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Showing 1 of 4 conversations about:
A/V Receiver to drive Headphones ??
By
jeffer
dcha12
461
Dec 21, 2018
Looking at the specs, the Marantz SR5011 seems to function as a speaker amp. There does appear to be a 1/4" headphone jack in the front, but there's no word on what the specifications are.
I'm not sure how one might use this as a preamp, or an audio-out, to a dedicated amp. There might be more information in the owner's manual.
Keep in mind that the HD6XX is a scaling monster; it's one of the few headphones around that actually will let you hear differences between truly high-end setups.
If you are considering getting an inexpensive amp, may I add the Cavalli Liquid Spark and Schiit Magni 3 to your list? I find the Liquid Spark to offer a supremely musical experience for its price, with the Magni 3 being more of a neutral amp (I'm not of the opinion that either amp deviates much from neutral however).
jeffer
11
Dec 21, 2018
dcha12Thanks for responding, dcha12. Yes, my Marantz SR5011 has a 1/4 in headphone jack on the front panel. It's got separate 24bit/192khz DACS for each of its 7 amplifiers (it's a heavy beast of an A/V), as well as correction circuitry for compressed audio (HDAM & Current Feedback Tech) and an isolated audio circuit board for better audio. Still, I'll been following, DMS, Josh Valour, Z, and Metal157 on YouTube, regarding headphone and dac/amp reviews. There's no arguing that you have a point that, despite the Marantz having all that, it's still NOT a dedicated headphone amp. As for your recs, I've recently heard good things about the Liquid Spark (close to the JDS Atom, with a tad more power (1.3) and build quality, albeit the Atom was a tad more linear - both $100. If I wish to spring for the THXAAA789 (very recent stellar reviews from Z & Lavour) and way more $$ ($350), I'd be getting even more power, very linear and quasi-balanced output. Of course, I'd have to get a Dac.... soon. ... and so it goes - no end with audio (yikes!).
dcha12
461
Dec 21, 2018
jefferI really wouldn't rule out just testing the Marantz by itself and forming impressions based on that (I personally keep a notebook to record impressions). You might actually really like the way it sounds and it might just prove to be a great experience.
If you are near some high-end audio dealers it's also worth taking your headphones to audition some amps (won't be a perfect comparison unless you take your Marantz and source with you too, which probably is really impractical).
Try not to get too sucked in with audio stuff; there becomes a point where it becomes very difficult to find a real upgrade (yes, even if you spend a lot more) and what ends up happening is that you'll get sucked into the circle-jerk of sidegrading. There's nothing wrong with a sidegrade; just maintain your awareness and understand that you're getting something different, not necessarily better. If that "different" suits your tastes better, great!
bbedard75
1
Jul 24, 2020
dcha12I have had the same question for a long time. For my Audeze LCD-2C's I like the way they sound on my Sony STRDN1070 a/v receiver best, even over my JDS Labs Element 2 DAC/Amp. Has a great sound stage and super clear.
dcha12
461
Jul 24, 2020
bbedard75I'm not surprised TBH. I dislike the JDS Element/Atom (my opinion). And some receivers actually have very well-designed amplification sections.
fossilsol
1
Jan 2, 2021
bbedard75I have a Sony STRDE945 and the sound on my Sennheiser HD650 is way better than with my JDS Labs Atom Amp. I'm not talking just a little i'm talking miles better. I have not tried out more headphone amps but I believe most headphone amp users have never plugged their headphones into a decent receiver to tell which one is better. You can pick up a good used STRDE945 for around $125. I have 2 of them I paid less than $100 for on ebay. The only problem is they take up way more space than a headphone amp.
(Edited)
Mapman
9
Apr 1, 2021
dcha12You would use tape out to feed the headphone amp.
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