amplification for headphone-only scenario

[Jordan]

Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech (More info?)

I am begining to build my first entry hi-fi setup; however, due to
monetary and isolation concerns, I am opting for the moment for
high-quality headphones over a speaker system. Components will include
SACD and DVD-A players (even though headphones are not exactly
conducive to multi-channel audio) and I want to maximize the
additional resolution and transparency that these formats can offer.

My dillema is in deciding - on a very limited budget (about $1000) -
how to best incorperate amplification. I was origonally looking at
integrated amplifiers, but I do not need the power output of most
integrated amps, and even the most entry level amplifiers of any
quality are tough on my wallet. I am currently looking at dedicated
headphone amplifiers (eg the Creek OBH21se) but wonder if this gives
me enough control. Do I also need a pre-amp or can I go straight from
the player to the amp to the phones? Should I consider a passive
preamp with the headphones amp so that I have more control without
killing my budget? I am not looking for *specific components* (which
is why I have not detailed my current equiptment) but would like to
know how I can get the most bang-for buck headphone-only amplification
for around $800 - $1000.

Thanks.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech (More info?)

Most current preamps are line-level and offer only input switching,
volume and balance controls, in addition to a little gain on the
active ones. There is nothing significant to be gained in your
application by using one instead of or in addition to a decent
headphone amp. Your setup could consist of a universal player, a
headphone amp and the phones. It's a start. Save your money for a
multichannel preamp/system bye and bye.

Kal

On 13 Jun 2004 15:41:49 -0700, jordan_sherman@hotmail.com (Jordan)
wrote:

>I am begining to build my first entry hi-fi setup; however, due to
>monetary and isolation concerns, I am opting for the moment for
>high-quality headphones over a speaker system. Components will include
>SACD and DVD-A players (even though headphones are not exactly
>conducive to multi-channel audio) and I want to maximize the
>additional resolution and transparency that these formats can offer.
>
>My dillema is in deciding - on a very limited budget (about $1000) -
>how to best incorperate amplification. I was origonally looking at
>integrated amplifiers, but I do not need the power output of most
>integrated amps, and even the most entry level amplifiers of any
>quality are tough on my wallet. I am currently looking at dedicated
>headphone amplifiers (eg the Creek OBH21se) but wonder if this gives
>me enough control. Do I also need a pre-amp or can I go straight from
>the player to the amp to the phones? Should I consider a passive
>preamp with the headphones amp so that I have more control without
>killing my budget? I am not looking for *specific components* (which
>is why I have not detailed my current equiptment) but would like to
>know how I can get the most bang-for buck headphone-only amplification
>for around $800 - $1000.
>
>Thanks.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech (More info?)

Many poor audiphiles do just this since building a top quality
sounding system with headphones can be MUCH cheaper than doing it
with speakers.

In a sense, a headpone amp is basically a preamp with a more
robust output. In fact, some headphone amps are configured to be
usable as preamps as well.

If you haven't already checked them out, the following sites will
provide you with more information on the subject than you can
read in an afternoon 🙂

http/www.head-fi.org
http/headwize.com

- Jeff


Jordan wrote:
>
> I am begining to build my first entry hi-fi setup; however, due to
> monetary and isolation concerns, I am opting for the moment for
> high-quality headphones over a speaker system. Components will include
> SACD and DVD-A players (even though headphones are not exactly
> conducive to multi-channel audio) and I want to maximize the
> additional resolution and transparency that these formats can offer.
>
> My dillema is in deciding - on a very limited budget (about $1000) -
> how to best incorperate amplification. I was origonally looking at
> integrated amplifiers, but I do not need the power output of most
> integrated amps, and even the most entry level amplifiers of any
> quality are tough on my wallet. I am currently looking at dedicated
> headphone amplifiers (eg the Creek OBH21se) but wonder if this gives
> me enough control. Do I also need a pre-amp or can I go straight from
> the player to the amp to the phones? Should I consider a passive
> preamp with the headphones amp so that I have more control without
> killing my budget? I am not looking for *specific components* (which
> is why I have not detailed my current equiptment) but would like to
> know how I can get the most bang-for buck headphone-only amplification
> for around $800 - $1000.
>
> Thanks.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech (More info?)

Jordan <jordan_sherman@hotmail.com> wrote:

>I am begining to build my first entry hi-fi setup; however, due to
>monetary and isolation concerns, I am opting for the moment for
>high-quality headphones over a speaker system. Components will include
>SACD and DVD-A players (even though headphones are not exactly
>conducive to multi-channel audio) and I want to maximize the
>additional resolution and transparency that these formats can offer.

How's this?

Adcom SLC-505 passive pre-amp
Benchmark DAC-1
Pioneer DV-563A multi-format player

I have all three and can recommend them all.

--
Len Moskowitz PDAudio, Binaural Mics, Cables, DPA, M-Audio
Core Sound http/www.stealthmicrophones.com
Teaneck, New Jersey USA http/www.core-sound.com
moskowit@core-sound.com Tel: 201-801-0812, FAX: 201-801-0912

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech (More info?)

On 14 Jun 2004 18:15:26 -0400, moskowit@panix.com (Len Moskowitz)
wrote:

>How's this?
>
>Adcom SLC-505 passive pre-amp
>Benchmark DAC-1
>Pioneer DV-563A multi-format player
>
>I have all three and can recommend them all.

I know but why does he need the Adcom?

Kal

 

[Jordan]

Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech (More info?)

for those of you who are interested, I have decided on a package by
acousticsounds.com included the highly rated musical fidelity x-can v3
headphone tube-amp as well as sennheiser HD650's plus an audio quest
interconnect all for about $870.

I have also raised my budget to $1500 (over $1000) so I have decided
to aduition Panasonic's DV47-Ai, which lists at $1200, but can be
found street for a little over $500. Thanks to all for your
suggestions/ input. Your comments have saved me a good deal of money!

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech (More info?)

Kalman Rubinson <kr4@nyu.edu> wrote:

>>How's this?
>>
>>Adcom SLC-505 passive pre-amp
>>Benchmark DAC-1
>>Pioneer DV-563A multi-format player
>>
>>I have all three and can recommend them all.
>
>I know but why does he need the Adcom?

You're right. I was thinking of analog inputs and driving an amp.

--
Len Moskowitz PDAudio, Binaural Mics, Cables, DPA, M-Audio
Core Sound http/www.stealthmicrophones.com
Teaneck, New Jersey USA http/www.core-sound.com
moskowit@core-sound.com Tel: 201-801-0812, FAX: 201-801-0912