Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
Starter HP Amp ($100 range)
My SSL 2 audio interface’s internal HP amp is not getting my new HD6xx quite loud enough. If I want to start with an HP amp (and perhaps add a DAC at a later date), would something like the Schitt Magni 3+ or Heresy (don’t really know how these two models differ) refrain from “coloring” the audio while adding some extra volume (for a 300 ohm HP)?
Also, would I be able to connect the HP amp from the HP out jack (1/4” stereo) from the interface? If that is the correct connection, I would need an amp with either dual rca mono, 1/4” stereo, or 1/8” stereo inputs.
Thanks for our help.
(Edited)
search
close
Sort by: Newest
keyboard_arrow_downFight-On
14
Jan 14, 2021
If you have not purchased your amp yet, you may want to consider the Close-out Schiit Asgard 2 for $119 (in the B-Stock/Close-out area of the Schiit website).
It's pure class A with just slightly less power than Magni 3+/Heresy into 300 ohm. I've both the Asgard 2 & the Magni 3+ to drive my HD6xx. To me, the Asgard 2 is much smoother.
dcha12
461
Jan 12, 2021
Hey there, welcome to the world of audio!
First of all, allow me to say that there isn't really a right place to start. Got to start somewhere, and the HD6XX is a great headphone to start with (I come back to my HD600 on a fairly regular basis myself despite going off the deep end).
In regards to headphone amp, either Magni 3+ or Heresy works just fine. I'm partial to the Magni 3+ in sonics. The difference is that the Heresy is a very well-measuring, opamp based design and the Magni 3+ is all-discrete (and still measures very well).
Don't fall into the pitfall of the whole "coloring the audio." Any component in your chain is going to add or subtract from the overall sound. There is no such thing as a completely transparent, "wire with gain" sound (I hate that phrase and think it's completely BS). All components have two things: sins of commission and sins of omission. Various pieces of gear will have some mix of both; some gear will tend towards more sins of commission and some gear will tend more towards sins of omission. Which is correct? I'm going to take the Stereophile route and say that it's up the listener (I can hear you booing already at the lame response, but unfortunately in this matter it is true).
Here is a great resource on understanding what THD and THD+N actually tells us: A Rethink of THD/THD+N (or why both tell us almost nothing) | Super Best Audio Friends
Feel free to ask any questions you may have to me and I'll answer to the best of my knowledge (which is very much incomplete; still learning).
dcha12
461
Jan 14, 2021
This depends entirely on your interface. If the interface has output transformers, this will be fine. But if your interface does not, you could potentially fry the board because what you're doing is tying the grounds together.
Playing it safe would be just using the RCA out.
You are correct in that using the interface's headphone out to the Magni is a bad idea. It could work in theory, but why?
PRODUCTS YOU MAY LIKE
Trending Posts in Audiophile
Simthaniel
Rigs
Modded headphones with qudelix at the core
When I received the Qudelix 5K, I had already modified a pair of Superlux HD-681 headphones. I previously soldered my own balanced connections to the drivers, providing multiple ways to connect and...
Apr 14, 2024
brothamike
A decent set of IEMs
I am in the midst of a 300 hour burn-in but, I will say I am enjoying how this set sounds so far. Before I received these which was btw late by a few weeks, I purchased a Sony/Kimber Kable MMCX...
Apr 12, 2024
merrick97
Should I exchange the PC38X for better headphones?
I bought the PC38X headphones FOR GAMING and they are great, but I have NO use for a Microphone since I don't do competitive gaming and I was wondering if there were better headphone options at a similar price without a headphone, where (presumably) more of the cost was put into making it sound better. I also find that my PC38X don't get quite as loud as I would like and I was wondering if a cheap amp like the iFi Go link would draw a little more volume out of my phones. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN6MM822?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details I went with the PC38X since it was considered the best bang for buck headphones. I care most about using spatial apps like DOlby Atmos and DTS Headphone:X. Suggestions are welcome.
Apr 11, 2024
LostnAmerica
Sound Signature of the Grell Project.
Wondering what type of sound signature the Drop Grell project headphones will have or trying to attain. Any update would be appreciated.
Apr 8, 2024
Fabulous
Looking for a gaming/content audio setup
Hello! I'm looking for recommendations on audio setups. I'd be planning on using it mostly for gaming. Preferably I'd like a pair of large closed back headphones since I have a big head and jaw. I'd also like to hear myself through my mic with mic monitoring. As far as budget goes, I don't really have one. But under 600$ would be nice. I can go higher if needed. The audio setup would be connected to a high performance PC. Thank you in advance for any recommendations!
Apr 4, 2024
1plsd
$10 Drop Coupon Email not sent?
Trying to buy some gear off Drop for the first time. I was told I would receive an email with a welcome to drop $10 off promo. I never received that email. Drop was able to send me emails for my login token and email for Password update. But for some reason the $10 off coupon was never sent to me.
Mar 31, 2024
NMPacella
New here
Hello, I just joined, primarily for the audiophile products. Looking at purchasing the NHT C3 speakers for our new living room. Space is about 15 feet wide by 33 long and they will fire long ways. Space is just for general listening, music room with all equipment is downstairs, so hoping they will fill it with sound nicely. Cheers.
Mar 18, 2024
Drop Refurbished
Like-new products you can trustDrop Rewards
Get $5 for every 500 points you earn! Learn more
Drop Keyboard Club
Become a member and expand your keycap collectionCollaborate With Us
For Brands & DesignersFollow Drop