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Yet another 'What amp to buy" thread

Discussion in 'Leaderboard, Overboard, and Deals' started by AllanMarcus, Nov 24, 2016.

  1. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

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    help from my friends is always appreciated.

    I'm so temped to get a G109-a. Sale price of $360 is hard to ignore. I need an amp, and I'm down to the iCan SE ($229 new), the Jotunheim ($350 used), or the G109-A ($360 new).

    I have a T1.1, HD800-SDR, Ether C 1.1, and TH-900 MkII

    I'm not very sensitive to amp quality. I've heard the iCan SE and the Jotunheim, and they both sounded good to me. I wasn't able to distinguish a difference between the iCan SE and the Pro iCan, but not having enough power to drive the headphones is an issue. The Jodie was good, but I worry that it was a bit to forward for my headphones.

    I heard from one friend that had a G109 and was very happy with it. Any other thoughts on a budget desktop amp in this price range?
     
    AllanMarcus, Nov 24, 2016
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  2. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

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    The Jot and the HD800 together might sterilise you. Does it have to be solid state?
     
    Kattefjaes, Nov 24, 2016
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  3. Thenewerguy009

    Thenewerguy009 Friend

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    I vote for the Jot.

    If you do have all those headphones, I would sell all but one of them & go for a really high end amp instead.
    Stratuss or a Zana Super would be in reach!
     
    Thenewerguy009, Nov 24, 2016
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  4. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

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    I have a crack with some good tubes.

    I thought about that. I was thinking of a GSX mkII, but like I said, I've listened to many amps, including some high end ones, and I'm just not able to hear the wonderfulness. I'm also considering a Questyle CMA600i, which a DAC/amp. I heard it with my own headphones at RMAF in a quiet room, and I liked it. I'm just horrible at making irchase decisions with my own money. I can spend work money really easily :)
     
    AllanMarcus, Nov 24, 2016
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  5. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

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    Well, if you are worried the Jotun might be too forward, and I personally wouldn't use most of the HPs you listed with it as a preferred pairing, that at least narrows that down.

    You already have a Crack, so don't need another tubey sounding amp. I wouldn't rule out a Vali 2 as an all rounder, but it might be too laid back for you. I found it rather neutral with that laid back yet confident character, nor was it similar to a Crack. But still...

    I am inclined to say go with what you have heard and know you like rather than risk a sale on a more unknown amp.
     
    Hands, Nov 24, 2016
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  6. FallingObjects

    FallingObjects Pay It Forward

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    Just from my experience with the Vali 2, I think it'd be a good pairing with the HD800. With my HD700's, it seems to bring out the mids a bit, and tones down the treble. Bass lost a tiny, tiny bit of its punchiness, but that was easily fixed by adding an extra 1db to my EQ in the sub-100hz range. I'm only using the stock tube, but I have no inclination right now to start tube rolling because I'm just so damn satisfied in general.

    It's also done 'something' to my soundstage. I'm not quite sure how to describe it, but I like it.
     
    FallingObjects, Nov 24, 2016
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  7. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

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    I decided to the get the Lake People G109-A. Should be here in a few days. Great price and I really like how it looks.

    Hopefully I can bring it to a meet sometime for people to hear. Thanks for all your advice.
     
    AllanMarcus, Nov 28, 2016
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