Integrated Amplifier Headphone quality
Printed From: Graham Slee Hifi System Components
Category: Headphone Audio
Forum Name: Graham Slee Headphone Amps
Forum Description: Questions, answers and product information zone for Graham Slee Headphone Amplifiers
URL: https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4278
Printed Date: 16 Apr 2024 at 10:21am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Integrated Amplifier Headphone quality
Posted By: Noski
Subject: Integrated Amplifier Headphone quality
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2017 at 11:12am
| Hi. First post here, so please be nice! I am curious to know at what price point an integrated amplifier would be to have a headphone socket that will come close to the performance of separate units? Or does the existence of such units prove that no amplifier can replicate this? |
Replies:
Posted By: Drewan77
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2017 at 8:26pm
Welcome Michael - you have joined a very friendly forum and all questions are welcomed  . Having said that, I'm not sure if there can be a definitive answer to this one. The quality of both integrated and stand alone units vary widely depending on the abilities of the designer & quality of components used. As a generalisation, many integrated amps add the headphone socket for user convenience rather than out and out headphone performance unlike the case with a dedicated product. So I would say that in the majority of situations a stand alone product will be more suitable for headphone listening, The whole GSP head amp range is available for home loan and it's easy try different models out & compare if that would help you. ------------- Older than I once was, younger than I'll be ............................. Andrew |
Posted By: Aussie Mick
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2017 at 2:42am
|
Even modest headphone amps can outperform headphone sockets in integrateds. Purpose designed, well executed, can offer better drive, tonal balance and dynamics. Having said that, the headphone socket on the little VTL integrated is pretty sweet! Having said THAT, it's a sound that has a very particular and strong flavour. Through the loan program you can try the Graham Slee models for the cost of postage, and they don't really do "flavours". They're terrific at reflecting the source material with fidelity and can drive pretty much anything. A total pleasure to listen through. Mick. ------------- Rega RP8 - Apheta 2 - Accession MC Enigma PS -Solo ULDE (Focal Utopia) - PS Audio M700 - Fical Kanta No2 |
Posted By: Noski
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2017 at 11:12am
| Thanks for the replies guys. I have dropped an e mail to fatmangolf regarding a possible loan. I'm looking forward to listening! |