have a better sound signature even though they have the same driver. I guess the ear pads made a noticeable difference?
Rhamnetin
172
Nov 14, 2018
ArtismoNever heard of either of those to be honest, so I'm not sure what to expect from them. Ear pads can completely change sound for better or worse.
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