2. headphones
  3. 194107-181179

Dedicated headphone amp vs Headphone socket on amp

As I am fairly new to the whole headphones world. What is the general consensus in regards to superior sq for headphones,  running from an external dac (aavik d-180) to a dedicated headphone amp (no dac) or the headphone socket on a fairly decent int amp (Rega Aethos). I have tried the headphones (sony mdr-f1) from the dac to a small ifi zen can in comparison to directly into the headphone socket of the Aethos and it is a total mismatch. With the latter beating the pulp out of the former. Now, what would happen in a similar matchup with a more expensive headphone amp with a price capped at $400-$500?...In general, is it even worth considering a headphone amp at this price level with the already proficient quality of the headphone socket in the Rega Aethos keenly in mind? . 

sagur80
mahgister's avatar
mahgister
13,502 posts
 

Happy Easter to ghdprentice too always a good adviser for all ....

 

@mahgister "...The most difficult  factor to get from an headphone is a natural timbre..." I agree. 

For me the thing that completely changed the game actually moved all the headphones way closer to natural timbre and power was the headphone amp. Suddenly the Focal Utopia, Sennheiser 800 and others sounded much more  alike than different. And so much like my main system in overall presentation, tonal balance, power, and satisfaction. Obviously there remained specific sonic location differences, but they just don’t seem important anymore. 

 

mahgister's avatar
mahgister
13,502 posts
 

Happy Easter to all!

Christ resurrection is a thing we must meditate...

I wish you all if you are not diabetic a chocolate rabbitt ( a small one for the grown children for sure )

ghdprentice
7,754 posts
 

Happy Easter @mahgister smiley yes

audibleguy
164 posts
 

In my opinion after having and using both stand alone headphone amps that are tube based and solid state based, there is more bang for the buck in doing so vs. using the headphone jack on audio equipment. You get more air, dynamics, detail, separation, etc. I am using all types of headphones, dynamic, planar, electrostatic, etc.

mahgister's avatar
mahgister
13,502 posts
 

In my opinion after having and using both stand alone headphone amps that are tube based and solid state based, there is more bang for the buck in doing so vs. using the headphone jack on audio equipment. You get more air, dynamics, detail, separation, etc. I am using all types of headphones, dynamic, planar, electrostatic, etc.

 

I confirm this and more...

As i said i bought one of the best tube headphone ever designed to replace my Sansui Alpha Headphone out (one of the best Sansui design) as in a so called "upgrade" 1 year ago...

With the top non linear supply  which go with this tube headphone amp the noise level was lower with this upgrade (no need to say the name here)

but it takes 15 minutes (he was used and sold as break in already by the designer) for me to decide i must sent it back...

No comparison even with a way better lower noise floor... ( i lost naturalness of timbre,and holography and out of the head impression )

Yes my AKG K340 is picky...

But a top S.S. amplifier from the golden era, especially a Sansui alpha, with a good headphone out is hard to upgrade in most case...

 

 

More to discover