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  #1  
Old 03-28-2016, 12:34 PM
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multiham multiham is offline
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Default When do you need to get a dedicated headphone amp?
Looking for some advice on my home office system. Currently have:
  • Bryston B135 SST2 Integrated Amp
  • Bryston BDA-2 DAC
  • SilenZio Music Server loaded with flac files
  • KEF LS50 Speakers
  • Sennheiser HD 650 Headphones

There are times when I like to/need to use headphones. Currently, I plug my HD 650's into the Headphone jack on my Integrated Amp. I truly enjoy what i'm hearing, but don't know what I'm missing if I added a dedicated Headphone Amp.

With the system I just described, would you recommend adding a Headphone Amp? Is a Headphone Amp only necessary if I'm trying to drive certain types of headphones? If so, any recommendations in the less than $2,000 range?

Thank you!
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  #2  
Old 03-28-2016, 06:53 PM
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Check out Sennheiser's offerings for a start. Also look into running your 650s balanced. Both will bring a solid improvement over you integrated's headphone amp.
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Old 03-28-2016, 07:28 PM
greekgod greekgod is offline
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It just so happens that I have owned those same headphones for the last 12 years and have heard countless different amps at two different CanJam events. I have also owned a few different amps over the years. For maximum refinement, they certainly benefit from a dedicated headphone amp.

I know Ivan loves his Bryson BHA-1 which would be an obvious match for you system. I have not heard it myself...

I also highly recommend the amps from Sennheiser. They are perfect match for each other.

My personal favourite with the HD 650 so far has been the Woo Audio WA6-SE. I still regret never getting around to buying one.

The Cary Audio HH-1 also has a very pleasant sound as well.

Currently, I am using the headphone amp built into my Mcintosh C40 preamp because of its incredible power and thunderous bass. But I have to admit, it lacks the clarity that one gets from a dedicated amp.
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Old 03-28-2016, 08:33 PM
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Yup, my BHA-1 is my favorite headphone amp by a wide margin. Believe me, I have some that cost more than double too.
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  #5  
Old 03-28-2016, 11:05 PM
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Steve.......It seems to me the Bryston BHA-1 would be the way to go, especially since it will be a perfect match with your other Bryston gear. The BHA-1 has gotten rave reviews. Pretty sure Ivan can make it happen at an attractive price.
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Old 03-29-2016, 06:54 AM
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Burson Audio Conductor is also a good match for Sennheiser.
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Old 03-29-2016, 08:57 PM
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Thanks everyone for the help! I wasn't sure that I would hear a significant improvement with my HD 650's. Didn't know if you had to have "better" headphones before you would realize the benefits of a dedicated headphone amp.
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Old 03-30-2016, 01:22 AM
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Keep in mind that at one time, the HD650s were the king of headphones so they have always benefited from a dedicated amp especially considering their 300 ohms impedance.

It just happens to be that headphones have improved even more since. But the 650s are still so good that it is only now that I am thinking of finally upgrading from them after 12 years of audio bliss. They are a truly magical headphone.
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Old 03-30-2016, 01:26 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by greekgod View Post
Keep in mind that at one time, the HD650s were the king of headphones and they have always benefited from a dedicated amp especially considering their 300 ohms impedance. It just happens to be that headphones have improved even more since. But the 650s are still so good that it is only now that I am thinking of finally upgrading from them after 12 years of audio bliss. They are a truly magical headphone.
+1

I strongly recommend replacing the foam ear-pads and and headband every few years. Not only will they be more comfortable, they'll sound better by maintaining proper distance between your ears and the drivers.
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Old 03-30-2016, 09:42 AM
greekgod greekgod is offline
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I totally agree on replacing the foam pads and headband every so often. I replaced mine a couple of years ago because the old foam had turned to powder and my ears were just about touching the drivers..lol. I should had done it much sooner. Made a huge difference.

I should also clarify that my headphones were originally 600s but I upgraded the drivers to 650s because they fit. However, the differences in sound are subtle and doubt I'd be able to tell the difference in a blind a/b test. They are both just pure magic.
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