Headphone Amp

Discussion in 'Hi-Fi and General Audio' started by hifipete, Jul 22, 2011.

  1. hifipete

    hifipete

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    I am looking at purchasing a set of headphone as I don't want to upset my neighbours and the family during early hours nightime listening.

    Can people please explain why a headphone amp is used separately rather than using the connection on the main amplifier.

    Many thanks.
     
    hifipete, Jul 22, 2011
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  2. hifipete

    nando nando

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    from what source?
     
    nando, Jul 23, 2011
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  3. hifipete

    Neil

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    If you are happy with the sound from the headphone out socket on your amplifier (or indeed your source if it has one) then there is no need for a separate headphone amplifier. However, if you want to hear what headphones from say Grado 125/Senn580/Beyer 880 and above can deliver then a dedicated headphone amplifier is well worth investing in. Again it is usually worth paying about the same as your 'phones to hear "the best". I've not been impressed by the lower end of the headphone amp market.
     
    Neil, Jul 23, 2011
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  4. hifipete

    nando nando

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    some lower priced headphone amps are super but the issue comes as to what headphones you use as to loading impedance, based in ohms, grado are difficult to drive, sennheierser are not as fuzzy,
     
    nando, Jul 23, 2011
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  5. hifipete

    hifipete

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    The Naim amp doesn't have a headphone socket. I have checked the Rega Apollo as well. No socket.

    Does that mean I would have to buy a sepearate headphone amp ?
     
    hifipete, Jul 23, 2011
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  6. hifipete

    RobHolt Moderator

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    Hi Pete,

    Yes it does, unless you want to start fiddling with attenuators and unplugging the speaker, or using switchboxes.

    Have a look at something like the MF-VCAN.
    Inexpensive and well specified. It will run from any line out.
     
    RobHolt, Jul 23, 2011
    #6
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