Headphone Amplifier For Sennheiser HD590?

[jl151080]

I have a pair of Sennheiser HD590's which I currently plug straight into my Cambridge Audio 740A amp. However, the sound is muddy and veiled. The headphones actually sound far better from my Ipod!

I've been told this is due to a mismatch of impedance between the headphones and the amp, and wonder if a headphone amplifier would improve things? Can anyone recommend an inexpensive amp for these 'phones (very max £150) Thanks.

 

[Anonymous]

I don't know much about headphone amps, but I have an old Creek OBH-11, and I think it has a pretty good sound. It's for headphones ranging from 30 to 300 Ohms, so it would work with your headphones.

I believe the newer OBH 21 is around GBP 150 new, and has positive reviews on WHF.

 

[crusaderlord]

Try this thread it covered a few amps

http://whathifi.com/forums/t/158710.aspx

My vote is for the Little Dot headphone amplifier

 

[matthewpiano]

The headphone output on the 740A is dire, one of the very worst I've ever had the misfortune to put up with. Given your general concerns about the 740A I'd wait and see whether you end up changing it before investing in a seperate headphone amp. Since I changed to my Denon, both my HD595s and Beyer DT770s sound completely different. The headphone output is superb and I actual enjoy using my 'phones again.

 

[Anonymous]

jl151080:
I have a pair of Sennheiser HD590's which I currently plug straight into my Cambridge Audio 740A amp. However, the sound is muddy and veiled. The headphones actually sound far better from my Ipod!

I've been told this is due to a mismatch of impedance between the headphones and the amp, and wonder if a headphone amplifier would improve things? Can anyone recommend an inexpensive amp for these 'phones (very max £150) Thanks.

Use a Beresford DAC for just over a £100 - with a decent digital cable (QED Performance maybe as mine) - this will bring you a very good value headphone amp. Some have said the phone socket is a wee bit hissy but not to me.

 

[fatboyslimfast]

I agree - I use my Beresford with my HD280Pros, and do not suffer from any hiss problems...

 

[Anonymous]

crusaderlord:Try this thread it covered a few amps

http://whathifi.com/forums/t/158710.aspx

My vote is for the Little Dot headphone amplifier

I second that, just got hold of mine and after a good 50hours burn-in it has become the best value peice of kit i've bought by a mile, check this review; http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/review-little-dot-mkiii-tube-headphone-amp-pre-amp-309855/

 

[Anonymous]

There are a number to choose from, especially in portable size (smaller than a pack of cards!). Most notably Headamp's Pico and RSA's Tomahawk, Hornet or Predator. Take a look on Head-Fi and you'll find out all you need to know! I have a Pico and although I had to wait 4 months for it to arrive from the States, it's fantastic.
http://www.head-fi.org/
http://www.raysamuelsaudio.com/
http://www.headamp.com/

 

[Anonymous]

www.meier-audio.homepage.t-online.de/

Have a look here....some nice stuff although the £ to Euro rate might put you off at the moment . Great service and delivery direct from Germany.

Have to agree that the Little Dot needs a look at too.....from what I hear they are very good. Nearly bought one myself.