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Is using a Home Theater Receiver a good idea?

post #1 of 6
12/29/11 at 9:56pm
Thread Starter 

So, here's the deal, I have a Nu Force uDAC2-HP that I use for the computer and CDs, but I am a huge vinyl fan, and I have a home theater setup.  The vinyl player is just hooked up to the receiver, a Pioneer VSX-518 from a few years ago, and I turn the speakers off, set it to Pure Stereo, and plug my headphones into the headphone jack.  What would be the benefits to getting a dedicated headphone amp here, if any?

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post #2 of 6
12/29/11 at 11:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by tribestros View Post
So, here's the deal, I have a Nu Force uDAC2-HP that I use for the computer and CDs, but I am a huge vinyl fan, and I have a home theater setup.  The vinyl player is just hooked up to the receiver, a Pioneer VSX-518 from a few years ago, and I turn the speakers off, set it to Pure Stereo, and plug my headphones into the headphone jack.  What would be the benefits to getting a dedicated headphone amp here, if any?

That's a fairly low cost receiver.

What headphones are you using?

Having you any idea on how much your willing to spend on a headphone amplifier?

I'm sure a $250 Schiit Asgard external headphone amplifier would drive headphones better then the Pioneer.
 

 

 

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post #3 of 6
12/30/11 at 2:22am

I was recently given a pair of 428HD Sennheiser cans. I use my Yamaha RX-V465 105watts per channel to  drive my cans and they are breakin

in well. I am researching Amp/Dac's to compliment the Yahama HT receiver myself. An amp will benefit your setup and mine.

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post #4 of 6
12/30/11 at 6:36am
Thread Starter 

Well yeah, it's a low-end receiver, I didn't need anything fancy.  But it's a 500-watt receiver with low THD that powers my B&Ws well, I figure it can power my headphones.

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post #5 of 6
12/30/11 at 7:15am

Plug the headphones in and take a listen .... how does it sound?

 

Does it sound good or does it sound like it could sound better with something else? Only you and your ears can make that distinction.

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post #6 of 6
12/30/11 at 9:46am

I have a Denon AVR 2801 and (for right now) a 6 year old PocketAmp.  For home use, I listen to CDs on an Arcam 72T and vinyl on a Music Hall MMF5 (when I have a working stylus).

 

I have compared running my new AKG K702s straight through the Denon's headphone out versus running a cable from the headphone out to the PocketAmp and them plugging the headphones into the PocketAmp.

 

Even on this $60 portable device, you can notice significant improvement in bass extension when running through the PocketAmp.

 

This is by no means a scientific test, but I figure, if a $60 portable device can show an improvement, imagine what a proper headphone amp can do.

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