Headphone Amplifier Recommendations?

[Cagey]

Not too long ago, I bought some Beyerdynamic DT-880 Pro Headphones (250 Ohm). Lovely things, but they're kinda tame, volume-wise, at least relative to my Sennheisers. I think I need a headphone amp. I don't want to blow my head off, but I do wanna rock 'n' roll.

Problem is if you go "In Search Of..." you'll find that those devices are all over the map. You can pay anywhere from $25 to $4,000 for one of the things. So, I'm a little torn. The things sound amazing, but the level leaves me wanting. So... what's a mother to do? I wanna teach 'em a lesson, but I don't wanna go into debt to do it. Any suggestions?

 

[AndyG]

I've been using a Presonus HP4 forever.  It can get REALLY loud without distorting, and its tough as nails ... I've had one since 2008, and it's always plugged in and powered up.

http://www.presonus.com/products/hp4

 

[SustainerPlayer]

Or - depending of your use. You can get some 32 or 64 ohm headphones for those lower output devices.

I have Sennheiser HD 540 @300 ohm for "hifi" use. And then a pair of HD280 pro @64 ohms for iPhone, Pocket Pod etc.

 

[frown]

Hey Cagey,

I've got one of these:

http://www.palmer-germany.com/mi/en/PEPAMP-Pocket-Amp-PEPAMP.htm

Which is worth a look - featured packed, not expensive [got mine for about £70] and well made.

 

[Prometheus]

Well, you're a handy guy, right? (rhetorical question!) Have you got an empty Altoids tin lying around? Have you heard of the CMOY headphone amp? You can make one for a few bucks. Here's a sample pic:


I got the pic here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CMoy

And this guy knows what he's doing: http://tangentsoft.net/audio/cmoy/

And this is an overall great resource for headphones, there are lots of forum-dwellers there who'll put you on the straight and narrow. Or, at least give you some good advice about headphone amps: http://www.head-fi.org/

 

[Prometheus]

ps - the CMOY may not push your 'phones. Dunno fer sher. But the guys at Head-Fi can steer you right

 

[Prometheus]

Wow. I just noticed I've been promoted to "Semi-New". Oh boy oh boy!! Is there cake? I want cake!

 

[Cagey]

Yeah, I'm a "handy" guy. But, at my age, it's sorta like saying I'm good at washing dishes. Doesn't matter how good I am at it, I don't wanna do it. I'd rather throw money at the problem. It's fast and easy and good, like a double quarter-pounder with cheese. Kills the pain RFN  :laughing7:

The Presonus HP4 Andy recommended is looking like the winner so far. I don't need that many outputs, but who knows? The day may come.

 

[mayfly]

ok, as far as headphone amps go, I know about the best shit.  or Schiit as it happens.

The boys and girls down at Schiit audio know how to do headphone amplifiers right.  And they are not too expensive either:

http://schiit.com/products/magni

I have access to one of these.  Sounds great, drives anything, inexpensive, made in USA.

Get It.

 

[DavyDave53]

Too Kool for Skool

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Little-bear-match-6N11-12AU7-6922-Tube-valve-HiFI-Headphone-Amplifier-AMP-/291095026438?pt=US_Pro_Audio_Amplifiers&hash=item43c69d9b06

 

[DocNrock]

Too Kool for Skool

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Little-bear-match-6N11-12AU7-6922-Tube-valve-HiFI-Headphone-Amplifier-AMP-/291095026438?pt=US_Pro_Audio_Amplifiers&hash=item43c69d9b06

I have to admit, that is really cool!  Love, love, love the vacuum tube!

As far as the OP's original question, I originally did not understand.  From the suggestions posted, I'm guessing that you already have something that generates a signal, you just want something to amplify that signal for headphones?

I ask because my thought was something that you plug your guitar into and your headphones into and rock out.  For that, I previously used a little VOX headphone amp, or a small Orange Micro Crush amp that has a headphone jack.  Both of these made marginal tone, at best.  Since getting my iPhone, however, my son and daughter got me an iRig for Christmas.  If you didn't already know, there are some awesome apps for the iPhone that work with the iRig:  Amplitube, Bias, and JamUp are the ones I have been using.  The tone is not just acceptable, it is downright inspiring!