Amplifier recommendation for DT1770 Pro

[AkerSvI]

Hello,

I recently acquired Beyerdynamic DT1770 Pro for monitoring and mixing/mastering purposes. And now I'm looking for reference headphone amplifier which doesn't add any coloration to the sound.

Some specs of the headphone:
250ohms
102 dBSPL (1mW/500Hz)
frequency res: 5-40,000Hz

I'm just getting familiar with tech specs of headphones/amplifiers, so i'm not sure what to look for in the amplifier other than 2 xlr input and 1 headphone output needed.
What would you recommend?

 

[3125b]

What DAC are you using? What is your budget? Any special features needed?
The DT1770 is easy enough to drive, and a transparent amp is not at all hard to find these days.

 

[solderdude]

Geshelli 2.5 Pro (if you do like the looks)

 

[AkerSvI]

What DAC are you using? What is your budget? Any special features needed?
The DT1770 is easy enough to drive, and a transparent amp is not at all hard to find these days.

For digital to analog conversion, I'm planning to use audio interface (maybe apollo twin).
The signal path is ox amp top box -> s/pdif -> audio interface.
Audio interface needs to have 4 line outputs, (2 for studio monitors left right, 2 for headphone amp left right).

This is what I'm thinking to build, any help or suggestion is appreciated including audio interface (DAC etc..) or different signal path.
Any special features are welcome.
For budget, maybe no more than 500€, but I can go higher.
Also, why do you think that 1770 is easy to drive? It's 250ohm, right?

 

[AkerSvI]

I need
+ analog amplifier, no need for converters.
+ balanced inputs (trs/xlr) and single ended headphone output
+ transparent (reference)

Geshelli 2.5 Pro looks okay. But can't find a seller in europe.

What are the amps that you can recommend?

 

[solderdude]

The DT1770Pro is quite efficient and draws very little current so is easy to drive.
Any amp that can put out 5V (80mW or more into 300 Ohm) is sufficient.
You can order Geshelli directly from them (would have to pay import duties most likely)
There are other amps having XLR in but will be more expensive.

SMSL SP200 (around E 300)
Schiit Magnius
THX AAA789 (Drop only)
Gustard H10
Gustard H16
Monoprice Monolith THX 887
SPL Phonitor 1 (TRS inputs)
RNHP
Lake People G103-P Phoneamp
Lake People G105
Little Labs monotor

Note: DT1770 cannot be used on balanced outputs. You would need the Drop DT177X for that.

 

[AkerSvI]

Thanks for the reply. Now i have lots of things to research
Do you have any favorites?

 

[solderdude]

I would always go for minimum price and desired functionality.

 

[AkerSvI]

What do you think of SMSL SAP-10?
It's not too expensive and has all the ports i need.
But i'm not sure if it colors the sound. My intend is to use it as a reference amp.

 

[DragonRage919]

What do you think of SMSL SAP-10?
It's not too expensive and has all the ports i need.
But i'm not sure if it colors the sound. My intend is to use it as a reference amp.

My first post. So, I'm not sure I'm qualified to answer this question, but from my understanding. The Drop THX AAA789 or almost any of the THX hp amp's are transparent.

 

[solderdude]

What do you think of SMSL SAP-10?
It's not too expensive and has all the ports i need.
But i'm not sure if it colors the sound. My intend is to use it as a reference amp.

It would only do in balanced mode when you want to play really loud. Unfortunately the DT1770 can not be used balanced (the DT177X can)
48mW is enough for the DT1770 to play loud enough though.
It probably has 10 Ohm output R (20 Ohm balanced ?) but this would not be an issue for high imp. headphones.

 

[yronnen]

I've been using the Firefly Red, drives the 250 Ohm nicely, and warm bass sound. Reasonable price too, but a USB port makes it mostly for computers/phone output.