[angle_sh00ter]

I am thinking about getting something like this: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/6-3mm-1-4-INC...item19bb2d8a40

The reason is because I want to be able to have 2 headphones connected to my amp at the same time to make it easier for me to compare them without having to fuss around with taking 1 out and then putting the other back in. My question is whether something like this will degrade the sound in any way?

 

[Aeneas]

Quote:

Originally Posted by angle_sh00ter /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am thinking about getting something like this: 6.3mm 1/4 INCH HEADPHONES AUDIO ADAPTER / SPLITTER - eBay, Audio Cables, Cables Connectors, Computing. (end time 02-May-10 01:39:31 AEST) The reason is because I want to be able to have 2 headphones connected to my amp at the same time to make it easier for me to compare them without having to fuss around with taking 1 out and then putting the other back in. My question is whether something like this will degrade the sound in any way?

Very likely yes, I believe - but the extent is debateable, also taking into account the headphones.

Some amps or whatever come with multiple headphone sockets for this reason.

 

[angle_sh00ter]

Yeah unfortunately my amp has only 1 output socket.

 

[plonter]

maybe when both connected to the splitter the degredation will be equal in both so you can still compare between them, at least that's what my logical thinking tells me

 

[Mehve]

Considering, that your standard TRS-plugged headphone shares a ground between the L and R channels already, I wouldn't expect a splitter to be a deal-breaker. And most amps with multiple plugs are simply incorporating the equivalent of a splitter behind their front panel. Just make sure that the amp is up to the task of properly powering both headphones at the same time.

 

[joomongj]

I have some Grado Y splitters I've been using for a few months now. I haven't noticed any degradation in SQ albeit in loudness I have w/ higher impedance phones. ymmv.

 

[audiofil]

There are no massive degradation or problems to speak of. SO, for convenience a splitter is just fine.

For critical listening, not really!
Putting 2 headphones in parallel creates this situation:
- both headphones will get the same amount of voltage
- each headphone will draw a specific amount of current from the amplifier (in relation to it's impedance)
- the amplifier itself will actually see them as ONE headphone with much lower impedance and higher current demand

Also, if you connect 2 cans with different impedance and sensitivity values they will sound very different in loudness as well. The more sensitive one will be louder than the other one.