[AlecEiffel]

I'm looking for recommendations for a headphone amp to use with Sennheiser HD650.
 
The main use for here would be with my ATH LP60, which I currently have just hooked up with some Audioengine A2 speakers.
 
The LP60 can go line level or phono, so I've not needed a pre-amp yet, but I was wondering if it would make sense to get something like a Bellari VP130, which looks like it can double as a phono pre-amp and headphone amp.
 
But I also need to know if something like that is powerful enough to drive the HD650s.
 
To summarize, my listening use cases are as follows:
 
1.  Need to set up headphones -> LP60
2.  Usually go directly into a MacBook laptop these days.
3.  May also be interested in building out that vinyl setup in the future.
 
Are there any obvious choices for what would complement my desires above?

 

[AlecEiffel]

Any thoughts?  I feel like this must be a common enough scenario.

 

[DrKC]

Well, I'll take a stab at it.  You didn't mention your price range.  This can be a limiting factor.  I may have this wrong, but it seems you want to hook your TT to something that can then connect to your speakers and provide a headphone jack.  I'm not clear on what you're doing with your computer.  I don't know if I would get too balled up with a phono preamp since your TT has one.
A headphone amp with preamp outs would provide a solution.  It would provide a line level input for your TT (some have more than one input), a volume control for both your speakers and your headphones.  I know some, but not all of the Schiit amps offer a preamp out.  There are other brands/models that do.  Prices vary a lot.  Your budget will probably set your options though.
Something to consider....