I am close to purchasing my first set of headphones in decades, but none of my systems have a jack for this, so I gather I need a separate headphone amp, is this correct? If so, what could be a great buy for lets say $500 or less?
Just like with a 2-channel audio system, it’s best if you choose your headphones first to see what kind of amp and how much power you’ll need to drive them properly. Just my $0.02.
Lots of choices out there. For $500, I recommend used. Headphone users are as fickle as other audiophiles, and you should be able to find a $1,000 set for around $500. Without a headphone jack, you'll need a dedicated headphone amp, or at least a junction box (like Stax SRD-7) to drive them. Check Audiogon, eBay and Craigslist.
I got Grado GS1000e and Lehmann Linear to drive them. Arriving here soon, I hope. I got them from a dealer vs direct from Grado Labs. A matter of principle for me.
This Lehmann Linear and the Grado GS1000e arrived yesterday. Listening to a Patsy Cline SACD at the moment, and even though I am sure there are "better", I am in sonic nirvana.
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