Quote:
Originally Posted by
psychohistory 
Related question: Is it ok to use an amp *normally* used to power bookshelf speakers (to drive the HD650s)? The amp in question is an Arcam A38. I realize an amp like this isn't portable, I'm only concerned about quality. Thanks!
(Sorry I have no suggestions for OPs question...I'm new to this. If I can't use a normal amp, then I'm in the same boat as OP!)
ph,
No reason why you can't use the Arcam A38 to power your headphones. It has a built-in headphone jack and in it's specs it says headphones between 8 and 2K ohms are supported. If I were still interested in having a conventional audio system in my room, I would probably be buying an integrated amp that has a headphone output. But I'm moving to a strictly desktop system now, so I don't really need the power amp portion of an integrated amp as I'm not going to have speakers in my room. Also, since my music source is a Mac mini, I also need a DAC on my desktop, hence my interest in the NuForce, Headroom and Burson.
I have no idea regarding the sound quality of the headphone output from the Arcam. It is probably perfectly acceptable at a minimum and it may even be very good. The only issue I see is that it may require an extension cable for your headphones if you amp is located far away from the location where you want to sit for headphone listening.
