Recommendations for balanced input headphone amp?

[Gazjam]

Budget around £500.

Looking for best bang for buck,
so ideally not a combined Dac/Headamp, be connecting from my Dacs balanced outputs, so prefer to target the cost on the amp itself.
Balanced headphone input too.
Headphone output on my Preamp, but I’d prefer a dedicated balanced amp for this.

Topping A70 Pro gets good reviews, but has built in Dac and there’s talk of reliability problems, so scored that one off list.

So aside those factors,
what’s out there?

Using with Meze Audio 99 Classics, which are easy to drive apparently.
Upgrade to Meze 109 Pro’s at some point if I get into Headphones for anything other than occasional late night listening.
New to this side of the hobby, so appreciate any wiser heads pitching in.

Thanks.
:)

[Stratmangler]

https://www.thomann.co.uk/rupert_neve_designs_rnhp.htm
https://www.thomann.co.uk/swissonic_ha660_headphone_amp.htm

[Firebottle]

That Swissonic looks interesting with the feed controls :cool:

[Ali Tait]

Aye, I'd like to give that a listen.

[Gazjam]

https://www.thomann.co.uk/rupert_neve_designs_rnhp.htm
https://www.thomann.co.uk/swissonic_ha660_headphone_amp.htm

Chris,
your still tickin! :lol:

[Gazjam]

Thanks for the suggestions,
I’ll look into these.

Another one on the radar is a bit of a wildcard, but does everything I need and it’s a valve hybrid amp, 12au7’s in the input stage, same as my Preamp.
I know how good these valves are, and the benefit of them on the input stage.

Looks aren’t everything, :D
in fact I like the quirkiness of It.

Can power it off my Pro-Ject linear psu if I sort the right DC cable, so that's cool.

Apos Ray Gremlin
https://apos.audio/products/apos-x-community-gremlin-diy-tube-amp?srsltid=AfmBOopE27vSb0cQK1dKSxBX9vQG8SLoMvMtuX 3LHJvcK6Dod1OGH6d8

https://i.imgur.com/p2LIlHd.jpeg
https://apos.audio/products/apos-x-community-gremlin-diy-tube-amp?srsltid=AfmBOopE27vSb0cQK1dKSxBX9vQG8SLoMvMtuX 3LHJvcK6Dod1OGH6d8

https://i.imgur.com/iHAWqYA.jpeg

https://imgur.com/a/t7y2HVm
https://i.imgur.com/5ksGxUD_d.webp?maxwidth=1520&fidelity=grand
https://imgur.com/a/t7y2HVm
https://imgur.com/a/t7y2HVm
https://imgur.com/a/t7y2HVm
https://imgur.com/a/t7y2HVm

Price (and reviews) are right, not sure though if they ship outside the US and Canada?
Pinged the manufacturer asking the question.

Like that it’s valve based and a bit out the ordinary… enjoy that.

[Alex_UK]

Looks cool - I like the quirkiness too!

[Gazjam]

KNEW it reminded me of something…

https://imgur.com/a/f7rBEJ3https://i.imgur.com/4aYgfo9.jpeg

[Alex_UK]

Orac! Used to love watching that series with my dad.

[Barry]

Certainly an interesting option. The use of double triode valves provides an easy balanced input and driver for push-pull output.

Not sure I could put up with the 'steam punk' looks though.

[Lawrence001]

Has anyone bought the Swissonic with the variable crossfeed? I'm thinking about trying it. Always wanted an SPL Phonitor but balked at the price. I checked the crossfeed controls and this seems to have the same functionality so if it sounds good and has a good dollop of power for up to 600ohm headphones it seems a no brainer.

[Floyddroid]

Don't discount the SMSL H400. The Geselli Archel 3 is one that i would like to try but it's geting the barrrstarrrd here from the toxic USA.

[Floyddroid]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpJYwrQvmP4&t=309s

£510 via Amazon Gaz