[ctechdx]

Hello my friends...

i´m not sure if i´m posting at the right place... (sorry if not).

I would like to build a headphone amplifier. I´m looking on the internet to get more information, but I found only huge lists of diy amplifiers and i´m lost! lol I really need some tips and suggestions to find the right project for my needs.

I´m a mixing engineer... I do work with my speakers but I like to check my mixes on the headphones. I usually use in ear phones sennheiser and want to buy a Unique Melody Miracle. I´m pluging my phones straight to my RME board... it doesnt sound bad, but it´s a bit harsh to me. I´m not an amplifier expert but I did use some better amplifiers and I know some of them has a more smooth sound and thats what I´m looking for. Something smoother, vibrant... with a more exciting sound... maybe a tube amplifier will give me that sound, I don´t know. 

I really need some suggestions and what kind of sound I can get from each amplifier. 

Hope to get some tips...

thanks a lot  

 

[lin0003]

What headphones are you using? 

 

[ctechdx]

  What headphones are you using? 

I´m using the sennheiser IE80, and I have plans to buy the Unique Melody Miracle. 
 
Thanks,

 

[lin0003]

The iBasso P5 is the best portable amp for IEMs I have heard, it is well worth a look. 

 

[ctechdx]

Thanks, I gonna take a look... but do you suggest any DIY headphone amp? Do you know how IEMs sounds on tube amps? Could it be a good match?
 
Thanks,

 

[lin0003]

  Thanks, I gonna take a look... but do you suggest any DIY headphone amp? Do you know how IEMs sounds on tube amps? Could it be a good match?
 
Thanks,

Haven't tried any tube amps for IEMs. 

 

[jodgey4]

I wouldn't recommend tubes for professional work. The O2 is a classic choice for a transparent amp.

 

[ctechdx]

  I wouldn't recommend tubes for professional work. The O2 is a classic choice for a transparent amp.

 
Thanks Jodgey4... I found the O2 DIY project. Do you recomend DIY amps? Can I get good results with them? Thanks

 

[jodgey4]

You can find them already made from JDS Labs and Mayflower. The O2 is a very well respected amp! Another option in that price range might include the Schiit Magni 2.

 

[Armaegis]

Some of us don't like the O2... but that's neither here nor there.
 
Cheapish tube amp DIY
http://www.garage1217.com/index.html
I'm not sure which one would be best for iems... maybe Starlight.
 
There's also the Starving Student Hybrid
http://www.beezar.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=45_38&products_id=105
 
That's all I can think of at the moment.