Cyrus DAC XP+ ... Headphones query

[DandyCobalt]

Just decided to upgrade my Cyrus PreXpdQx to a DAC XP+, but noticed that there will not be a Headphone output.

(I have Sennheiser HD650 headphones)

I'm guessing I have to buy a separate headphone amp and use one of the pre-out pairs from the DAC XP+?

Is this correct, and any suggestions for a suitable headphone amp ? (ideally discreet, as slipping the DAC XP+ under the OH radar)

 

[BronC]

You are right about needing a headphone amp. You will need to take care and not get one with an integrated DAC as they will NOT be as good as the DAC XP.

How much are you willing to spend?? If you have the money you can't do much better than the Beyerdynamic A1. But its £750+. There are lots of other good headphone amps around.

 

[BronC]

Hit save twice

 

[DandyCobalt]

I was perhaps thinking about a Graham Slee Novo ?

 

[BronC]

A v good headphone amp. Go for it

 

[DandyCobalt]

Ordered the Graham Slee Novo. Thanks.

 

[DandyCobalt]

Got the Novo, plus an ex-demo XP+, over the weekend. However, the XP+ has not had the "AV Direct" firmware update, so will need to go back.

Instead, I've plumbed the Novo into my existing PreXpdQx in the same way that it would be used with the DAC XP+ (via a set of pre-outs on the preamp) but I've come across a problem...

...My X powers will always switch on (once they receive signal), so I can't play the headphones in isolation.

Am I being dim, or will this also be the case with the XP+ once I get that back?