Imyourzero
Headphoneus Supremus
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Sorry, I probably had a bad choice of words there. I don't think it's cheap by any means, but compared to the hi-fi amps available that cost several hundred or even several thousands of dollars that some people on this site use, then yes the Bithead is comparatively inexpensive. I was also taking into account that it would be a bit less expensive if it didn't have the built-in sound card.
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The only problem I have with asking Headroom is that there's always the worry that you will be told what you want to hear in order to sell a product. I have no idea whether the Headroom crew is guilty of this or not, and I'd like to imagine that they aren't, but it frequently happens in business. Please forgive me if I'm a bit hesitant to go to them with my questions. There are some people in this world with great integrity that will tell you the honest truth even if it means you might pass on their product, but I have no idea whether or not the staff at Headroom displays that same level of professionalism and candor.
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I can see where battery power would be cleaner. It's just that many of the amps that are NOT in the starter/beginner category do not use batteries--they use AC adapters or wall warts. Since it's pretty common to see the higher-end amps use AC power, I suppose I made an assumption that AC power was needed for the higher quality sound. I suppose the reality of the matter is that batteries wouldn't be as practical on the "made for home" headphone amps, perhaps due to issues with battery life and the inconvenience of having to change them (it's much less of an issue/hassle with a portable amp). Or perhaps the reason for the widespread use of wall warts/power cords on the more expensive amps is because it's a much easier way to supply the needed voltage...for example it's easier to get 24v from an Elpac power supply than to cram 24v worth of batteries into an amp housing. I don't know, I'm just trying to take stabs at the truth...
Originally Posted by commando Imyourzero, I have a few comments, but you should be asking Headroom these questions I think. |
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Originally Posted by commando You're calling the bithead cheap? At $200 I don't call it cheap. |
Sorry, I probably had a bad choice of words there. I don't think it's cheap by any means, but compared to the hi-fi amps available that cost several hundred or even several thousands of dollars that some people on this site use, then yes the Bithead is comparatively inexpensive. I was also taking into account that it would be a bit less expensive if it didn't have the built-in sound card.
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Originally Posted by commando I've never heard it, but I wish i'd gotten the total bithead when I first got into headphones instead of messing around with all sorts of sources and amps. The question is really will it power the headphones you want to drive, which headroom can probably answer. |
The only problem I have with asking Headroom is that there's always the worry that you will be told what you want to hear in order to sell a product. I have no idea whether the Headroom crew is guilty of this or not, and I'd like to imagine that they aren't, but it frequently happens in business. Please forgive me if I'm a bit hesitant to go to them with my questions. There are some people in this world with great integrity that will tell you the honest truth even if it means you might pass on their product, but I have no idea whether or not the staff at Headroom displays that same level of professionalism and candor.
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Originally Posted by commando As I understand it, battery power is very clean and generally superior to regulated AC power. Short peak loads required are easily supplied by batteries, and it doesn't need regulation (or at least doesn't need much). |
I can see where battery power would be cleaner. It's just that many of the amps that are NOT in the starter/beginner category do not use batteries--they use AC adapters or wall warts. Since it's pretty common to see the higher-end amps use AC power, I suppose I made an assumption that AC power was needed for the higher quality sound. I suppose the reality of the matter is that batteries wouldn't be as practical on the "made for home" headphone amps, perhaps due to issues with battery life and the inconvenience of having to change them (it's much less of an issue/hassle with a portable amp). Or perhaps the reason for the widespread use of wall warts/power cords on the more expensive amps is because it's a much easier way to supply the needed voltage...for example it's easier to get 24v from an Elpac power supply than to cram 24v worth of batteries into an amp housing. I don't know, I'm just trying to take stabs at the truth...