Headphone amps

slingshot · 29-08-2003, 2:47 PM

Anyone recommend a good, cheap headphone amp, decided I need to dig my phones out to stop annoying the neighbours, used to be OK cause my Arcam Alpha power amp had a headphone socket however the new P85 doesn't.

Cheers

Slingshot

slingshot · 29-08-2003, 2:48 PM

Actually might invest in some nice new phones aswell to replace my ageing HD480's.

**alexs2** · 29-08-2003, 2:53 PM

The Creek headphone amps are very good value ( www.creekaudio.co.uk ) and there are 2 models,the OBH21,and the SE model.....both very good little amps.
If you wanted something a lot better,then the Earmax ( http://www.audiophileclub.co.uk/earmax.html ) is superb(I can vouch for that personally) and also the Headroom amps from the US are superb.

NicolasB · 30-08-2003, 9:44 AM

Depends what you mean by "cheap". Rega do a fairly low-priced one, and of course there's the Fidelity X-Cans V2.

slingshot · 01-09-2003, 9:59 AM

Does anyone with x-cans now if using a splitter they will drive 2 sets of cans ?

The creek one has 2 inputs I noticed.

Cheers

**alexs2** · 01-09-2003, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by slingshot
Does anyone with x-cans now if using a splitter they will drive 2 sets of cans ?

The creek one has 2 inputs I noticed.

Cheers

For that sort of purpose,I'd say the Creek is probably a better choice,esp the SE model.
For sheer quality(but only for one set of 'phones) the Earmax is pretty much unbeatable...not only to my ears,but in a number of comparative reviews Vs the Naim and X-cans etc,it comes out way ahead....for value though,the Creek is excellent.

NicolasB · 01-09-2003, 11:12 AM

If you're seriously considering an Earmax then you should also check out the "Solo" from Graham Slee Projects. Note that either is ~£400, so it might not meet your definition of "cheap".

Nic Rhodes · 01-09-2003, 11:49 AM

some good historical threads on this as well.

What about a second hand pre / integrated?

Anmyone heard the new Musical Fidelity yet, v3? looks nice

Mr.D · 01-09-2003, 11:58 AM

The Xcan V2 can normally be found on ebay for not a lot of cash.
They can also be fiddled with quite abit to improve sound quality: check out the thread in DIY.

slingshot · 01-09-2003, 12:04 PM

Found them new for 109 quid, which sounded pretty reasonable, however I wanted 2 sets of phones aswell!

Also looked at the project headbox which has lots of inputs/outputs and 2 volume controls, haven't heard anyhting about them though and I guess it's a comprmoise with all those switches etc.

Saw the Graham Slee ones, and it's a bit outside my price just for occasional nighttime use.

Cheers

Slingshot

(saw the DIY thread on modifying the X-cans and may be tempted if I can find the bits)

**Garrett** · 03-09-2003, 8:59 AM

You may not need to buy an amp, if you have a recording device that has a phone socket just send the signal to it (in some cases the record button in pause status may be needed) and you can alter the volume by ether the input levels or better still the phone levels.

slingshot · 03-09-2003, 9:00 AM

Nope, no recording device at all ! My tape deck died and was crap anyway and there's now't worth connecting up a video or PVR for.

**Garrett** · 03-09-2003, 9:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by slingshot
Nope, no recording device at all ! My tape deck died and was crap anyway and there's now't worth connecting up a video or PVR for.

That’s blown my next suggestion as I was going to say the video.

16-09-2003, 2:22 PM

Have a look at the new Musical Fidelity headphone amp, which is ow in its third version. As if the looks aren't enough its perfrmance is unrivalled!

NicolasB · 16-09-2003, 5:24 PM

Quote:

its perfrmance is unrivalled

(loud cough)
Unrivalled at that price level perhaps, but even that's a matter of opinion.

**alexs2** · 17-09-2003, 6:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Uncle Dicky
Have a look at the new Musical Fidelity headphone amp, which is ow in its third version. As if the looks aren't enough its perfrmance is unrivalled!

Not sure what you base that on,Dicky,especially when you have things like the Earmax Pro,and if you really want to go for it,the Headroom Max and Blockhead.....I'm afraid the sound quality of all of those makes the MF look a little less competitive....they are of course a bit more expensive,and the Earmax's looks are not to die for.

Mr.D · 19-09-2003, 12:03 PM

Stick some alternative valves in your Xcans easy to do and a big improvement .
Now to replace the caps mwahahhahhahhaa!

16-09-2003, 2:22 PM	#14
Uncle Dicky Guest Posts: n/a	Have a look at the new Musical Fidelity headphone amp, which is ow in its third version. As if the looks aren't enough its perfrmance is unrivalled!
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