Headphone amplifier

[Hammie]

Okay, I'm looking at getting some headphones after Christmas (if I don't get a pair as a gift). My question is who uses headphone amplifiers and which ones are you using.

I will mostly be using them with my laptop for late night listening.

I think I've decided on the Denon AH-D2000. I was originally thinking the Sennheiser HD650's but I've seen a few reviewers say they liked these better than the 650's.

[Blu Warrior]

I've been using the Musical Fidelity V-Can headphone amp and love it. When I first got it I started off with listening to recordings I know very well and that I've heard on various systems/headphones and it was like hearing the song for the first time.
http://www.musicdirect.com/product/84137

[ZIPPO]

I use a Grado RA-1(battery powered) to drive a pair of Grado RS1's. If I were using another brand of headphones, I'd opt for a Creek OBH-11/OBH-21 or the V-CAN for bang for the buck choice. Dream amps would be: Benchmark DAC-1 or this ( http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=VIKHV1 ).

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MFVCAN
http://www.audioadvisor.com/products.asp?dept=43
http://goodcans.com/HeadphoneStore/i...=index&cPath=3
http://www.ttvj.com/index.php?main_p...ort=20a&page=1

[Hammie]

Thanks for the information, but since I'm just hooking up to a laptop, I'm not sure I was expecting those prices. A couple of those are more than the headphones themselves.

[Johnny Vinyl]

I'll be following this thread with interest, so thanks for starting it up Lou! My very old set of Sony cans have had it. The volume control is crackling and it's driving me insane. I wouldn't mind getting a decent pair around $150, and maybe later a seperate amp.....

John

[ZIPPO]

This site might prove helpful: http://www.goodcans.com/ .

http://www.goodcans.com/HeadphoneRev...oneAmp101.html

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by ZIPPO

This site might prove helpful: http://www.goodcans.com/ .

Thanks for that ZIPPO! It'll help a good deal in my search!

John

[bluRazor]

i was just thinging about getting the hd-595's myself & was wondering if they needed an amp. then i read some reviews about the sound leak & am no longer sure thats what im going to get. will be watching this thread...

[blindcat87]

Here is another good site to check out on this topic:

http://headroom.headphone.com/

I am seriously considering trying out their $99 battery powered amp as a sort of starter into the world of better headphone sound. I am currently using the least expensive Sennheiser earbuds from them. I was using some Sennheiser in ear headphones, the CX 400s I think, but the in ear thing wasn't working well for my small ears, which is too bad because they really do sound better than the earbud model I am using now. Anyway, check out the site and I hope there is some info helpful to you there.

Chris

[BRu-LAy]

I've been using the Boostaroo Revolution HD. It's portable and gets decent amplification. The only thing is it takes the unusual AAAA batteries

[SumSuperman]

I've never owned a pair of headphones (besides ones that came with a Walkman or iPod) so I don't know too much about them. For Christmas I'm getting a pair of Sennheiser HD-555 headphones. I'll be connecting them to my Pioneer VSX-21. Would I benefit from a headphone amplifier, or will my receiver be sufficient? I don't plan on using them with any other connection.

[Hammie]

Originally Posted by SumSuperman

I've never owned a pair of headphones (besides ones that came with a Walkman or iPod) so I don't know too much about them. For Christmas I'm getting a pair of Sennheiser HD-555 headphones. I'll be connecting them to my Pioneer VSX-21. Would I benefit from a headphone amplifier, or will my receiver be sufficient? I don't plan on using them with any other connection.

I've read receivers are typically okay in regards to sufficiently powering them. Since I will be using them with my laptop, I heard it is touch and go and most times the higher end headphones will need an amp.

I'll let others chime in with more details.

[Halcro 1]

Ray Samules Audio ... I use a Hornet with my Archos 5 works awesome nice and portable ....will work great with a laptop....http://www.raysamuelsaudio.com/#

[ZIPPO]

I plan on giving one of these a try, once it's out: http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...n=%20Flyer_10B

$99
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The DTA-100 utilizes the Tripath TK2050 chipset that provides 50W continuous power per channel (100W total) into an 8 ohm load. Class T amplifiers offer the audio fidelity of a Class AB amplifier while providing the power efficiency of a Class D. The unit features a convenient front-mounted 3.5 mm stereo input for quick connection of iPods, MP3 players, and other portable audio devices. A rear mounted RCA type line level input is also provided for permanent connection of larger devices such as CD players. Speaker output connections utilize high current banana plug receptacles that are spaced on 3/4" centers and are compatible with standard double banana plug connectors (sold separately). High quality screw-on banana plugs that will accept 10~18 AWG wire are included. The DTA-100 also doubles as a high fidelity headphone amplifier that will drive any headphone easily and delivers colossal sound stage and effortless dynamic range. The 1/4" stereo jack allows connection of larger home and studio style headphones. An adapter is also provided so smaller 3.5 mm personnel style headphones can be used. It comes complete with a world compatible power supply and all adaptors needed to get connected.


*50W per channel continuous into an 8 ohm load
*Audiophile quality sound with less than 0.01% THD @ 30W
*1/4" headphone jack so unit can be used as a high fidelity headphone amplifier
*Front-mounted 3.5 mm input for quick connection of portable audio devices
*Compact extruded aluminum housing with thick black anodized faceplate
*Rear mounted RCA type input for permanent connection of larger audio devices
*Short circuit, thermal and overload protection
*World compatible 24 VDC switch mode power supply included

[blu_world]

i'm using a pair of Sennheiser HD 555 & using SRS Audio Sandbox for your pc that is audio enhancement software,Check it out & google it,works pretty nice without an amp

[Suntory_Times]

Originally Posted by Hammie

Thanks for the information, but since I'm just hooking up to a laptop, I'm not sure I was expecting those prices. A couple of those are more than the headphones themselves.

You need a good source as well, otherwise a headphone amp is overkill.

The amps I use are a balanced beta22 and a balanced mini3, that bieng said both would be overkill for your needs and generally run for $1500 [at least] and $450 respectively. I would be looking at an ibasso d2 boa, which is both a descent dac and amp that goes for around $150 from memory.

It however comes down to how much you are willing to spend, do you have a budget in mind? I would also ignore reviews as very few are all that usefull in my opinion.

[Headphone Czar]

Those headphones need more power then a portable amp.. I'd get a GD 'fun' for 300 or so.. It has a quality headphone section plus a good dac.. Very convient, especially for computers.

[slickooz]

Yeah I'm also looking for an portable amp. I was on Head-Fi and found some very nice portable amps. Some ranging from 60-500. You should go over there and check it out. I might buy the Arrow by Headstage, it cost 250 but read many good reviews.

[Johnny Vinyl]

I just bought a pair of Shure SRH840's and am loving them so far. The reviews were really good on them, so I took the plunge, although it was more than I had orginally intended to spend. I only use them on my Desktop PC and sometimes my Laptop, so I figured they'd be good enough. I paid $200CDN for them.

I don't want to go crazy or anything (price-wise), but I would be interested in getting a Headphone Amp or a DAC/Headphone Amp. Any suggestions on the lower end of the price scale?

John

PS~ I assure you I am not cheap, but for the amount of time I use them I don't want something stratospheric in price.

[Suntory_Times]

Originally Posted by John72953

I just bought a pair of Shure SRH840's and am loving them so far. The reviews were really good on them, so I took the plunge, although it was more than I had orginally intended to spend. I only use them on my Desktop PC and sometimes my Laptop, so I figured they'd be good enough. I paid $200CDN for them.

I don't want to go crazy or anything (price-wise), but I would be interested in getting a Headphone Amp or a DAC/Headphone Amp. Any suggestions on the lower end of the price scale?

John

PS~ I assure you I am not cheap, but for the amount of time I use them I don't want something stratospheric in price.

Ibaso d2 boa. I honestly can't recommend this product enough given it's modest price point.