Help please on Christmas gift

[Fivetide]

Hi guys sorry but I need some advice on an op amp for this gift I’m “thinking” of buying my brother for Christmas. He likes music, but his hi-fi kit is not really that great. I talked to him about valve sound because he’s nearly 50 years old and I ranted on about deep purple and the 70’s band’s sound much better through a tube. I can’t afford to buy him a full valve amp but thought I’d get something in between for his headphones. As in :


MUSE Tube 6N11 Class A Headphone Amplifier + Pre-AMP | eBay


this has no op amp so I was wondering what you guys would recommend, I know its not audiophile but it must be better than straight from his mp3player?? Or should I just buy this :


BRAND NEW Sense G1 B Vacuum Tube Headphone Pre Amplifier USB DAC UK SELLER | eBay


not sure what to do , please.. all advice welcome .

[costis_n]

the USB thingie looks more honest. At least he'll get a nice sound card.

[Sherman]

I have a headphone amp almost exactly like the one in your first link. The brand name on mine is "Indeed". I use it pretty much every day with my Grados and love it. It is dead quiet, very small and very good-sounding. Even an iPod sounds better run through a headamp.

[Fivetide]

Originally Posted by costis_n

the USB thingie looks more honest. At least he'll get a nice sound card.

Yes just what I discussing with friend, plus it’s a DAC ? seems to good to be true I might get one to see just what it sounds like and maybe do a bit of modding..

Originally Posted by Sherman

I have a headphone amp almost exactly like the one in your first link. The brand name on mine is "Indeed". I use it pretty much every day with my Grados and love it. It is dead quiet, very small and very good-sounding. Even an iPod sounds better run through a headamp.

Thanks Sherman what op-amp are you using ?

[mortron]

I wanted the PLC thingee for a gift, but decided to go DIY... With the savings, I may put one towards a USB Thingee, they offer good bang for your buck, but i hear theyre a bit tricky to get onto an airplane

[artosalo]

this has no op amp so I was wondering what you guys would recommend

Thanks Sherman what op-amp are you using ?

I am not sure if I have understood your question right.
You do not need any OP amp to add. The first seller advertises his amplifier as a "OP-amp free" desing meaning something great.

[artosalo]

Somebody ban siliconray, he doesn't post schematics and he's always talking about his gear.

I think McIntosh does exactly same.

[costis_n]

Originally Posted by mortron

I wanted the PLC thingee for a gift, but decided to go DIY... With the savings, I may put one towards a USB Thingee, they offer good bang for your buck, but i hear theyre a bit tricky to get onto an airplane

Then just ditch the tube before boarding. They are the cheapiest and china-est anyway.

[Fivetide]

Originally Posted by siliconray

I will recommend this:

6F3 mini hifi tube amplifier

The best made mini tube amp I've ever seen. Now most of the orders are for Xmas gift

If your brother want a real hifi headphone amplifer, this is the one:

6j4+6p6p+6z5p HiFi Tube Preamplifier Kit

Really he insnt the slightest bit bias'ed lol

Originally Posted by artosalo

I am not sure if I have understood your question right.
You do not need any OP amp to add. The first seller advertises his amplifier as a "OP-amp free" desing meaning something great.

and Really.. doh ! didnt understand that part .. thanks for clearing that up for me So no need for an op-amp excellent..