Massdrop Objective 2 Headphone Amp: Desktop Edition
Baseline Perfect
In 2011, audio engineer NwAvGuy published a blog post titled “O2 Headphone Amp,” in which he outlined his philosophy on defining sound quality and detailed his ideal audiophile circuit design. Our version of NwAvGuy's famous O2 amplifier, the Objective 2 Desktop Edition features updates based on feedback from the community. It’s an ideal baseline reference amplifier, capable of powering everything from IEMs to HD 800s with linear ease.
At checkout, choose the 110V or 220V adapter, as well as standard gain (2.5x low, 6.5x high) or medium gain (1.0x low, 3.3x high).
Community-Driven Design
The O2 was made for benchmark performance at an entry-level price, something the audiophile world had never seen before. But while NwAvGuy was satisfied with purist input, output, and power arrangements, the Drop community wanted more options. Following the initial launch of the Objective O2, the discussion lit up with more than 500 requests for changes to the input, output, and power configuration. Members asked for a quarter-inch headphone output, RCA inputs, and a rear-mounted power jack, and we were happy to oblige. Thus, the Desktop Edition was born.
Standard Gain vs. Medium Gain
We recommend the medium gain version if you plan to primarily use this amp with IEMs. If you don't plan to use IEMs, if your headphone has a 300-ohm or higher impedance, or if your source is weak (less than 2V output), opt for the standard gain version to ensure enough power.
Specs
- Input: RCA
- Output: 6.35 mm
- Power: Battery (not included) or AC adapter (included, select 110V or 220V)
- Gain: 2.5x and 6.5x / 1.0x and 3.3x (select your configuration)
- Volume potentiometer taper: Alps 15A or 3B
- Frequency response: +/-0.1 dB (20 Hz–20 kHz)
- THD at 1 kHz, 150 ohms: 0.0016%
- IMD CCIF at 15 ohms: 0.001%
- IMD SMPTE: 0.002%
- Noise (ref 400 mV): -105 dB
- Max output (33 ohms): 613 mW
- Max output (150 ohms): 355 mW
- Max output (600 ohms): 88 mW
- Output impedance: 0.54 ohms
- Crosstalk (15 ohms): -65 dB
- Channel balance (50% volume): 0.6 dB
- Case dimensions: 4.12 x 3.87 x 1.12 in (10.46 x 9.82 x 2.85 cm)
- Weight: 9 oz (255 g)
Included
- 110V or 220V AC adapter (add plug adapter for your country’s outlet)
RETURNS—NO QUESTIONS ASKED
We get it. Sometimes what you ordered just doesn’t work out. If that’s the case for you, don’t fret! All customers (both US and international) may return this item in new, unused condition within 30 days of delivery.
Shipping
Domestic (contiguous US) customers will have a choice of shipping options at checkout. The shipping days / arrive by date displayed represent the transit times from the estimated ship date for your order to be delivered.
Estimated ship date is July 25, 2023 PT.
Payment will be collected at checkout. Cancellations are accepted up to 2 hours after checkout for in-stock items, or up until pre-order ships.
