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recommendations for newbie

I have dedicated 2 channel system which i am happy about (though may experiment a bit w/ speakers again, that twitch u know..) and have another HT set up. The room with the 2 channel set up also is a study....and I love using itunes/IPOD (i travel a LOT) so have music stored in my PC in Apple lossless. At times at night, there is need to use headphones. So what is the best and simple way to get the PC to headphone listening?

I have read about Headroom's USB DAC headphone amps and also heard great things about the benchmark DAC which has a headphone amp though some say the amp section ain't that great. Anything someone can recommend which is simple, not too large in size so I can simply place it on my desk?
henryhk

Showing 2 responses by kublakhan

kublakhan
717 posts
 
Actually, I think the Benchmark's headphone jack is excellent. You can also get a headphone jack mod done at Empirical audio along with other mods.

Where are you using the headphones? If it's next to your two channel setup why not go from your computer into the Emm dac via a usb converter and then connect a great headphone amp? In other words, why are you choosing another dac with the headphone amp as opposed to the headphone amp only?

I've gone through my headphone phase and found that the Stax amps/cans are my favorite so if you buy something like the Headroom you'll be 'stuck' with using dynamic headphones. Make sure you prefer dynamic cans over electrostats first.
kublakhan
717 posts
 
LOL! Jax2! Dude, you are a hard core audiophile if you brought the microZotl with you to a hotel. I have the biggest damn smile on my face right now. You are IN-SANE!

I've owned the Berning so I know how big it is. I didn't think Henry was asking for a portable.

Henry, there are a few new products meant for portability that contain a dac and headphone amp in one cigarette pack sized unit. Ask at head-fi.org - I forget the brands.
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