Headphone amp with two inputs

[pcf]

Hi,

I am looking for some advice here-

I listen to my music at work using my ipod classic 160g with either a pair of Sennheiser HD650 or Grado RS80 vis a JDS Labs cMoy Bass Boost v2.00.

I am looking to upgrade my headphone amp soon. My problem is that I'm an animator and need to listen to dialog or music beat a lot of the time at work. The rest of the time I like to listen to my ipod. At the moment I switch headphones all the time- either using the Sennheiser or Grado for my music; or a pair of Sony MDR V6 for my dialog. It would be nice to have an amp that has two inputs or I can switch source rather that switching headphones!

The Shanling ph300 has got two analog inputs and has some good reviews.(I am interested in it partly because it's a tube amp.)
I don't know if there are others.
Another thing I can do is to get a Dac/amp and something like a itransport to take the digital signal out of my ipod and use the analog input for work.

I am thinking about spending between $400 to $1000.

I guess my Benchmark DAC1 will do the job but that is being used as my main cd source at home and I would like to have another amp that I can keep at work. ideally something cheaper than the DAC1.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

-Paul

 

[Zorander]

The Graham Slee Solo sports two sets of RCA input jacks. An input switch allows you to toggle between either input. However, if you are looking for an amp that mixes all analog signals coming into the amp, you need to look elsewhere.

Cheers!

 

[pcf]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zorander /img/forum/go_quote.gif The Graham Slee Solo sports two sets of RCA input jacks. An input switch allows you to toggle between either input. However, if you are looking for an amp that mixes all analog signals coming into the amp, you need to look elsewhere. Cheers!

Thanks for the great reply!

I don't want to mix the analog signals at all- one input is for work and the other one is for pleasure.

I will look into the Graham Slee Solo. They sell it at MusicDirect, don't they?

Do you know how it performs compare to Benchmark Dac1 as a headphone amp? the Benchmark is my headphone amp at home as well as being the dac for my main system.

Thanks!

-Paul

 

[FallenAngel]

Why don't you just buy a good amp and use RCA splitters?

 

[Zorander]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pcf /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for the great reply! I don't want to mix the analog signals at all- one input is for work and the other one is for pleasure. I will look into the Graham Slee Solo. They sell it at MusicDirect, don't they? Do you know how it performs compare to Benchmark Dac1 as a headphone amp? the Benchmark is my headphone amp at home as well as being the dac for my main system. Thanks! -Paul

I have not heard the DAC1 to be able to compare it to the Solo. The Solo, as many fellow owners will vouch, is a superb amp that is greatly resolving and honest, with control on the lower frequencies such that bass comes out alive, all the while taking up so little space on your desktop. Dynamics is said to be top-notch too.

I have owned mine for 2 years now and have no plans to replace it. I'm completely satisfied with its sonics and its small footprint is a boon for my small desktop space. I admit I have toyed with the idea of a balanced amp but their generally large footprint and investment cost mean this will not be happening anytime soon.

Cheers!

 

[Uncle Erik]

Use an A/B switch/input selector with the amp you like. You can get a decent one for $20 at Radio Shack. Might not have audiophile street cred, but it works.

 

[pcf]

I am reading all the posts about the Solo right now...

Hi FallenAngel,
will RCA splitters affect sound quality?
Are there any good ones that you would recommend that won't?

Thanks!

-Paul

 

[FallenAngel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pcf /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am reading all the posts about the Solo right now... Hi FallenAngel, will RCA splitters affect sound quality? Are there any good ones that you would recommend that won't? Thanks! -Paul

I don't think they will affect sound quality enough to warrant buying an amp simply because it has multiple inputs.

As Uncle Eric suggests, a source selector is also an option.

 

[pcf]

Thanks for all your inputs!

I am planning to buy an extra amp for listening to music at work anyway whehter it has two inputs or not.

I will try the splitter or a source selector for now and look for a new amp at the same time. I find myself listening to music through my cmoy at work a lot more than listening to my main system at home (PC or a Meridian 500 transport / Benchmark DAC1 to Senn HD650 or Tube Technology pre/mono blocks/Proac D25). That's why I am looking to buy another amp. The Graham Slee Solo does sound interesting. I was reading all the comments about that amp last night and also the new MF x can. They both happen to be British amps. I just wondering if it is cheaper to buy them in England? (I need to do some research.) I will be in London for Christmas so maybe I can pick something up if they are indeed cheaper (or if I can wait that long?)

Thanks again!

-Paul

 

[silverrain]

The HeadRoom Desktop amp has two switch-able inputs -- I use mine all the time like that -- takes 1 second to switch input source used.

It also has two differnet-sized headphone jacks, 1/4 and 1/8, for maximum headphone versatility.

Also has other switch-able features, too.

 

[pcf]

Took Uncle Erik's advice and picked up a souce selector along with some mini2RCA leads from Radioshack on my way to work.
I'm now listening to my ipod via line out to RCA to the switcher and it sounds ok. I did do an A/B on with or without the switcher-the different is there but acceptable and it will do for now.
The Headroom desktop amp seems to have endless upgrade options and can go over the budget for me. If it goes near or over $1000 I would like to know that it would compare well with my Benchmark DAC1 which is in the same price category.
I am taking notes on all the suggestions though. It would be great if I had a chance to listen to different amps and make a choice that way but it seems everything is sold online rather than through a brick and motar store. I lived in London for a long time and always enjoyed auditioning different equipments before I parted with my hard-earned cash.
I know I can always sell something if I don't like it but I never sell anything. Over the years I learned to control the up grade bug really well and am still using the same amplication and cd transport I bought over ten years ago. The only two things I bought within that time was the DAC1 and I replaced my old Monitor Audio speakers with a pair of used Proc D25. The monitor audios are still with me but are relegated to the AV system. I can see myself using the D25 for years to come. I worked out I actually spent a lot less money on this hobby than a lot of my hi fi friends.
Sorry for going off topic and I will carry on researching and learning about different headphone amps.

Happy listening!

-Paul

 

[sunneebear]

Nuforce has the Icon which a tiny intergrated chip amp that has three inputs. USB, RCA and 3.5 stereo. Its 12 watt power amp is great for desk top use also. The headphone amp section sounds pretty good too. All that for $250. $200 for the silver.

 

[pcf]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunneebear /img/forum/go_quote.gif Nuforce has the Icon which a tiny intergrated chip amp that has three inputs. USB, RCA and 3.5 stereo. Its 12 watt power amp is great for desk top use also. The headphone amp section sounds pretty good too. All that for $250. $200 for the silver.

I just read the 6moons review of the Nuforce Icon. It is impressive that they could pack so much into it for the price. Is it a giant killer like Oppo or a well designed cross over product? My first thought was that it would be perfect for my desktop computer at home-add a pair of small speakers and you have got everything. Since I'm looking for an headphone amp only this might not be the answer for me but it looks like a great product.

-Paul

 

[Dominat0r]

My Headroom Millett has 2 analog inputs.

 

[warpdriver]

You could always get a better quality switcher like a QED IX20

The Headroom Micro Amp has two line inputs and I find the amp superb.

I have a Nuforce Icon and it works fine for its price.