Is there such a thing as a headphone power amp

[TommyTunes]

It appears to me that all headphone amps are basically integrated amps (i.e. combination preamp and amp). Wouldn't it make sense for one of the headphone companies to make a mini power amp designed to work off the outputs of a Pre-amp? It would eliminate the volume pot and perhaps a gain stage. Probably offer better sound and bring the cost down. If someone knows of one please let me know.

 

[Salt Peanuts]

I know Kuma, a member here, had a Gilmore Reference made by HeadAmp in such fashion. IIRC, there's another member here who has had all of his amps in such fashion, but his name escapes me.

Basically, you'd need to ask your amp builder if he/she would build your amp in such manner. Though I'm not sure if one would save all that much money.

EDIT - Probably the reason you don't see this as a standard practice is because a lot of us are using headphones for reasons that usually prevents us from having a speaker rig, or something that requires preamp.

 

[eVITAERC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TommyTunes It appears to me that all headphone amps are basically integrated amps (i.e. combination preamp and amp). Wouldn't it make sense for one of the headphone companies to make a mini power amp designed to work off the outputs of a Pre-amp? It would eliminate the volume pot and perhaps a gain stage. Probably offer better sound and bring the cost down. If someone knows of one please let me know.

Usually the volume pot position for listening to headphones is different for when listening to speakers (unless it happens by chance), so most headphone amps are actually designed to adjust your headphone volume independent from the rest of your rig. It is also not uncommon for headpohne amps to pull double duty as preamps.