Headphones from preamp

audiobliss

My preamp doesn't have a headphone out. How can I get around this? If I just use an RCA -> mini cable, and connect the headphones with that, will the preamp power them just fine? I'd really like to blast away with some headphones while the parents are home...especially when it's later.

I'm referring to the ELP, btw.

Thanks!

madmax

My guess is it wouldn't be very loud.

audiobliss

Well, I just popped in the third CD to listen to like that, now, and it sounds just fine. In fact, at about 4/9 on the volume dial on the ELP, my Sennheisers can't take it anymore. Which is fine, because 2/3 is a gracious plenty for rather spirited listening.

It's actually working quite well.

dorokusai

It depends on the circuit design but I've run cans on output RCA's many times, with varying results. The Dodd output is high to begin with so no suprise here.

madmax

Cool! I know my pre has a transformer to match the headphone impedance which is supposed to make it louder when matched. If I select a different setting it gets quieter.

audiobliss

Ok, I have to amend my statement. I was listening to the radio when I typed that reply, and apparently it has a MUCH higher output level than my CDP.

When listening to the CDP, the ELP distorts waaay before it gets to relatively moderate 'rocking out' volume level. I do wish it'd go louder.

I'm thinking I may have to reintroduce the P/HP-850 into the system and see how things sound.

dorokusai

"Rocking out" level might mean hearing damage for all I know.

audiobliss

Good point, 'rocking out' is a very subjective term. However, I don't know how else to describe it, besides that it's not to hear damage level. Just spirited listening. Again, it depends on the input. With the radio spirited listening is just fine with the ELP. With the CDP mellowing out and relaxing to something softer is just fine. But rockin' some Led Zep or VH wouldn't go over so well, as the ELP runs out of steam fast.

Oh well. Maybe I should just pick up a headphone amp.

Now, where'd that blasted money tree go...

dorokusai

What your hearing are the differences in receive vs output gain.

unc2701

It's not a great idea- the Dodd's outputs are meant to drive 10,000+ ohm impedences, not the 32ohm that your headphones probably have. Done right you should probably be using some transformers to match impedence.

audiobliss

dorokusai wrote: »

What your hearing are the differences in receive vs output gain.

Hmm. That might make sense. But then again, I might hit you up on AIM about it.

unc2701 wrote: »

It's not a great idea- the Dodd's outputs are meant to drive 10,000+ ohm impedences, not the 32ohm that your headphones probably have. Done right you should probably be using some transformers to match impedence.

Ok, that does make sense. And I'm glad you said that. I don't want my precious little ELP trying to drive something so out of its intended range. Would hate to blow it! :eek:

I think I'll find another method of headphone listening.

madmax

I wonder if you couldn't use a 300:1 transformer as an interface. Don't even know if they make such a thing.
madmax

apostilleus

The HeadAmp GS-X is our top of the line amplifier for either single ended or balanced dynamic headphones or for pre-amp use. Other than the balanced inputs and outputs, it offers several improvements over the GS-1 amplifier which are described here.Like the GS-1, the GS-X has one of the lowest noise floors of any amplifier. This is improved by the separate power supply chassis which keeps transformer fields away from the amplifier circuitry. The power supply is doubled, so there is one for each channel, making the GS-X a dual mono amplifier.

george daniel

And the Club Polk discount is?

sucks2beme

Ok. two year old thread, and who is this guy to be plugging Head-amp?
They've got some good product, but I'm sure this problems already solved.