Experience with headphone amps?

[Paul C.]

I'm thinking of upgrading from my old Audio Technica ATH-70 headphones, and would like to know of an affordable headphone amp that would improve the sound of a pair of AKG 501s, or something in that range.

The Creek headphone amps semm pretty reasonable - anyone have experience with those?

[Ron Stone]

I recommend the Musical Fidelity tubed headphone amp, which I use with my Sennheisser 600s. There has been an improved II version since I bought mine.

Besides the nice sound, the Musical Fidelity amp is heavy enough that it won't get easily pulled off your gear shelf if you move around a bit while listening.

With Musical Fidelity and Audio Advisor parting ways, the amps are probably a little harder to find, but I'm sure they can still be purchased on the internet.

[Paul C.]

yes, I've heard it's a good one. They are available here in Australia, but not cheap, I think

[pigmode]

Paul,
I've had my 501s for a while now, and like them a lot. They have a great midrange and a tight, but moderately extended bass response with a very airy and soundstagy-like sound. I currently use a Melos SHA-1 for a headphone amp, but have heard from trusted sources that the Creek is a great amp for the 501.

[NoTinEar]

Your going to get a lot of opinions on headphone amps. I personally use Headroom units and really enjoy the sound. A big factor would be how you use it, such as portable/mobile, what kind of power it will use, etc. I would suggest you take a look over at ..

http://www.head-fi.org/

http://www.headwize.com/

Lots of reviews and further opinions there.

[Sckott]

This guy rolls his own. Nice guy, and his 6B4G push-pull amp is VERY sweet.

http://www.pmillett.addr.com/index.html