headphone amplifier?
Mon, Sep 5 2011, 12:58AM
I listen exclusively through headphones (don't even own a pair
of speakers), and am looking to upgrade my 2-channel stereo
system. Current components include Onkyo
TX 8511 receiver (100 watts/channel), Sennheiser 595 phones, Marantz
CC4001 (5-cd changer), and Marantz VC6001 (5-dvd changer, for my opera
dvds).
I'm happy with my Marantz changers, but would like if possible to improve overall
sound quality/clarity/sensual appeal of the music by replacing receiver
and phones. I like the sound and comfort of the Sennheiser 595's, so my first
impulse is to invest in Senn. 650's. I was also considering the Marantz
PM8004 amplifier, but am starting to wonder if money would be better
spent on a headphone amp instead. My problem is that I know absolutely
nothing about them.
A couple of specific concerns:
1. I'm old enough to have a little
arthritis, so I really like having a remote for source switching and
volume control to save wear and tear on my knees in extended listening sessions. From what I've seen, it doesn't look like
headphone amps come with remote control. Can the headphone amp itself be
patched in between phones and receiver to allow volume and source
control with the receiver's remote? Or would that degrade the signal
quality?
2. I've heard that higher-end headphones can reveal TOO much detail, i.e., imperfections in recordings. I have a
number of early stereo performances (1954-1960) and love the richness of
the sound. My goal is to preserve or improve the illusion of reality, not puncture it!
Any and all advice from more knowledgeable folks would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!
Mon, Sep 5 2011, 7:59PM
#2
RE: headphone amplifier?
Over the years I've had several dealings with these people:
Service and products have been excellent. They've also responded to queries very promptly. Even if you don't buy off them you should spend some time going through their learning centre, it may answer some of your questions.
I don't believe you can set up the headphone amp to work from your main amp's remote, but ask them. As for showing up flaws on old recordings, good headphones are very analytical and you may discover things you'd sooner not hear. Personally, I don't like listening to mono recordings through them but within reason the ear does seem to adjust. There are very few stereo recordings I would rule out.
One helpful feature on many headphone amps is switchable circuitry that does a little judicious mixing of the signals from both channels to get rid of that 'cold nose' effect you get with many early stereo recordings.
I wouldn't do without a headphone amp. It was worth its weight in gold a year back when I'd just had surgery and had to move bedrooms for a couple of weeks. I ran my headphones via a headphone amp directly from an old cd player next to my bed. Sounded superb.
Wed, Sep 7 2011, 8:54PM
#3
RE: headphone amplifier?
Thanks to both for your suggestions.
Thu, Sep 8 2011, 5:07AM
#4
RE: headphone amplifier?
You can connect a headphone amplifier to a reciever headphone output jack,by using a 6.5 mm Stereo Plug to 2 RCA plugs connection adaptor cable. You get the remote control functionality, combined with low impedance output.
Sennheiser HD 600's are ideal for classical music imho.
I have HD 555's, HD 600, HD650, Grado SR 325is.
The HD 650 is fantastic in the mid range to my ear, slightly rolled off but exceptionally clear treble. I like the bass, some do not.
The Grado SR 325is, is the best I have heard for voices, usually, but it is slightly hot on the treble, good for dull recordings, very quick and deep bass response. Marvelous phone. The high treble can sound wrong on some recordings, rendering too bright, depending on your ear shape etc.
Waterfall plots I have seen indicate the 325 as the cleanest of any phone in the mid range, ahead of HD800 Sen+ Stax electrostatics the same plots have the HD 650 at cleanest Treble, ahead of the HD800+Stax electrostatic.
The HD 800 is slightly recessed in lower treble, to my ear, using a Lehman Black Tube headamp. The HD800 is very detailed, with soundstage similar but deeper than the HD 555/595 to my ears.
I use a Perreaux SXH2 headamp, perfect, and a Project headbox 2, which is a bit dodgy. However the Grado sounds good out of a Denon Home theatre amp h/phoneoutput.The Denon lays back the top end a little, no bad thing.
Fri, Sep 9 2011, 1:04PM
#5
RE: headphone amplifier?
Thank you, Sleepless. I've been puzzling and puzzling over the possibility of connecting a headphone amp to a receiver/integrated amp. I've gone ahead and ordered a Creek Evolution 2, but if I feel the urge to improve on that I now know how!
Hi jsblives,
Naim do a headphone amplifier. I also know a reputable dealer, who would be able to give you "sound" advice. (Vic used that one on me, I just could not resist!).
Signals are the dealer, they have been good to me.
http://www.signals.uk.com/
Best of luck.
AD.