Behringer mixers as headphone amps - opinions?

[Todo]

Ive read a few things about people using these as headphone amps.

There is the ub502:

http://www.behringer.com/UB502/index.cfm?lang=ENG

And the ub802:

http://www.behringer.com/UB802/index.cfm?lang=ENG


So how do these perform as a budget headphone amplifier?

Are they better than a cmoy?

 

[clemens]

Those cheap Behringers have a reputation for generating noise. From what I've heard, it's a problem not all units have, only some hiss, so testing the unit in question is mandatory.

In any case, I wonder why the headphone section in a 60-70 dollar device should be any better than a dedicated CMoy headphone amp at the same price point.

 

[BluesDaddy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by clemens In any case, I wonder why the headphone section in a 60-70 dollar device should be any better than a dedicated CMoy headphone amp at the same price point.

It's called the economics of scale. The parts for a CMOY, purchased in small or even single quantities, are far more expensive than what a company like Berhringer pays.

My suggestion? Listen to them yourself and if you like the way it sounds, buy it. Don't look to other's experience (or lack of) to tell you what to like.

 

[gaboo]

Better: buy one, open it, and post picures here. I'm sure people would be able to comment on the headphone circuit.

 

[bangraman]

Not sure about the new UB models, but the older MX models had a usable headphone out. Think of it like a multi-input CMOY with EQ.

 

[Radar]

Just tried this out and it sounds not bad to me, definitely better than the headphone out of my cd player. Of course there's only a 3 band EQ on the UB802, but the amp is surprisingly quiet as far as hiss is concerned on my unit.

 

[lucky]

Great thread. I've been using my UB802 as an amp for my HD555 when in my room. My laptop drives it fine, but I was curious to see if I could gain more volume through the mixer, and it works wonderfully.