2. misc-audio
  3. 1030033386

Need help connecting headph. amp to cdp or preamp

My current set-up inludes a Linn Genki, Kairn pre and LK140 power amp. When I connect my RA-1 headphone amp to the Genki's regular outputs I get bad distortion through my Sennheiser HD-580s. The distortion goes away when I use the variable outputs on the Genki (which I believe are designed to accommodate users who want to run the Genki through a power amp without a pre). The only problem with this is how low the volume gets, which leads me to suspect something's not quite right.

One suggestion I received was that the output voltage of the Genki might be overloading the RA-1, and that I might want to connect it to the tape out my preamp. Would this work? How would I avoid sound coming out of my speakers -- shut off the power amp?

I'd love to hear from anyone who has a similar set-up. In particular:

1. If you connect the headphone amp to the CDP, what outputs do you use?

2. Does it make any sense to connect the headphone amp to the preamp or to the power amp, or is that redundant. If you can do this, what's the best way to hook it all up?

Thanks.
kdl6769
phild
603 posts
 
I use the Grado with Senn HD600...the combo is fine. The direct out from my CD is good, but your's may be higher voltage...check with Linn.

If you hook it to the tape monitor, you should be able to turn down the volume on the preamp...it should bypass the volume control.
jbweaver
33 posts
 
I run my Stax headphone amp on the tape out from the preamp. The headphone amp has a passthrough to the tape deck. Therefore, this doesn't interfere within anything else and doesn't require hooking and unhooking cables frequently. My preamp has a mute so I can shut off the signal to the amp but still listen to the headphones. Reducing the volume or shutting off the amps also works. Best of luck.
kdl6769 OP
23 posts
 
I tried connecting the headphone amp to the tape out on my pre, but still no luck. I have checked and rechecked the connections and they are fine.

My CDP is connected to the direct outs on the preamp. The headphone amp is connected to the tape outs. The phones have always worked fine with the RA-1, so it's not that. I just can't get any sound and am about ready for the ball peen hammer solution. Is there something I'm missing? What should the "mode" setting on the preamp be? CD? Tape? I tried both to no avail. I am at a complete loss.

Thanks.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
I suspect that there is a impedance mismatch with your line components.
Try to go to any local dealer to plug them into the different preamps and see what's cookin' there.
More to discover