[kriswalden]

(Edit: Crap, I think I posted in the wrong thread)
 
So, I'm sure this has been touched on before, but I haven't found anything that quite answers my question. Please bear with the following.
 
I use my HD558s for mostly gaming (some music and video watching now and then). I'm planning on buying a pair of HD518s (was considering 439s, but I can get the 518s for the same price) for my sister. We want to listen to games simultaneously while commenting over a microphone; needless to say, we don't want to use my speakers so the audio doesn't bleed in to the mic.
 
My question, are there any amps/dacs/combos that drive TWO headphones simultaneously that work well with a computer, don't cost a fortune (less than $100 USD if possible), and have a very classy look (no fancy colors or LEDs).

The only options I've found so far that might fit my needs are the Sound Blaster E5 (not sure if the E1 will be enough?), ART Pro Audio HeadAmp 4, Behringer Microamp Ha400, and Rolls HA43PRO. Personally, I find the last 3 a bit ugly, but if they do the job, I'll survive.
 
Should I have a DAC combined with any of the last 3 amps? I only have the onboard audio from my Z77 Sabertooth powering the 558s at the moment, and I can't even use 50% volume or it will destroy my ear drums.


TLDR: I need a simple solution (aside from a y splitter) to power two headphones simultaneously. Something with its own volume control is preferred, due to the fact that we are going to be primarily gaming, and not having to mess with system volume would be fantastic, and something that's not massive and costs less than $100 USD if possible.
 
Thanks!

 

[kriswalden]

Bump.

 

[ContractorHei]

I actually did this with a sibling when we wanted to watch a movie with two headphones. We had two Dragonflys as a source, but you can probably use your onboard chip with separate outputs (should be an option in Realtek). Use this awesome piece of software and map it accordingly. Setup might be a lil tricky at first, so if you have any questions feel free to ask.

 

[Music Alchemist]

I use the Creative Sound Blaster E1 DAC/amp. Should be fine with most headphones. I got mine used for barely over $20! Really great value, though it's normally $50.

 

[PaganDL]

Hi kriswalden,
 
If you're looking for a cost effective value for money head amp with multiple headphone channel outputs I recommend looking at some pro audio gear. It is a bit over your budget but for the price & value you're not going to get anything with your requirements in mind which will beat this.
 
One I can recommend highly as I have this & use it on a regular basis is the Presonus HP4. Links are provided below for your info & perusal.
 
http://www.presonus.com/products/HP4
 
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/284949-REG/PreSonus_HP4_HP4_4_Channel_Headphone.html
 
Ridiculously powerful for what it is as well as the ability to add speakers as an option or through the same input stack & connect multiple HP4 together for as many people you like to share your audio experience with.
 
If you have any questions on this or anything similar I'd be happy to help answer.
 
Hope this helps & have a great day !