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All around headphone amp recommendations

I am at the final stages of completing a system that will be my place to relax and enjoy the music. 

The main components in the system are Classe Amp and Pre, Project phono preamp, Cambridge Audio DAC/Streamer, Onkyo CD, a TTable and some nostalgia. This room will be more for sitting and listening together, but I always have enjoyed my cans!!! I do have a headphone output on a very nice Onkyo cassette deck I restored which is there more for looks but does serve that function for the entire system.

My current collection includes Monolith Planar Magnetics, Grado RS 1s and some old R350's. There are others laying around but . . .  I would like to explore other options once I get the system complete.

My preference would be to stay close to a standard component size that is black. This is simply for esthetics as my components are "segregated." LOL I listen to coffeehouse cover bands, jazz, alternative and some rock. Standard stuff at all volume levels. That is what I need.

Thanks in advance!!!

128x128boonaroo
soix
8,995 posts
 

Do you need an amp with a volume control or just a power amp, and are you looking for solid state or are you open to a tube amp? What’s your budget, and what sound characteristics are most important to you?

boonaroo's avatar
boonaroo OP
2 posts
 

I don’t want to blow the bank with this accessory. It won’t be used often but it must be on par with the rest of the system.

I have had tubes before and they just didn’t seem to work well with Planar Magnetic cans for me.

The Cambridge Audio 851N streamer allows me to control the digital signals volume. It also has digital outputs.

big_greg
6,572 posts
 

You don’t state your budget or if you prefer a new unit or are open to pre-owned. That information would be helpful, and without it, this is a bit of a shot in the dark, but the Sony TA-ZH1ES is an excellent amp with a lot of flexibility and connection options. It is not however full-sized. It’s actually quite compact.

 

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cleeds
5,761 posts
 

I have a Moon HA430 and it's absolutely fantastic.

soix
8,995 posts
 

Not enough info to go on here to make a meaningful recommendation, and I’ve got better things to do with my time than take shots in the dark. I’ll just say you’re better off driving the headphone amp from your Classe pre if you can because it’s probably a much better preamp.  Good luck.

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