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Using speaker amp for headphones?

post #1 of 4
1/24/12 at 6:27pm
Thread Starter 

     So, I've got a Mac 4100 Reciever at home hooked up to a Music Fidelity DAC , with a Conrad Johnson pv5 tube pre-amp attached.  Recently I decided to try out my Sony Mdr-v6 headphones with the headphone out on the reciever.  

The sound certainly sounded better and a little warmer(which was needed).  I have many questions about this setup.

  

    First of all and most importantly, will this setup possibly damage my headphones or cause strain overtime? I am getting a new pair of Ultrasones with 32 ohm rating, will the amp damage these? 

   

     Next I am wondering what you think is causing the improvement.  I guessing it is all factors combined.  I don't use a DAC just from my normal computer, and it is dedicated to the speakers.  

 

     Finally, will a dedicated (relatively cheap) headphone amp sound better than the MAC 4100

 

After listening to this amp, I think I will get an amp or dac/amp for my other sources.  I think I have asked enough questions here though :D 

 

Thank you, this is a wonderful community

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post #2 of 4
1/25/12 at 3:25pm

Your receiver amp should not damage your headphones.  I have listened to my TEAC headphone out for many years and have had no issues.

 

As for your perceived improvement it could simply be a different sound signature due to different frequency response of the amp section in your receiver vs your 4100.  It could also be a factor of getting enough power to your headphones to properly control the drivers.  Your receiver may be doing a better job at that.  The typical Class D amps in most receivers will function well and are chosen to save power so they run cooler than the Class A amps you see in headphone amplifiers.  Rest assured that your Ultrasone headphones will be just fine while you listen via your receiver.

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post #3 of 4
1/30/12 at 5:58pm
Thread Starter 

     Thank you very much for the quick response!  I've been reading up on it a little, and some say headphone amps are simply better because they are dedicated, so I might upgrade soon. :D Sorry to start a new thread, but the others didn't quite answer my questions.

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post #4 of 4
1/31/12 at 12:50pm

Just because someone or something advertises as being better does not mean that it is.  I always test what I purchase against what I already have.  How else would you know it is better?

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