Headphone Amps: Direct from source or via Tape out?

[admin_exported]

I have always had my headphone amplifier connected directly from my source (CD player or computer), though recently through an external DAC I just bought. 

However, the number of forum members suggesting the connection of headphone amplifiers to the 'tape out' of a preamplifier is being increasingly brought to my attention. 

I would like to know the differences between these two types of connection and if there is any difference in quality between the two. Would there for example be any point in connecting the output of my DAC into the 'CD in' or 'AUX in' input sockets of a pre-amp and connecting the 'tape out' into a headphone amplifier (instead of connecting the DAC directly into the headphone amplifier as I have so far been doing)? 

I'm sorry that this will probably be an obvious question for most. 

 

[Anonymous]

It depends. I would normally recommend the tape out method if you don't have a designated source for the headphone amp. If the external DAC is for the H/P amp alone then it will have a more direct signal path if you connect those two together. However taking the signal through a separate pre-amp will cause that amp to imprint it's own signature on it. Comes down to which you prefer.

 

[Anonymous]

I'm not entirely sure what you mean by 'designated source'. All the equipment I currently use is unrelated by brand and I only use one amplifier with my DAC. The additionalÿexpenseÿof a preamplifierÿand cables to complicate theÿsignal pathÿdoes seem to me like a somewhat questionableÿpreference, where it not advised so often. Though I could use the tape output of my Sony TA-FE 370 Integrated Stereo Amplifier, I can't help thinking it would be a waste of electricity. Is it the signature of better qualityÿstandaloneÿpreamplifiers that users of this connection method prefer?ÿ

 

[Anonymous]

By designated source I mean a DAC / CD player e.t.c. used only for the headphone amp, i.e. you don't want to output sound through speakers as well. If you want to do both from the same source, that's when the tape out comes in.

 

[Anonymous]

I see, thanks for the insight. So the tape output method is forÿthose who already own aÿseparatesÿspeaker system and want to listen to headphonesÿthrough a headphone amplifier without the risk of having to swap cables each time they wish to switch between the two.ÿ

As I currently have little intention of listening toÿseparateÿspeakers it sounds as if this connectionÿmethodÿwould therefore be unneeded in my case.ÿ

 

[up the music]

You may well find that your Sony amp does it's line switching passively. Ie you can probably run the headphone amp through the tape outs with the Sony not switched on, thus saving your electricity bill.

 

[Anonymous]

up the music:You may well find that your Sony amp does it's line switching passively. Ie you can probably run the headphone amp through the tape outs with the Sony not switched on, thus saving your electricity bill.

Would it be worth doing this if I wasn't using speakers, or is this just if I wanted to switch back and forth between speakers and headphones?ÿ

 

[Anonymous]

Does the headphone amp have an output?

 

[Anonymous]

Brisk:Does the headphone amp have an output?

Yes. I was under the impression that the output was related to recording music. ÿ

 

[up the music]

i'd expect no difference in quality amp on or off really for headphone use. I might be wrong though.

Do you run Source-->HP Amp-->Integrated Amo-->Spkrs then?

Do you use headphones or speakers most?

 

[Anonymous]

If you're not using speakers then don't bother with a pre-amp or integrated and the tape loop option. its just more connections in the path and more expense.

 

[up the music]

Apologies. I'm being a prat. Ignore most of my comments. I just noticed your lack of speakers. You confused me by having an integrated amp. I supposed you must use phones and speakers.

 

[Anonymous]

up the music:Apologies. I'm being a prat. Ignore most of my comments. I just noticed your lack of speakers. You confused me by having an integrated amp. I supposed you must use phones and speakers.It took me a while to realise there was no integrated amp (i think) in this set up.

 

[Anonymous]

up the music:Apologies. I'm being a prat. Ignore most of my comments. I just noticed your lack of speakers. You confused me by having an integrated amp. I supposed you must use phones and speakers.

No need to apologise. I do use floor-standers in another room (which I use with the Sony amp) but neglected to mention them due to the fact that I only use them for the occasional film rental (i.e not music). I prefer the headphone's sound and the space they occupy. I can see why my mentioning of an integrated amp may have been confusing. In any case it's nice to know the option is there should I one day wish to share the sound.ÿ