Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
Best Tube Amp? ($100-$150)
search
close
Sort by: Newest
keyboard_arrow_down
Eli35
653
Sep 18, 2018
I'm assuming you already have the Modi 2, if so, I can suggest you three amps
- Little Dot I+ (with NOS tubes and, why not, upgraded opamp), a budget hybrid amp. I own it, and it drives well anything from low impedance (T50RP mkII, HE4XX, M50x) to high impedance (HD6XX) and adds a bit of warmth to the sound (not as much as a DarkVoice 336SE, but you can hear the difference from a bugdet solid state DAC/amp).
- Little Dot mkII, the full-tube brother of the LD I+, basically the same but it also uses tubes for the amp section and not just the preamp. It'll add a bit more tubey-ness than the LD I+ but won't drive well low impedance headphones.
- DarkVoice 336SE. This might be a bit above your budget, but it's a excellent OTL tube amp for this price. I bought it through MD, unfortunately it decided to stop sounding from the right channel after a few months of usage, but I'm trying to contact the manufacturer and if that doesn't works I'm confident I can fix it with my basic electronics knowledge. However, bear in mind this kind of amps only work well with high impedance headphones, don't even try to plug multi-driver hybrid IEMs or planar headphones. In fact, the 150ohm your HD 58X has are not ideal, but it'll drive them quite well.
If you don't have the Modi 2 yet, I suggest you to: - consider getting another DAC, Topping D30, it shows better measurements and costs about the same (even less from some eBay sellers or when available on MD). - if you're 100% sure to get the Modi 2, you should consider going solid state and buying the Magni 3 along with it: from what I read it offers ridiculous value for the price, it's versatile and very powerful, you won't "need" another amp (like you would if you buy, for instance, a DarkVoice 336SE).
If you need any tube suggestions for the Little Dot or DarkVoice, just let me know. Good luck!
If you don't have the Modi 2 yet, I suggest you to: - consider getting another DAC, Topping D30, it shows better measurements and costs about the same (even less from some eBay sellers or when available on MD). - if you're 100% sure to get the Modi 2, you should consider going solid state and buying the Magni 3 along with it: from what I read it offers ridiculous value for the price, it's versatile and very powerful, you won't "need" another amp (like you would if you buy, for instance, a DarkVoice 336SE).
If you need any tube suggestions for the Little Dot or DarkVoice, just let me know. Good luck!
rsilvamu
40
Sep 16, 2018
project starlight from garage 1217 is probably the best cheap tube amp out there, actually, all of their amps hit well above their price range so it's hard to go wrong with them
rastus
1395
Sep 16, 2018
For an SE the APPJ with NOS tubes and a cap upgrade, if you are adventurous, it can then keep up quite well with the $$ big boys. It will bring you into the second harmonic voice of the sirens... Pops up here or eBay/Amazon. A Darkvoice is a popular OTL, do not own, needs NOS tubes as well, a given; both will want clean power. The Aune T1 SE is another choice, DAC/tube buffer/SS op-amp, again NOS tube (single), + caps to make it sing.
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/appj-1502a-tube-headphone-amplifier
rastus
1395
Sep 16, 2018
JosmosMore here, also as in spend more... but there is a reward: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/appj-1502a-tube-headphone-amplifier/talk/2140926
Graham43
21
Sep 16, 2018
I've just purchased some of 58X Jubilees also and i currently have a Fiio E10K to run them on when they arrive. My next thing will be looking for a better amp and possibly the 6xx when they drop next.
I can't help you with your question but i will be watching this space to see what you end up with.
How do you like the headphones ?
I can't help you with your question but i will be watching this space to see what you end up with.
How do you like the headphones ?
Josmos
84
Sep 16, 2018
Graham43It's definitely an upgrade from the years of just using earphones and "gaming" headsets.
Everything sounds so much.. better! More open, clearer, it really blew me away. For $150, it's the perfect entry pair into the audiophile realm, and you know what? I'm pretty content with them. I can't imagine anything that sounds better (until I get my amp and dac, lol).
So yeah.. I like these headphones a lot!
Everything sounds so much.. better! More open, clearer, it really blew me away. For $150, it's the perfect entry pair into the audiophile realm, and you know what? I'm pretty content with them. I can't imagine anything that sounds better (until I get my amp and dac, lol).
So yeah.. I like these headphones a lot!
Related Posts
danielj9
Trying to add Topping LA90D amp to Topping A9D preamp
Any help would be appreciated...I added an amp to my streamer, dac, headphone amp/preamp system and am now not getting any music through the headphone jacks on the preamp - the specifics: Wiim Pro Plus - optical connection to - Topping D50 iii dac - TSR to XLR connection to - Topping A9D headphone amp/preamp (all worked fine as a headphone amp until I tried adding:) - XLR connection to - Topping LA90 D amp. Amp switches are set to bypass, stereo, low gain. In this configuration, I am not getting any music to either my SE or XLR headphone jacks. I made sure I switched the A9D to "preamp" and "xlr" modes. I have no idea what I might be overlooking or missing...any thoughts would be deeply appreciated! Thank you.
Nov 11, 2024
Tremuh
Trying to find new headset
I currently am rocking the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pros and have been for a while now, along with a go xlr! I was trying to see what other headset you guys recommend along with something to replace the xlr? Thank you!
Nov 7, 2024
aiden.miller
Mic not working pc38x
I just got my pc38x in the mail today and the out put is quiet but fine and I'm happy. But the mic will not work when on my Xbox series and I was wondering if this issue can be resolved or if the head set is not compatible with Xbox.
Nov 4, 2024
Keys
Bluetooth tethered/wired earbuds?
Any good long lasting ones? I have a massdrop Stride, but i want wired earbuds that can be charged with usb-c
Oct 22, 2024
Petalmasher
Price matching
I ordered the Dekoni Cobalt for $179 and the price dropped to $159 before they even arrived. Some retailers do price match reimbursements if an item goes on sale within a certain time frame after purchase. Does Drop do that?
Oct 9, 2024
EuclideanGambit
Dac/Amp -> Boose TV Speaker ?
Is the TV Speaker bottle necked because it is intended for a digital signal? If so, how do I optimize it (preferably most effective appraoch) or should I just get new speakers for the same cost it would be to optimize this. Context of Use: Desktop/TV/Gaming (Office Setup)
Sep 12, 2024
Trending Posts in Audiophile
AntonetteCBak
Tips for Setting Up a Trading Desk with a Laptop
Creating an efficient and organized trading desk with just a Best laptops for trading requires a strategic approach to maximize productivity and trading success. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned trader, having the right setup ensures seamless execution of trades, minimizes errors, and keeps you focused. Below are essential tips to set up a professional trading desk using a laptop. Invest in a high-performance laptop tailored to trading needs. Opt for a model with a fast processor (e.g., Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7), at least 16GB of RAM, and a solid-state drive (SSD) for quick data access. Ensure the laptop has multiple ports for connecting peripherals and a high-resolution display for crisp chart visibility. Trading often involves monitoring multiple charts, news feeds, and trading platforms simultaneously. Connect your laptop to external monitors using HDMI or USB-C ports to expand your workspace. Dual or triple monitor setups allow for better multitasking and a...
Nov 21, 2024
abhinavkumar
Company Information in Dubai
Get comprehensive company information in Dubai, including registration requirements, licensing options, and compliance guidelines. Whether you’re exploring free zones, mainland, or offshore setups, our expert resources provide insights to help you make informed business decisions. Navigate Dubai’s business landscape with clarity, from legal requirements to operational support for a successful establishment. For more details:- https://leelainternational.com/
Nov 21, 2024
Leafwise
Show off your carry / bag / case / setup for your Head-Fi gear ✨
As subject, what do y'all carry your gear in for out-and-about/day-to-day and then for travel, if anything other than pockets?
Nov 19, 2024
keegu22
More bass!
I currently have the the HD 6XX, which sound great but, I'm am looking to upgrade the power of the bass as i really enjoy punchy low end EDM music. Any suggestions in the $200-$300 price range would be awesome.
Nov 13, 2024
danielj9
Trying to add Topping LA90D amp to Topping A9D preamp
Any help would be appreciated...I added an amp to my streamer, dac, headphone amp/preamp system and am now not getting any music through the headphone jacks on the preamp - the specifics: Wiim Pro Plus - optical connection to - Topping D50 iii dac - TSR to XLR connection to - Topping A9D headphone amp/preamp (all worked fine as a headphone amp until I tried adding:) - XLR connection to - Topping LA90 D amp. Amp switches are set to bypass, stereo, low gain. In this configuration, I am not getting any music to either my SE or XLR headphone jacks. I made sure I switched the A9D to "preamp" and "xlr" modes. I have no idea what I might be overlooking or missing...any thoughts would be deeply appreciated! Thank you.
Nov 11, 2024
Tremuh
Trying to find new headset
I currently am rocking the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pros and have been for a while now, along with a go xlr! I was trying to see what other headset you guys recommend along with something to replace the xlr? Thank you!
Nov 7, 2024
aiden.miller
Mic not working pc38x
I just got my pc38x in the mail today and the out put is quiet but fine and I'm happy. But the mic will not work when on my Xbox series and I was wondering if this issue can be resolved or if the head set is not compatible with Xbox.
Nov 4, 2024
Drop Refurbished
Like-new products you can trustDrop Rewards
Get $5 for every 500 points you earn! Learn more
Drop Keyboard Club
Become a member and expand your keycap collectionFollow Drop
Anyways, I own a pair of HD 58X Jubilees and I'm looking for a tube amp. Any suggestions for me? I'm gonna be pairing it with the Modi 2.
So yeah, $200~$250 (maybe $300) for an amp and dac. I've seen many positive reviews for the Modi 2, so I'm probably sticking with that dac.