Rupert Neve RNHP Precision Headphone Amplifier

[darylc]

@Timiambeing

RME ADI … I always thought it was a much better DAC than a headphone amp.

Yea RME do great DACs for the price but the amps are a bit clinical - great for studio work, not especially for listening

@Timiambeing

Judging form the posts in here I think I should be getting that and more from the Rupert Neve - it looks a lot of fun!

Yep, fantastic amp, personally I prefer it more for studio work and serious analytical listening.
Lake People G111 is my go to for pleasure. Bigger, wider and smoother than the RNHP but with the same amount of detail.

If you haven’t read it yet, this is a good read.

A Comparison between the Rupert Neve RNHP & Lake People G111

Before I get into the comparison, a little background information first. I’ve been a drummer for 18 years and bassist for 12. I have almost a complete full range of hearing (8 to 18.5 KHz last test). So in my testing, I used my Schiit Bifrost 2 and Soekris DAC1321 for testing. In my main setup I have the RNHP connected to the BF2. I did a majority of my listening with my HD650 (my reference), but I also listened with my Audeze LCD-X, Focal Clear, and ZMF Atticus. I listened to spotify premium …

E30 & RNHP is fine, but a tad crispy and lean for the RNHP imo. I currently have both my RNHP and G111 paired with a Geshelli Jnog which is a good step up from the E30 in my opinion. However with the RNHP a Schiit Bifrost 2 seems to be the magic pairing and I plan on getting that myself.

If you are solely listening to classical, the RNHP will be great for imaging and tone, however I feel you’d be missing out a little bit on stage width. A Jnog/J2 or BF2 would improve this though. That is if you like big soundstage? If your into intimate stuff then the RNHP is perfect along with the HD600’s

Headphones make the biggest difference in a chain though.

@Timiambeing

I chose the HD600’s originally because they were advised for classical, but they sometimes feel a little ‘light’ on impact, the bass is there but it don’t rumble. Maybe it shouldn’t?

I personally haven’t listened to HD600’s as I know there won’t be enough bass there for me. I have Focal Elegia’s which are close as a closed back, very enjoyable if a bit loose in the treble… more than enough bass but no rumble.

If you want more impact and bass, chase it and see if you prefer it. Honestly, just trying things and experimenting is a great part of the process and learning what you prefer.

I feel Focal Clears would be a perfect match, (a favourite with the RNHP here) for classical IF you like an intimate soundstage with great imaging. Obviously that’s a fair bit over your £500 mark so you could try the Focal Elex, seems to be considered a budget Clear and 95% there in terms of sound.

I’ve been listening to alot of classical today on Hifiman Arya’s with the G111 and it’s the best I’ve heard alot of it, absolutely huge. Korngold is pretty damn great on this.
The RNHP will not power Arya’s properly though, despite whatever anyone else says, they just seem a bit lean and “off” on the RNHP.