benstat
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Headphone Amp?
Do any of you use a separate headphone amp, or do you just plug your headphones straight into the audio interface? Thinking of buying some decent, expensive headphones for mixing (Sennheiser HD600 or HD650) and I want to know if I really need a headphone amp to make the most of them?
Thanks!
My DAW: Intel i5, Cakewalk UA-1G, Win7 64 bit, SONAR X1a Producer 64 bit
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ohhey
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Re:Headphone Amp?
2010/12/09 11:36:19
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benstat
Do any of you use a separate headphone amp, or do you just plug your headphones straight into the audio interface? Thinking of buying some decent, expensive headphones for mixing (Sennheiser HD600 or HD650) and I want to know if I really need a headphone amp to make the most of them?
Thanks!
Yes, you will hear a difference. You need to get an amp. If you have a sound card with balanced outputs get one with balanced inputs, that will give you the lowest possible noise floor. I needed a volume control for my active monitors so I got this box to solve both problems in one shot. http://www.amazon.com/SM-...eadphone/dp/B00113LUTA The only thing I don't like about it is the "pop" when you plug the headphones in. Gerrr... way to ruin an otherwise perfect product SM... 
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benstat
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Re:Headphone Amp?
2010/12/09 16:55:58
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Thanks. That seems to be the general opinion. I only need something for headphones though so I'll need to look around a bit more. It's so confusing for a newbie like me! Thanks again.
My DAW: Intel i5, Cakewalk UA-1G, Win7 64 bit, SONAR X1a Producer 64 bit
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The Maillard Reaction
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Re:Headphone Amp?
2010/12/09 17:47:58
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ON my MOTU units, if I just need a headphone for me I use the headphone out... it's fine.
If I have guests I use the MOTUs analog outputs and use on of a few multi channel headphone amps that I have.
I have friends that really enjoy listening to music on headphones and they enjoy very fancy dedicated hi-fi headphone amps... and they seem to really like them.
I'd say if you have an interest in something fancy... then have fun!!!
best regards,
mike
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ohhey
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Re:Headphone Amp?
2010/12/10 00:55:01
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benstat
Thanks. That seems to be the general opinion. I only need something for headphones though so I'll need to look around a bit more. It's so confusing for a newbie like me! Thanks again.
I just noticed what interface you have and it does have a headphone jack on it, might be worth a try before you spend any more money. But a good headphone amp is always a good investment.
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batsbrew
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Re:Headphone Amp?
2010/12/13 17:42:43
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a stereo component amplifier, or reciever, is fine to use as a headphone amp.
i prefer to use my yamaha natural sound amplifier, because of it's tone, versus my Hafler power amp.
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johnnyV
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Re:Headphone Amp?
2010/12/13 18:39:36
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It depends on the interface. My Tascam has a good loud output but my M Audio is wimpy so I run it to a mixer. Any mixer or an old Hi Fi system will work as a headphone amp. Only need I see for a special headphone amps is for live bands so you can control individual levels. We use a dogs breakfast of mixers and Hi Fi's when recording our band, I used to have a 4 channel headphone amp made by Tascam that was 4 inputs per channel.
What would be cool is the new CAT5 systems they give you a custom multi track mix at each station.
Sonar X3e Studio - Waiting for Professional Scarlett 6i6Yamaha Gear= 01v - NSM 10 - DTX 400 - MG82cx Roland Gear= A 49- GR 50 - TR 505 - Boss pedalsTascam Gear= DR 40 - US1641 -Mackie Gear= Mix 8 - SRM 350's i5 Z97 3.2GHZ quad 16 Gig RAM W 8.1 home buildTaylor mini GS - G& L Tribute Tele - 72 Fender Princeton - TC BH 250 - Mooer and Outlaw Pedals Korg 05/RW
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Shadow of The Wind
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Re:Headphone Amp?
2010/12/14 01:05:04
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I have this litte thing: http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/AMP800.aspx You probably get what you pay for. You have 2 balanced stero inputs and 4 outputs. I mainly bought it because my audio interfaces only have 1 headphone output, and the volume is not always sufficient. I cannot complain about the sound quality. Wilko
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winesfrt
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Re:Headphone Amp?
2010/12/15 02:17:20
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Considered when you arrive. the seller has a great reputation and feedback shows many people have bought e5, and I am satisfied. its 600 dollars. can not go wrong with a man. even if its fake. nothing to lose!
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batsbrew
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Re:Headphone Amp?
2010/12/15 11:19:10
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spindlebox
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Re:Headphone Amp?
2010/12/16 20:25:06
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I use this: http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHHA4700 I don't do any critical listening through it, but it works great for tracking! The price is right too. If I DO do any critical listening, I just plug directly into my Focusrite audio interface.
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Guitarhacker
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Re:Headphone Amp?
2010/12/16 21:17:23
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Saffire interface output to JVC stereo amp.... speakers off. Great headphone amp.
My website & music: www.herbhartley.com MC4/5/6/X1e.c, on a Custom DAW Focusrite Firewire Saffire Interface BMI/NSAI "Just as the blade chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer "
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Cactus Music
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Re:Headphone Amp?
2010/12/16 22:40:29
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I never throw out old Hi Fi Stereo systems just for that reason. Daisy chain them together with Tape in/out and you can feed a 10 piece band nice and loud. Each player has volume and tone control. You can get real creative and send two mixes-left and right.
post edited by Cactus Music - 2010/12/16 22:42:38
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