High impedance headphones

[BigAl]

I have three sets of 600 ohm headphones (2xAKG K141M & 1xAKG K240DF). All a few years old and still working like new (I did replace the pads on the K141Ms).
Not many sound interfaces can power one set of 600 ohm, never mind three, so I'm going to purchase a headphone amp.
Any recommendations?
My favoured one is the MTR HPA-2 which I believe should be fine, but I'd be interested to know what other folk are using.
Another option is to get new, lower impedance headphones, but I'd still need a headphone amp for them. INcidentally, I do like the ones I have - not the best listening back headphones but great in the studio when recording & over-dubbing.
Many years ago I had a Behringer 8 channel one but it sounded poor in my opinion.

[John Willett]

I use the Grace m903.

[BigAl]

I shall check that one out John.
What impedance are your cans?

[BigAl]

Too pricey John.
And I don't need a DAC. Cheers anyway.

[Hugh Robjohns]

Headphone outputs on half-decent mains powered units really shouldn't struggle with 600 ohm headphones. battery-powered portable things might, but there's no reason why a mains-powered unit should exhibit problems.

What makes you think they are?

H

[John Willett]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUGH

The headphones I use vary between 70Ω and 600Ω

[BigAl]

Hugh,

I'm not unsure per se.
My Focusrite Forte can't drive my cans, and generally, I need to have at least two available during sessions (three this week). I like the cans I have and would like something decent.
Currently I'm using a Kenwood HiFi amp and it's fine, but it's too big to move around and it has a couple of dodgy connectors.
I would like something half decent that's small enough to be portable.
I have used some MTR stuff in the past and it's pretty robust, and has never let me down even although it's been bashed around. The same can be said of the AKG headphones. All have out-lived many a cheap set.

[Bob Bickerton]

I've been pleased with this: Lehman Studio Cube

Bob

[Hugh Robjohns]

My Focusrite Forte can't drive my cans

Is that when on bus power, or mains power too?

I don't think any of my headphones are more than 70 ohms these days, but I certainly had plenty of level on those with the Forte on mains power.

I have used some MTR stuff in the past and it's pretty robust

I've not used the MTR stuff, but I have heard -- and heard several good reports on -- the Lehman Studio Cube which Bob recommends. Personally, I use either a Grace Design m902b or a Benchmark DAC1 when I'm recording on location or need a particularly good reference headphone amp.

H

[James Perrett]

You can drive 600 ohm headphones direct from a speaker output - we used to have an old Accessit 15W per channel amp to drive our studio headphones which wasn't much bigger than a typical headphone amp.

[Folderol]

You can drive 600 ohm headphones direct from a speaker output - we used to have an old Accessit 15W per channel amp to drive our studio headphones which wasn't much bigger than a typical headphone amp.

Indeed you can, but if you do so please stick a pair of 8.2 ohm resistors inside the plug in series with the L&R signals... unless you don't mind a S/C blowing up your amp.

[BigAl]

Hugh,

Bus and mains power. It could be a bit louder, and if I'm using two sets, it can't cut it.

According to Focusrite, 24 ohm is the optimum for the Forte.

I will check out your recommendations, but some are a tad on the pricey side.

Here's the MTR link, with what looks like a comment from an old SOS.

http://www.mtraudio.com/mtrcatalogue.htm

Their stuff is well built. I have the passive PS-8 and it is bullet-proof - and I've used it for years.