Headphone Amp

[EyeMNathan]

Looking to select a headphone amp for either a Sennheiser HD-555 or a Sennheiser HD-595 (both are 120ohm Impedence, 15-28,000hz response on the 555, 12-38500 on the 595).

Also, a good music-centric sound card for use with an amp and headphones would be nice, if you could all recommend something. I've heard mixed reports about things like the HDA Mystique.

I will also have a standard Craptastic Labs Fraudigy (or X-Fi depending on when I buy) card attached to some equally craptastic surround speakers for when I absolutely need surround sound for some reason.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Chaintech AV-710 has great 2-channel output. If you're putting an amp between it and your headphones, I think it would be a nice option.

I havne't looked into amps at all for headphones. I know head-fi has a ton of great headphone info though.

If you have craptastic surround speakers, why get an expensive card to drive them?

In fact, the Chaintech is a 7.1 card and could have a headphone amp attached and a 5.1 system at the same time (can use the drivers to select what type of output you want to use)

Oh, and it's under $30 :thumbsup:
http://www.newegg.com/OldVersion/app/Vi...Desc.asp?description=29-120-103&depa=1

EDIT:

More info on it and other via envy cards: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=364771

 

[batmanuel]

Look no further than the HeadRoom AirHeads. A bit pricey, but they are really nice portable amps. OTOH, if you don't want to go that high, you can probably find some decent homebrew cmoy amps on eBay for around $50-$70.

 

[RollWave]

Wow thats hilarious. Altoid case amps?! HAHA

 

[imported_meatball]

Originally posted by: rnp614
Wow thats hilarious. Altoid case amps?! HAHA

They're actually quite good. Top notch caps and the works.

I like tubes though, and the Antique Sound Labs MG-HEAD OTL is a really nice one to consider.

 

[EyeMNathan]

I think I'll stay away from portable amps, as I don't need them to go anywhere and don't want to eat up batteries.

Some good advice though, thanks. Keep it comin'.

 

[imported_Reck]

headroom amps are a ripoff.

 

[Algere]

Headsave Classic if you're looking in the $100-200 range. However Norm (sells 'em) might've updated his product line last time I checked.

P.S. Had Senn 555 (120 ohm pre-factory fire) & no complaints with this combination.

EDIT: NM, found out he doesn't sell amps anymore.