minya
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2002
- Posts
- 2,708
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- 14
Hello,
I'm curious about various entry-level headphone amps. Currently all I own is a Grado SR-80, but I plan to (someday... when I find the money) expand my collection. However, it seems if I go any higher than the SR-80s (and some say they require them) a headphone amp is needed. I'm not looking to break the bank (and I'm not a freakish audiophile - none of the music I listen to was recorded via analog means, and 95% of it is recorded directly to a computer, so I'm not too worried about things like "sound stage" and such), so I had a few ones in mind:
I also wanted to know what sort of a setup is commonly used with a headphone amp? Currently, to play CDs, I play them through my computer (w/ an Audigy soundcard) line-outed to a Technics SA-EX140 (junk, but it accomplishes its job as a computer amp/amp for my turntable), with my current pair of computer headphones (MDR-V600. Anyone want to buy a pair?) hooked up to it (soon to be SR-80s). If I were to use a headphone amp, would I place it between the headphones and the receiver? Or could I simply bypass the receiver altogether, and go line-out -> amp -> headphone?
That's about all I can think of right now. Any information is greatly appreciated.
- Chris
I'm curious about various entry-level headphone amps. Currently all I own is a Grado SR-80, but I plan to (someday... when I find the money) expand my collection. However, it seems if I go any higher than the SR-80s (and some say they require them) a headphone amp is needed. I'm not looking to break the bank (and I'm not a freakish audiophile - none of the music I listen to was recorded via analog means, and 95% of it is recorded directly to a computer, so I'm not too worried about things like "sound stage" and such), so I had a few ones in mind:
- The HeadRoom amps. The basic one, for only $120, appeals to my wallet. Is paying $200 for a "total" one worth it?
- The Porta Corda. Seems like it would have a very trustworthy crosstalk filter (but again, I honestly doubt I need this at all - I've never experienced the "bubble-head" feeling, and most of the music I listen to is recorded with prior stereo separation, with occasional intentional distortion of the stereo effect, so I don't think I'd use this).
- A CMoy amp (this seems like the best solution - starting with one of these and then later, if needed, upgrading to a mid-level amp from HeadRoom or something.). Only problem here is finding someone to buy it from - I'm a complete nitwit when it comes to electronics (soldering a modchip onto my Playstation 3 years ago is the extent of my DIY skill set), so I'd need to buy it from someone else. Especially since I don't need a crosstalk filter this seems like it would be the best way to go, so: if I ever want to buy one (I'm not in the market for an amp now, this is just a "for future reference" type of thing), is posting a "want to buy" ad in the marketplace forum a reasonable way of finding someone who would build me an amp?
I also wanted to know what sort of a setup is commonly used with a headphone amp? Currently, to play CDs, I play them through my computer (w/ an Audigy soundcard) line-outed to a Technics SA-EX140 (junk, but it accomplishes its job as a computer amp/amp for my turntable), with my current pair of computer headphones (MDR-V600. Anyone want to buy a pair?) hooked up to it (soon to be SR-80s). If I were to use a headphone amp, would I place it between the headphones and the receiver? Or could I simply bypass the receiver altogether, and go line-out -> amp -> headphone?
That's about all I can think of right now. Any information is greatly appreciated.
- Chris