[thisismiller]

First of all, yes I read all of the posts in the "Using full size integrated amp" thread. I would still like specific help pertaining to my set up.

A few months ago I finally upgraded my audio system to better reflect my love of music. I focused mainly on getting a 2 channel speaker setup that I can use with my computer and my PS3. Here is the gear that I now own:

- Cambridge Audio DAC Magic
- NAD C-315bee Integrated Amp
- PSB Alpha B1 bookshelf speakers
- Grado SR60i

My sources are both optical connections (macbook pro, ps3).

Unfortunately, it just so happened that a couple weeks later I no longer lived on my own. Now I share living space with two other people. Even worse, us three will be moving to a new place soon and my bedroom wall is shared with a neighbor.

Queue my heavy interest in quality headphone gear...

I just ordered myself some Denon D5000's after a lot of reading on here (so thanks to every member who has ever posted on a thread commenting about these HP's).



Now that you have the background information, here is my question...

Will there be a significant difference in sound quality if I buy a dedicated headphone amp (such as a Creek OBH-11) versus using the headphone output on my integrated amplifier? Is it worth it?

To be honest, I'm unsure if I even hear a difference when connecting my sr60's straight into my source rather than through my new expensive gear

.

 

[Menisk]

I've found my NAD to be okay for low impedance stuff and it wasn't horrible with high impedance loads. I think you'd be okay driving Denons from your NAD. Just have a listen to a headphone amp if you've got a chance and see if the difference is worth it do you. The NAD certainly isn't bad.

 

[plaidplatypus]

I had a NAD pre and was disappointed. My old Creek 5350SE was great with my audio-technica ATH-A900LTD, not quite as clear as my HeadAmp but very commendable for an integrated amp.

 

[thisismiller]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Menisk /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've found my NAD to be okay for low impedance stuff and it wasn't horrible with high impedance loads. I think you'd be okay driving Denons from your NAD. Just have a listen to a headphone amp if you've got a chance and see if the difference is worth it do you. The NAD certainly isn't bad.

Thanks Menisk. You basically have the same setup as me! Did you notice a difference with your Darkvoice THA332 from the NAD HP out?

 

[Headdie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by thisismiller /img/forum/go_quote.gif First of all, yes I read all of the posts in the "Using full size integrated amp" thread.

One year after the full size thread, many tests and experiments later, I'd say stick with your NAD. You should also read the top 10 lies thread. Based on my experience, there's much more to expect from DSP (see the 5.1 surround thread), than from tubes/amplifiers.

 

[thisismiller]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Headdie /img/forum/go_quote.gif One year after the full size thread, many tests and experiments later, I'd say stick with your NAD. You should also read the top 10 lies thread. Based on my experience, there's much more to expect from DSP (see the 5.1 surround thread), than from tubes/amplifiers.

Is someone trying to tell me there is no need for a $300-500 dedicated headphone amp?

thank you

 

[Headdie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by thisismiller /img/forum/go_quote.gif Is someone trying to tell me there is no need for a $300-500 dedicated headphone amp?

Someone is trying to tell you that:

1. Tubes and amplifiers are just tubes and amplifiers
2. There's a lot of fun to have with DSP
3. He would keep the $300-500 for better headphones

IMHO

 

[Menisk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by thisismiller /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks Menisk. You basically have the same setup as me! Did you notice a difference with your Darkvoice THA332 from the NAD HP out?

I certainly did notice a difference and I preferred the Darkvoice. It gave the music more power and made it more fun. The NAD's headphone out was still not bad in comparison, but the Darkvoice did sound more warm and powerful. It's not a stock Darkvoice either, it's got better tubes so that probably pulled it ahead a bit.

Basically, if you stick with using your NAD you won't be disappointed but at some point when you've got some cash I'd think about getting a decent headphone amp. However I wouldn't buy one until you've listened to it and know if it makes a difference to your headphones. As I said earlier it drives low impedance cans well and you'll probably find it'll do nicely for your Denons.

 

[sunneebear]

I have a 3020 bought in the 80's and I still love it. I listened to a cousins C320BEE and liked it too so I bought a the updated C325BEE. The 3020 and C325BEE I have to truly say that a dedicated HP amp will have a hard time beating. The C325 can be bought for around $350. Not many dedicated HP amps at that price will beat it but lately some coming from China are sounding very good.

 

[pp312]

Exactly. A good quality integrated has every chance of matching most mid-priced dedicateds, the top-price dedicateds are a pure indulgence for the very wealthy or super-enthusiastic, and if your curiousity gets the better of you and you MUST hear what a dedicated can do, get one of the (quite elaborate) Chinese models on Ebay. I currenly have a Chinese Muse dac/amp, but I can't honestly say that it sounds any better than my Yamaha stereo receiver, plus the receiver has tone control for those really unlistenable archival recordings.

I haven't heard the 325BEE but I owned a 320BEE for a while and it drove my Senn 650s just fine.