Portable Headphone Amp

[Alex_UK]

Hi Guys - firstly can I just thank whichever mod it was that moved my other posts into the correct section here - hopefully I've got it right this time!

Right, the question - I listen to my ipod (80 GB Classic) almost constantly when I am in my regional office - which is usually 1 or 2 days a week, sometimes more. I also use it when I am away on overnight trips. I use a variety of headphones depending on the situation - Senheisser PX100 foldups being about as indescrete as I go when at work, and very portable. The sound is surprisingly good, but I was wondering if using a headphine amplifier would in any way improve it?

If the verdict is "yes" - then I've seen this one (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140336983159&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT) on ebay - I wouldn't really want to pay any more for one than this, and this looks a lot better than any of the Chinese specials... How does the spec on this look, to a complete non-electrical expert (as evidenced by my broken cd player thread!) Would it be likely to give any improvement - accepting of course that I need to hear it to find out for sure. Alternatively, has anyone any other suggestion? Maybe even building one myself as a first DIY project, if there are any decent kits anyone knows of?

Thanks again, sure there will be some great advice.

Alex

[The Vinyl Adventure]

i can prob put you in touch with someone who could sell you a complete cmoy kit including a mint box to put it in ... even the battery ... i think i paid £20

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=2609

[Alex_UK]

Thanks Hamish - I'm rather drawn to the idea of using it as my first DIY project, but I did think the ebay one looked nice, and is rechargable too... Maybe I'll do both!

[The Vinyl Adventure]

why not .. its not like its very much ££££
did you get my pm?

[Alex_UK]

did you get my pm?

Oh, now I see it! :doh: Thanks, I might try that.

I'm going to need a soldering iron - does this one (http://electronics.shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?_nkw=soldering+iron&_sacat=14969&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313&_dmpt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&_odkw=jumper+cables&_osacat=14969) look any good as a starter?

[The Vinyl Adventure]

i have no idea, but if anyone else can point in the right direction of a good priced good quality soldering iron i too need another as mine is a pile of poo!!
solder too might be usefull :)

[Sand Dancin Donkey Walker]

Hi Alex

To anyone wanting a Headphone Amp, from my experience look no further the Ray Samuels gear. I have heard the Pre Amps as well as a couple of the Head Amps. They perform exceptionally well. If I didn't already own a good Pre I would have the Emmeline II B-52.

A mate of mine used the Emmeline “The Tomahawk” and the Emmeline HR-2. Both very impressive.

Well worth a look at all his range.

http://www.raysamuelsaudio.com/ (http://www.raysamuelsaudio.com/)#

Andy - SDDW

P.S. I have no links to this guy, he just makes exceptional gear.

[Alex_UK]

Thanks Andy, probably a bit too overkill for an ipod and cheap 'phones, but the gear looks good and could be an option later (I think I'm in lust with the B-52 (http://www.raysamuelsaudio.com/products/b-52), which is typically the top of the range at $5,350!)