05-15-12: Tgrisham
I see no answers yet. I also love the Mod and wouldn't get rid of it. Depending on how much you want to spend I have several headphone amps and that may be the best way. You can have your cake and eat it too.
Tgrisham (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
05-15-12: Bryfinch
Thanks for the response. I have considered a separate headphone amp, but would like to keep the cost down. The other issue I have is that my DAC is the HRT Streamer II and it has only (1) output, so I need a new DAC or have to continuously disconnect the Streamer. What headphone amps in the below $500 range do you or could you recommend?
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05-15-12: Singleendedsingle
What about an amp/dac combo? Which headphone model you have?
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05-15-12: Sabocat59
Jim Nicholls just built me a combo headphone-speaker amp at 15 w per channel. Price: $625.
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05-16-12: Bryfinch
singleended, I have not yet purchased headphones, so I am just getting started. A headphone amp/ DAC combo has crossed my mind, but I am reluctant because it seems like DAC technology changes quickly, and I like the idea of being able to upgrade individual components. Do you have any suggestions below $500 that combine both and offer at least 24/96 through USB? Thanks.
Bryfinch (Threads | Answers | This Thread)
05-16-12: Bryfinch
Sabocat59. I am happy with my current amplifiers, so don't really need a new amp. Does Jim build a standalone headphone amp, and if so how do I reach him? Is yours tube or SS? Thanks.
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05-17-12: Cal3713
It doesn't have a source-switching remote, but a number of people recommended the Melos SHA-Gold as one of the best imaging pre-amps available, and it has a (supposedly great) headphone amp built in. Haven't heard it myself though...
www.stereophile
There's one available right now for $800:
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/melos-sha-gold-pre-amplifier-headphone-amp-for-grado
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05-22-12: Bryfinch
thanks for the responses, i have decided to stay with the Modwright and add a headphone amp in the future.
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05-26-12: Tgrisham
I worked up from the Little Dot (Chinese, ebay) to a Antique Sound Labs tube (demo directly from the company) and then built a Bottlehead tubed headphone amp. The Little Dot series are cheap but still well made. Your choice of amp will depend greatly on your headphones. I think you are wise to run from the Modwright to a separate headphone amp. In the long run you can use the amp with any system and tailor it to the phones you use at the time. Remember to have fun at it. Used amps are a bargain and can be sold at any time. Do you have a price range?
Tgrisham (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
06-05-12: Bryfinch
According to most, my headphones (Grado sr225) don't need a headphone amp due to low impedence, but when I purchased them used, the previous owner thought that a DAC would be beneficial since most of my music is coming from my computer. I only listen to about 10% of my music through the headphones, so it hasn't been a big priority, but trying to stay below $250 for my first go at it.
Bryfinch (Threads | Answers | This Thread)
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