KVR Audio

smp · Post by **smp** » Mon Aug 30, 2004 3:09 am

After dumping my crappy Sony headphones, and picking up a nice new pair of AKG K141 phones, I have discovered that the headphone output of my Audigy breakout box doesn't seem to output all that much sound. I can have the system volume all the way up and the volume knob for the headphone jack fully to the right and I will still struggle to get any decent output.

Anyone got any suggestions for basic headphone amps to check out? Brands, models and prices would be good as I'll have to first find something I like the sound of and then try and find somewhere local (Canberra, Australia) that stocks them so I can test them.

Alternatively, any other suggestions on how to boost headphone output would be warmly received.

-s

Kajiki · Post by **Kajiki** » Mon Aug 30, 2004 3:16 am

I don't know of good headphone amps, but maybe buying a better sound card that comes with a break out box like Delta44+Omni is a cheaper solution in a long run?

xander · Post by **xander** » Mon Aug 30, 2004 3:21 am

smp wrote:After dumping my crappy Sony headphones, and picking up a nice new pair of AKG K141 phones, I have discovered that the headphone output of my Audigy breakout box doesn't seem to output all that much sound. I can have the system volume all the way up and the volume knob for the headphone jack fully to the right and I will still struggle to get any decent output.

Anyone got any suggestions for basic headphone amps to check out? Brands, models and prices would be good as I'll have to first find something I like the sound of and then try and find somewhere local (Canberra, Australia) that stocks them so I can test them.

Alternatively, any other suggestions on how to boost headphone output would be warmly received.

-s

I think you want to get an amp that does not color the sound in any way - that is, if you are using it for monitoring music production.

So, maybe you'd want to buy a simple monitor amp that delivers a flat response to the cans themselves.

If you want to save some money, get a cheap pair of 'PC monitor speakers' - these usually just have a volume knob and that's it. Throw away the speakers and wire it all into a little box with a headphone jack. Should work fine.

mauseoleum · Post by **mauseoleum** » Mon Aug 30, 2004 10:42 am

how about babyhamerfall rme 9632?

settle · Post by **settle** » Mon Aug 30, 2004 2:12 pm

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... 5717650380
these r supposed to be killer.

HelgeG · Post by **HelgeG** » Mon Aug 30, 2004 2:28 pm

smp wrote:Anyone got any suggestions for basic headphone amps to check out? Brands, models and prices would be good as I'll have to first find something I like the sound of and then try and find somewhere local (Canberra, Australia) that stocks them so I can test them.

I am using Presonus HP4, and I am very happy with the unit. It has four independent headphone outs, and can also control/mute monitor level. US price is $99, and i purchased mine from JRRShop.

Update: In a previous post an RME Baby Hammerfall was recommended. I am using a RME Multiface in my setup, and found the headphone output from it to be too low, hence my need for purchasing a headphone amp. I doubt that the Baby Hammerfall has a higher output level than the Multiface (haven't checked the specs though). The Presonus unit has no problem driving my cans to heights unattainable by the RME.

smp · Post by **smp** » Tue Aug 31, 2004 2:55 am

Kajiki wrote:I don't know of good headphone amps, but maybe buying a better sound card that comes with a break out box like Delta44+Omni is a cheaper solution in a long run?

Isn't that a bit of overkill? Delta44 + Omni I estimate to cost roughly A$1000 (about US$700). Compare that, for example, to the local cost of the Presonus HP4 mentioned in this thread, which is A$236.

I'm broadly happy with my Audigy as it largely does what I need it to do. Sure, it's not the best sound card in the world but when all I want to do is boost the headphone output a little, I don't think I need to replace it wholesale.

smp · Post by **smp** » Tue Aug 31, 2004 3:00 am

HelgeG wrote: I am using Presonus HP4, and I am very happy with the unit. It has four independent headphone outs, and can also control/mute monitor level. US price is $99, and i purchased mine from JRRShop...

Interesting. I'll check that one out, but the cost starts to creep up once it hits Australia (A$236, which is about US$165). Must check what JRRShop charges for postage.

Anyone tried the Samson S-Amp? I did a Froogle search and it seems to crop up fairly cheap around the place and could be a good budget buy.

-s

Kajiki · Post by **Kajiki** » Tue Aug 31, 2004 3:04 am

Oh, I see...poor Australians...
In Boston, you can get an used delta44+omni for less than $100. Any plan to visit US in near future?

smp · Post by **smp** » Tue Aug 31, 2004 3:15 am

Kajiki wrote:Oh, I see...poor Australians...
In Boston, you can get an used delta44+omni for less than $100. Any plan to visit US in near future?

Hmm, $2400 round trip, accomodation, food...for a $100 sound card? Sure, why the hell not?

Actually, you raised a good point in that I hadn't actually considered second hand. I'll have to cruise eBay next time I'm logged on from home (work has blocked access to eBay

).

Still, it would be nice to be able to check these in person to see if they colour the sound at all.

-s

tony Smyth · Post by **tony Smyth** » Wed Sep 01, 2004 4:13 pm

This is from a similar thread on the SOS forum. Bear in mind SOS tends to recommend expensive gear.

Anyhow, for what its worth here's the link:
http://sound-on-sound2.infopop.net/2/Op ... =586109492

Headphone amp suggestions?