Headphone amp

[Pieoftheday]

Its probably been asked before but is a dedicated headphone amp worth it? I have a headphone out on my Arcam A39 and my server and both seem fine to me. I'm not all that keen on using headphones but seem to have to use them more these days so, any views? Jim

[Lawrence001]

When I first got one I wondered why people bother. But over time as I've upgraded my headphones and spent more time listening with them, my answer is an emphatic yes, if you use them enough and care enough about SQ when using them.

If you can never get used to the "in the head" sound, and only use them out of necessity, then I wouldn't bother (though a good amp could change your mind).

[Pieoftheday]

Thank you

[Floyddroid]

If you go that root may i suggest you look no further than NJC.

[Sherwood]

I have an iFi Zen Dac which I use exclusively as a headphone amp. It is especially good when using the 4.4m balanced output. I bought a balanced cable for my Hifiman HE 400i headphones and it has transformed their performance.

[Pieoftheday]

Thanks for the replies:)

[goraman]

Yes, with out question.
The better the headphones the more obvious it is.
Dynamics , Detail, sound stage .
For me tubes are a must for long sessions.

[Gregje]

Definitely worth it!

I have 4 out of which I regularly use 2. Go for class A too. The heat is not a big issue with the power needed to run headphones.
As for the "in the head sound" mentioned by Lawrence, see whether you like cross feed.

[Lawrence001]

I've had a few Meier audio amps and liked the crossfeed function. I think you can do it with some music players on laptop/PC too.

[hornucopia]

For years I used my Wharfedale Isodynamic phones from the speaker outlet of a Hafler amp as the phones are rather inefficient,so I had the same thought.The only thought I had was that it might affect the frequency somehow.
Even now,with my Ether 2 phones,I have an extension lead that runs from speaker output (though into a box with resistor which is probably to prevent overload?)
Is there any 'electrical' reason for a dedicated amp, is perhaps the question.

[Firebottle]

It's the same reason as with speakers, damping factor. I suggest it doesn't make as much difference with headphones but don't quote me on that.

A greater damping factor generally equates to better bass control, going through resistors into the headphones kills any damping factor benefit.
Driving directly from a headphone amp circumvents any losses on this score.

[StanleyB]

For years I used my Wharfedale Isodynamic phones from the speaker outlet of a Hafler amp as the phones are rather inefficient,so I had the same thought.The only thought I had was that it might affect the frequency somehow.
Even now,with my Ether 2 phones,I have an extension lead that runs from speaker output (though into a box with resistor which is probably to prevent overload?)
Is there any 'electrical' reason for a dedicated amp, is perhaps the question.
:eek: