After going throw allot of the headphones I decided to sell all my expensive gear and just settle for the hp2 with some cheap matching dac and amp.

 

I was looking at the asgard 2 and ckIII to match maybe with the loki dac but have no idea on what amp should sound good with the hp2.

Looking for suggestions.

 

www.ecpaudio.com

Agree with Nate. I'm using the ECP Audio DSHA -1 and am happy with that. I've heard the L2 is very nice, also, but I haven't heard it myself. I was in the same place, having gone through a bunch of amps. I finally heard the DSHA-1 , and it ended my search.

Not sure I'd go cheap with the DAC, though. I think you'd hear the difference with a good DAC. Haven't heard the Loki, maybe it's great?

Good luck!

Zup :whale: ?

 

Listen to Nate. You'll be OK if you do that.

**BRENT**

I agree that Doug's products are great.  However, you may have to wait for a while to get one.  I am pretty sure that he is completely out of DSHA-1 and L-2 and doesn't plan to make another batch of them.  You'll have to wait for the next latest and greatest or try to find something used.  

 

I haven't heard the HP2 (and generally don't listen to Grado) but I also really like the TTVJ Peak (I have it with the Volcano).  Be sure to upgrade the tube though.   I haven't heard the Schiit stuff (except their Bifrost DAC) so I can't comment on that.  Ryan reviews the Peak here.  

 

http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/apex-hi-fi-audio-peak-headphone-amp-and-volcano-power-supply

Edited November 10, 201312 yr by shellylh

Hey mexi.can, getting old. You forgot this   

 

Thanks guys. Yes indeed doug just confirmed they are gone but I was thinking cheaper, I should have expected this though, this is headcase afterall   

The torpedo DIY got my attention on doug website and its fairly cheap, would this be an good alternative option?

Edited November 11, 201312 yr by Spychedelic Whale

if you want to spend less, sell the HP2s and get senn HD600s and a schitt amp.

Yes, the torpedo would be a good, lower cost option if you are willing to go the DIY route.

The Torpedo sounds very good with the HD600. One thing to note is that it doesn't have the absolutely black background as Doug's other amps. I get the slightest bit of hum in one channel with no music playing but don't notice anything when music is playing.

I think that issue has been largely cured in later revisions, but more research would be required to confirm.

Depending on how consolidated & cheap you want to go, and if you can find one on the used market, the discontinued Apogee Mini-DAC gels nicely with Grados, IME.

Dynalo?

Can't go wrong with a Dynalo... 

I think that issue has been largely cured in later revisions, but more research would be required to confirm.

 

Indeed, we have made a half dozen or so changes that make the amp much quieter.

Needless to say, now I am curious to hear a DSHA-1 as well. But as always, I'm late to the party and the good stuff is gone. Heh.

I'm just hoping that the "1" implies there is a "2" in the works.

Schiit amps have been given universal approval from those in the know.  What about their DACs?  Should Spychedelic Whale consider them too?  The Modi's only a $100.

it doesn't matter what he picks, he'll love it for a week, then hate it.

Can't go wrong with a Dynalo... 

 

But can do better.

What about a Burson Conductor? Has DAC/pre-amp/headphone amp and is somewhat budget friendly. 

Grado HPA-1 is the obvious choice, though I'd pick something more modern like ... I bet a Benchmark DAC2 would work well.

Indeed, we have made a half dozen or so changes that make the amp much quieter.

 

That is good to know.  

I've always felt that something like a Millett Hybrid was an excellent match for Grados, and especially the HP-1000 that I once owned.

A local came up with a magni/modi at good price so I just snatched and gave it a try.

 

I'm really surprised, this small amp sounds great with the hp2(the >900€ burson soloist  sounded less dynamic aka worse),  but of course coming from the Nad M51 the modi sounds a bit plain, specially on drums can sound a bit washed.  

 

Nevertheless highly enjoyable, will try next with a picoDac.

Edited November 26, 201312 yr by Spychedelic Whale

I actually had to get used to a certain source that delivered an unexciting, dry, straightforward presentation.  It was actually accurate, and the more I listened to it, the more I realized that it erred towards un-euphonized perfection.