mulveling
Member
Hi,Dear Mulveling:
Do you think that a Antique Soundlab MG HEAD DT OTL MKIII HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER could do the job???
Here it is the link that I found:
http://www.divertech.com/aslmgheaddt.html
I've not personally heard any ASL amps, so my opinions on this matter may be worth less than face value
I do remember a few years back when the ASL gear, specifically that model, was "flavor of the month" on head-fi. The earlier versions had many users complaining about reliability issues, but these seem to have settled down with the MkIII. Of course, the enthusiasm for this amp has also long since died down and there has been little discussion for quite a while.
Since you're looking at tube amps, are you interested in a lush, seductive, tubey sound? I just spotted a used Audio Value RKV MkII on the head-fi FS forums (warning: I have no association to or knowledge of the seller, caveat emptor), for $575. I've previously owned the RKV, and lush/romantic describes its sound with the HD650 to a T. I really enjoyed this pairing; it's also great with the HD600. Probably the best lush & romantic sound you're going to get in this price range without throwing detail, accuracy, and dynamics totally out the window (RKV has super macro-dynamics; but micro-dynamics are average). Do note that you shouldn't use low impedance headphones with the RKV, but the HD650/HD600 are a perfect match. The RKV is actually a somewhat odd hybrid; op-amp voltage gain stage and OTL tube output stage (4x PLC85 tubes, typically used in TV sets IIRC). I wouldn't get caught up in the SET topology of the ASL; I've heard a very expensive SET headphone amp that wasn't impressive.
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f42/icp-rkv-ii-amp-w-extra-tubes-301645/
Going on my biases and experiences, I would look hard at that RKV. Next in line for less money would be the PPA, M^3, and Gilmore I mentioned previously. All of these over the ASL. None of the battery powered portables are optimal with the HD650; solid AC power supplies are what's needed IMO. Good deals on NEW amps may not even exist these days, when compared to the value the used market offers Always avoid the current "flavor of the month" amps as the undeserved hype pushes prices and demand up artificially The amps I've recommended are all old dogs, but GOOD ones that are under-valued in the market.