[asciutto]

Looking to get my first headphone amp. I'm having a hard time finding an amp that has a pre-out for powered speakers (Airmotiv 4s) and an output selector on the front.

I like the Micca Origen+ because it fulfills all my requirements, but there seem to be very polarized opinions about it. It's either incredibly capable and a great deal or a terrible amp that is worse than the built in DAC/amp in the computer. (Side question: If I can get one for $55 is it worth it then?)

I was set on getting the Schiit Magni 2 Uber but found out that when headphones are plugged in the pre-out shuts off. Not the end of the world, but annoying to have to unplug my headphones to use speakers. A switch would be much preferred!

I looked at the Fiio E09k as well and I think it outputs to both pre-out and headphone simultaneously? If that is the case, that's an OK alternative. At the very least I can just flip the Airmotiv's on/off with the power switch on the back.

The Monoprice Dac/Amp is intriguing too. It seems to be a decent alternative with the same features of the Fiio just with an internal DAC.

There isn't a set budget, but around the price range of the amps I listed above would be ideal. If a strong case can be made for spending ~$200 I'll consider it, but I'm not driving any high-impedance headphones at the moment so more power isn't necessarily a priority. (Philip X2/27 and on occasion Sennheiser HD439)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Muinarc]

  Looking to get my first headphone amp. I'm having a hard time finding an amp that has a pre-out for powered speakers (Airmotiv 4s) and an output selector on the front.

I like the Micca Origen+ because it fulfills all my requirements, but there seem to be very polarized opinions about it. It's either incredibly capable and a great deal or a terrible amp that is worse than the built in DAC/amp in the computer. (Side question: If I can get one for $55 is it worth it then?)

I was set on getting the Schiit Magni 2 Uber but found out that when headphones are plugged in the pre-out shuts off. Not the end of the world, but annoying to have to unplug my headphones to use speakers. A switch would be much preferred!

I looked at the Fiio E09k as well and I think it outputs to both pre-out and headphone simultaneously? If that is the case, that's an OK alternative. At the very least I can just flip the Airmotiv's on/off with the power switch on the back.

The Monoprice Dac/Amp is intriguing too. It seems to be a decent alternative with the same features of the Fiio just with an internal DAC.

There isn't a set budget, but around the price range of the amps I listed above would be ideal. If a strong case can be made for spending ~$200 I'll consider it, but I'm not driving any high-impedance headphones at the moment so more power isn't necessarily a priority. (Philip X2/27 and on occasion Sennheiser HD439)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 
I think there are amps with line-outs that are active all the time out there, and all you do to "switch" is turn the volume control all the way down (the line-outs shouldn't be affected by the amp's volume control). I think you can tweak the Garage1217 amps to behave like this. You can email Jeremy and he'll clarify, he's a good guy.
 
What you are looking for is a Line-out, and not a Pre-out. A pre-out will be volume controlled so you'll have to remove the headphones. If you want it always active and at full voltage, that's a line-out. Then all you'd have to do is lower volume knob and you will have "switched" to the line-out.

 

[asciutto]

I appreciate the reply! 
 
I would like a pre-out and not a line-out because I want the volume knob to control the level of the powered speakers as well. That's why I'm drawn to the Micca Origen+. It allows me output to both with the flip of a switch and control the volume of both devices. I'm hesitant to purchase it though, because the reviews are across the board.
 
I trust the more authoritative reviewers that say it is truly a poor amp/DAC, but I do know that hearing is in part subjective and I do not have any exposure to what a nice amp sounds like. From my perspective I'm not even sure I could tell. All that to say, if there was a more well received amp (or amp & dac) that has those desired features I would absolutely jump on it.
 
Thanks!

 

[Muinarc]

Well in that case I'd look at the Garage1217 amps I mentioned. From the website: "Pre-amp output so it can double as a volume controlled preamplifier". On one specific model, the Ember II states: "Line out disconnect for the pre-outs when headphones are plugged in (can be changed easily via two solder jumpers)" and they can probably disable it for you when you order it so maybe the Polaris can do it too(?).
 
The Polaris would push your budget though. I'll see if I can think of any others in your Magni 2 Uber (also a great entry-amp) price range that fit the bill.

 

[ld100]

  I appreciate the reply! 
 
I would like a pre-out and not a line-out because I want the volume knob to control the level of the powered speakers as well. That's why I'm drawn to the Micca Origen+. It allows me output to both with the flip of a switch and control the volume of both devices. I'm hesitant to purchase it though, because the reviews are across the board.
 
I trust the more authoritative reviewers that say it is truly a poor amp/DAC, but I do know that hearing is in part subjective and I do not have any exposure to what a nice amp sounds like. From my perspective I'm not even sure I could tell. All that to say, if there was a more well received amp (or amp & dac) that has those desired features I would absolutely jump on it.
 
Thanks!

 
I purchased Micca last week and returned it already. 
 
1. Shipped without micro USB. Cable is 20 bucks at Radio Shack. Emailed Amazon and Micca distributor with no reply. I do suspect that they probably will ship the cable without letting me know... Puzzled as why they would even ship it that way as on Micca distributors page it now says that some units from Amazon miss USB cable. If you do know that it is missing why you shipping it without the cable. Whoever is in charge there is a fool! Good way to build confidence in your product with your new customers...
 
2. Build is awesome! But...
 
3. Sound is worse than my Dragon Fly Black. Significantly...
 
4. One channel is louder than the other. I checked with multiple sources and headphones. Sometimes it goes away after unplugging, but 8 out 10 times it is noticeable. There is a an issue with balance.
 
Long story short if it would sound good I would love it, but it does not. At least I expected more. I would not recommend getting it... I am searching for an AMP/Dac for headphones and powered monitors with toggle switch as you. Micca is not it...

 

[Razornova]

Looking for the same thing myself, but it seems like there aren't any options with these features AND respectable sound quality untill you hit the 200-400 range (Fostex HP A4, Aune S6 etc). Pity they removed the variable line out feature with the new revision of Aune X1, the X1S

 

[ProtegeManiac]

Looking for the same thing myself, but it seems like there aren't any options with these features AND respectable sound quality untill you hit the 200-400 range (Fostex HP A4, Aune S6 etc). Pity they removed the variable line out feature with the new revision of Aune X1, the X1S

 
AudioGD NFB-11, $350