Music Recording/Production Headphone Amp

[johnnyindia]

In the market for a headphone amp that has Balanced XLR inputs to use in my music production studio. My recording interface is a Lynx Hilo 2, and the headphone amp in the interface will be used for the person engineering the session. Then XLR Line Outputs of the Hilo 2 will go down approx 35 ft of Mogami/Neutrik XLR cable to the back of the room, where I'll have a dedicated headphone amp available for the performer (this is an overdub studio, so only one performer at a time). Headphones used will either be Audio Technica ATH-M50x (38 ohms) or Beyerdynamic DT770 (80 ohms), depending on the preference of the performer. The primary function of the amp will be monitoring the performance (click track, backing track and live mic feed blended together).

Options I'm considering:
- Drop + SMSL HO150X
- Topping A90
- Little Labs Monotor
- Neve RNHP

The SMSL is the most affordable at $199. Any reason to consider one of the others instead, or look into something else not on this list?

 

[staticV3]

Both headphones can only be used single-ended, so I'd suggest not wasting any money on Amps with powerful balanced output (which you can't use) and instead focusing on healthy XLR in->SE out gain, to be able to offset potentially low signal amplitudes in the studio.

That makes the A90D(9.3dB) for example a rather poor choice.

Best options from Topping would be the L50(13.7dB), L70(13.8dB), and A30 Pro(14dB).

 

[Blumlein 88]

Both headphones can only be used single-ended, so I'd suggest not wasting any money on Amps with powerful balanced output (which you can't use) and instead focusing on healthy XLR in->SE out gain, to be able to offset potentially low signal amplitudes in the studio.

That makes the A90D(9.3dB) for example a rather poor choice.

Best options from Topping would be the L50(13.7dB), L70(13.8dB), and A30 Pro(14dB).

I don't think he was looking for balanced outputs. Just balanced inputs for the remote headphone amp.

In addition to the good suggestions from Topping you might consider SMSL HO 200.

SMSL HO200 Review (Headphone Amplifier)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the SMSL HO200 balanced headphone amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $399. I like the feel of the mechanical switches on the HO200: And in-built power supply: Notice the USB input for changing firmware that handles...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[JIW]

The Hilo 2 has a maximum output of 24 dBu. This alone can cause problem with consumer level headphone amps most of which can only take an input up to around 10 V RMS, i.e. 22.2 dBu, on the balanced input. Thus, the Hilo 2's output should probably be reduced by at least 2 dB. Since you should have decent ADC's, you can test at what input level the input stage of the amp is overloaded.

Due to the high output of the Hilo 2, there is no need for very high gain. Rather, low gain should be a consideration to have useful volume control range.

The HO150X should work fine unless it has problems with high input levels.

 

[johnnyindia]

I don't think he was looking for balanced outputs. Just balanced inputs for the remote headphone amp.

In addition to the good suggestions from Topping you might consider SMSL HO 200.

SMSL HO200 Review (Headphone Amplifier)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the SMSL HO200 balanced headphone amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $399. I like the feel of the mechanical switches on the HO200: And in-built power supply: Notice the USB input for changing firmware that handles...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Why the HO 200 over the HO150 in this case? The 150 seems to have the connections I need and is a bit less expensive.

Drop + SMSL HO150X Linear Headphone Amplifier Q&A | Audiophile | Amps

Discover 44 Community discussions, tips, and reviews on Drop + SMSL HO150X Linear Headphone Amplifier from the Audiophile enthusiast community on Drop.

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[Blumlein 88]

Why the HO 200 over the HO150 in this case? The 150 seems to have the connections I need and is a bit less expensive.

Drop + SMSL HO150X Linear Headphone Amplifier Q&A | Audiophile | Amps

Discover 44 Community discussions, tips, and reviews on Drop + SMSL HO150X Linear Headphone Amplifier from the Audiophile enthusiast community on Drop.

drop.com

Because it doesn't have the balanced out which you cannot use. And it has two output headphone jacks of two different sizes. Might come in handy and if a musician has a different phone simple to use. It is true no reason not to go with the cheaper one. You can always just ignore the balanced output headphone jack. No problem with that.