Just like to throw around an assessment I'm making in the studio...........................

My set up is basically DAV preamps going into an ISA428 and using the Focusrite's converters into a MOTU 8pre, so I've got 8 good preamps with good conversion on the input side, with 8 channels to spare of I need them on the 8pre.

Monitoring wise I like, when tracking in the studio, to use an analogue desk an Alesis 12R, so I split the preamps into the Alesis prior to conversion. Currently my DAW output comes from the main outputs of the 8pre also into the Alesis. The Alesis outputs feed PMC TB2-A's via a Nano Patch and the room has been assessed and treated accordingly.

I'm happy with this setup for the most part, however, I use headphones for monitoring when location recording (the DAV, 428 and 8Pre live in a 4 unit case, so nice portable solution) and also I like to sit down and make a final headphone check of CDs before production as I like the focus a critical headphone assessment provides.

Currently my only headphone amps are on the 8pre and the Alesis. Given I haven't ever owned a decent headphone amp, I don't know what I'm missing and whilst ignorance is bliss (and cheaper) I suspect I should review this aspect of my setup.

I currently have Sony MDR-7509 and Sennheiser HD-25 headphones.

I'm mulling over whether to purchase a standalone headphone amp, and I quite like the look of the new Lehmann Studio Cube, which I would patch in between the Alesis and the Nanopatch in the studio and use it patched into the 8pre for location monitoring.

I was also thinking of a Benchmark DAC1, which I could patch between the 8pre and the Alesis using optical connection, plus I could monitor the CD direct (CD player has a SPDIF out).

So I'm trying to assess the benefits of improved headphone amps, over my current setup (but bearing in mind I don't use them much apart from location recording), or indeed the benefits of improved conversion over the 8pre (but bearing in mind mostly it'll be heard via the Alesis mixer, which perhaps will mitigate any improvements).

Mostly record acoustic and classical music.

Budget around 300 to 600 pounds.

Excuse the ramble.......................

Thanks

Bob

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www.bickerton.co.nz

The Lehmann is analogue only, the Benchmark also has an ADC. Both are excellent.

The DACS Clarity HeadMaster is also worth looking at - this is an excellent headphone amp. and also has an integrated DAC.

I use the Grace m902, but that is a big step up in cost - though you might find some m902s at a good price now that the new m903 is out.

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John - Sound-Link ProAudio
President - Federation Internationale des Chasseurs de Sons

Hi Bob!

I like the Benchmark DAC1 (and my own choice the Lavry DA10) because their DACs de-jitter incoming digital audio to remove any crud, so the end result will sound better whether fed from a cheapy S/PDIF soundcard output or more up-market gear. It’s not often that you can improve the sound of an existing signal chain without upgrading all its components

I’m very happy with the headphone amp on my Lavry DA10 too


Martin

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YewTreeMagic

Thanks John and Martin.

I'm thinking a DAC may be the way to go, more flexible in the long run and gives me upgraded DAC as well as a headphone amp.

Do you think it would be sacrilege to patch the DAC between my DAW and the Alesis line mixer?

Bob

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www.bickerton.co.nz

Yes!

Seriously, a budget mixer is going to compromise the audio quality from gear as good as a Benchmark DAC1 or similar, so try to make that the final item in the chain immediately before your monitor amp/loudspeakers.


Martin

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YewTreeMagic