[Capunk]

Hi,
I have a few questions regarding to headphone amp,
since I'm new to the audiophiles stuff, etc.

Currently I have "Yamaha Natural Sound Stereo Amplifier", I know it's not designed for Headphone amp purposes, but it does have headphone jack, and I've been using it for some times, currently I connect it to my PC + Y cable for splitting to two output (one for amp and one for speakers).

- Does by adding USB DAC (alien USB dac), and connect it to the yamaha amp, will significantly improve the sound quality?

- Does original headphone amps (like Corda Move, or Hornet, etc) is relatively different than my current amp? do the original headphone amp will perform better? Do I need to change my amp?

- Cabling, since I will split the output jack from my soundcard into two output (amp + speakers), does it reduce the sound quality? does premium cable is required?

Thanks!

 

[Capunk]

bump

need help plz

 

[Bootleg]

1. Maybe a little bit
2. Yes!
3. No!

 

[Capunk]

Thanks for the response =)
but I need more explanation, is there any newb guide to DAC/Headphone amp?

 

[warrior05]

A lot of the answers you're seeking depend on the headphones you are or plan on using. As you start to get into the mid-fi and above kit, an amp is beneficial in most cases. The problem with built-in headphone amps - in most cases - is that they are an after thought. Not much attention is paid to them by the manufacturer. But with the headphones you have it might be fine to stick with the hp out on your Yamaha.

All that being said, a nice way to get into headphone amps is the Corda Move since it has a built-in DAC. You can feed it from a USB port on your computer and bypass your soundcard altogether. That way you don't have to worry about splitting your signal out anymore.

 

[Happy Camper]

The better the dac, the better the sound. This will depend on your file quality. The dac is the main hardware in digital sound. Even a cheap dedicated dac will sound better than most soundcards on commercial computers. It is what takes the 1s and 0s and designs the music. The better the quality, the more complete the music. Another issue for sq is your file. A compressed, low kbit file will not sound as good as a lossless file, even with better equipment.

An amp will benefit the larger drivers of full sized cans. Iems and buds won't benefit as much. The power to the drivers will control the movement. A weak amp will sound unfocused and boomy because of an undampened driver. The better the power, the cleaner the sound. So a good power supply in the amp makes it what it is.

If you want to feed your speaker rig and hps, a combo with a pre line out will be your best bet. Otherwise you will be feeding your signal thru the hp amp. This will degrade the sq.

Recommend you buy seperates for the best sound, combo for convenience/price. I have no experience with combos, but from reviews, the amps of most combos are adequate. Again, the tradeoff, unless you put some serious money into a true hi end combo. If you stay with your current rig, you have to power your speaker amp to listen to your hps.

If you are splitting signals, don't worry about cables. Get well made cables as opposed to more expensive cables. Exotic cables on low to mid fi equipment don't benefit the same as hi end components do. Usually a step up from entry level cables are good enough. Because you are near your computer, get shielded cables. There is all kinds of rf/emi noise around them.

Do not take this as gospel, this is my understanding of it. Others can give you their view as well.

 

[mofonyx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capunk /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for the response =) but I need more explanation, is there any newb guide to DAC/Headphone amp?

When I was a newb (still am), I wondered if there was any resource out there to aid my amp choice and DAC understanding. There isn't a definitive thread much to my surprise, and I read as much as I could around the forums.

I was quite lucky to have met someone who heavily influence how I look into everything audio. All advice regarding audiophilia, I talk to him about it.

Find a friend

I can be your friend, but I have limited internet access right now.

 

[Capunk]

Heaps thanks for the input =)
this definitely clear my mind.

Right now, I'm awaiting my Denon D2000 arrived anytime soon.
So basically I'm preparing everything beforehand.

Thanks everyone =)

 

[jilgiljongiljing]

If you havent already purchased the Alien Dac, I would recommend investing on something like the EMU 0404, or the Corda Move, a DAC/AMP combo that has been tested and proven to work with most headphones.

Between the two I would go for the 0404 since you say you have a speaker rig as well, you can run balanced RCA out from the EMU to your YAM amp and then to the speakers. You can do away with Y cables.

 

[tjohnusa]

I also have a old cr-something or another I use in my bedroom system and find the hiss out of the headphone jack a bother. First off if you are listening to a standard on board sound card you are hurting yourself there. If you aren't ripping your cd's with at least 256k you are also losing there. You might get better sound with a DAC but you may also benifit by getting a decent DAP (digital audio player) instead. If cash is short look at getting a Ipod shuffle and a cmoy amp to start. Currently Apple has a refurbished 1 gig shuffle for $49 or a 2 gig nano for $99 and a cmoy off of ebay should be had for under $35. Good luck

 

[Bootleg]

Yes!

 

[Capunk]

cmoy?
I got ipod 4th generation (ipod photo), and the only thing I know is iMod?
and right now I'm planning to buy Corda Move,
so is this a good step?

PS. my soundcard -> Audigy 2 ZS (Paxx modded, Audigy 4 soft-mod)

 

[epaludo]

Yes it is. The move got some very good reviews around here. It may increase your system sound quality for sure.
You'll need a ipod dock cable for connect your ipod to the amp though. Are you aware of this ... ?

 

[Toby M]

I used to have an old stereo Yamaha Natural Sound amp and I think it did alright with headphones. It was fairly bassy though, perhaps too much for D2000's. I don't know if yours is the same model, but if you're interested I can test out my D2000's with it on the weekend and compare it to my Firestone headphone amp. Its a Yamaha Natural Sound A-700.

The Audigy 2 must die

. I thought mine sounded okay till I got a decent DAC. Also look at the Fubar II (or even Fubar III, it's a Fubar II with built in headphone amp) at www.firestone-audio.com. They're well priced and a particularly good deal for Australians since shipping is relatively cheap and they're readily available.

 

[Bootleg]