Headphone amp recommendations

[Matt78]

I'm interested in recommendations for a headphone amp to add to my system, as neither my Exposure 1010 amp or Roksan K2 CD player have a headphone output. My favourite headphones are my Beyer DT770PRO 250 Ohm, but I also have a pair of Sennhesier HD595s. I have thought about the Musical Fidelity V90HPA or the Rega Ear, but my mind has also drifted to the NAD D1050, as it would give me both headphone amp and DAC (I need one of those at some point too) in one box.

Grateful for any thoughts anyone can share.

[twickers]

If you are thinking down the line of a dac/h-amp combo, you could do worse than trying a Bushmaster. In the right system it's a bit of a giantkiller. Stan's a good bloke to deal with and offers a trial period so you could try it in your own system. :cool:

[doodoos]

Try this: http://www.njc-audio.co.uk/html/monitor2.html

I had this and had to spend about 2K to better it by a reasonable margin. Will drive anything too.

[RichB]

I have a Creek OBH-21se which is too crisp for my Grados. Its like this one in silver,

http://www.whathifi.com/review/creek-obh-21se

I'll take 90quid delivered if you're interested. I'm going to get a Rega one instead to add another red led to the system:eyebrows:

[Matt78]

Thanks Rich! Appreciate the offer and will certainly give it serious thought, though I'm starting to consider perhaps going for a seperate system for headphone listening next to the PC so I may end up going for something with a DAC built-in.

Thanks to everyone for the other suggestions. Looking into them all!

[Ammonite Audio]

I bought a new Naim DAC-V1 a few months back, for just the sort of headphone use that you describe, using a PC source and AKG K550 headphones. I've never owned Naim before, but this thing is marvellous, having a sound that is the polar opposite of oft-touted Naim preconceptions - it's actually a rich, organic, detailed and above all musical sound that draws you into the performances. The DAC-V1 is impeccably built, has a very good (Audiophileo) USB interface, does not require an untidy external PSU, and has a neat remote control that will also tell the PC to skip tracks. Its operation has been properly thought out and it seems to be immune from mains cable neurosis (it is happiest with the cable supplied by Naim).

£1250 may seem expensive to some, but I feel that it's actually a bit of a bargain given its performance and the fact that it's a quality UK made product, sold through dealers. It is a hike up from DACs costing a couple of hundred pounds, but it did not take me long to realise that (up to a point) you do get what you pay for, and it's nice to support UK manufacturing jobs. Somehow, it's become my preferred system for listening to music nowadays. I can't recommend it highly enough.

[Marco]

Nice one, Hugo. Naim have consistently made very good headphone amps, along with CD players and phono stages, which can hold their own with any. Only their amps and speakers are rather an acquired taste (but one I often happen to like).

Anyway, it's always good to hear such happy tales of musical satisfaction - so enjoy! :)

Marco.

[JazzBones]

As a long time Naim user its gratifying to see Shuggies and Marco's endorsement of some of their products on AoS not readily known for Naim sympathy. Yes its an acquired taste for some but its a taste I've lived with and like for the past 20 to 25 years and for me there is no point in changing... having said that, about 10 plus years ago I was quite smitten by Border Patrol's valve offerings.

[Trumpton_Rioter]

I am thinking of selling my Woo Audio 6 with the Sophia Princess Mesh Plate 274B rectifier to help fund a speaker change if you are still looking.

http://wooaudio.com/products/wa6.html

[Matt78]

Some great suggestions, but all a bit too pricey for my current capabilities! My main system (signature) has taken most of my funding and will always be where I do my most serious listening, through the speakers.

I've made a small start by setting up my Rotel RCD965BX with an old Sansui AU2900 amp next to my computer. This will at least enable me to listen to CDs through headphones. The plan then will be to replace the Sansui with something more modern and I might well go for a Cambridge Audio 351A as that is very affordable and has a USB input. It will also enable me to drive speakers should I want speaker in that area later on. The other options I'm considering include the NAD D3020 DAC/amp (though it is slightly pricey), the little TEAC AH01 with the ICEpower modules (quite appealing), or similar.

The affordable headphone amps don't seem to offer very good value for money in general and don't have a huge amount of flexibility for later developments.

Thanks again for all the ideas.

[Sand Dancin Donkey Walker]

Hi Mat

I would take a good look at the Ray Samuels headphone amps.
Even his cheapest battery powered one was by far the best I have listened to in a long while.
As for his better mains powered they are just so good you want to just listen for longer and longer

http://www.raysamuelsaudio.com/

Have heard the;
Emmeline “The Tomahawk” Portable Headphone Amp
Emmeline II “The Raptor” Headphone Amp

Hope that helps

[CageyH]

I like my Graham Slee Solo Ultra Linear. There is a loan scheme in the UK, so you can try before you buy.
I have no links, just a happy customer.

[Matt78]

Thanks for all the ideas.

I've taken the plunge with a Musical Fidelity V90-HPA. I can't afford to start looking at the more expensive options at present (it isn't long since I bought the amp and speakers in my main system), and the MF has exactly the facilities I need. I'll add a more detailed review of it here once I've used it for a few days, but I've tried it out via USB from my PC playing Spotify Premium tonight and early signs are that it is very good with my Beyer DT770PRO headphones.

So, the MF completes an inexpensive 2nd system as follows:

PC/Spotify Premium via USB (QED Graphite USB A-B cable)
Rotel RCD965BX via analogue input (Chord Co. Crimson interconnect)
Musical Fidelity V90-HPA
Beyer Dynamic DT770PRO (250Ohm)