Upgrading a Babyface Pro? (Headphone Out)

[Dreyfus]

Hey guys,

I'm considering to upgrade the headphone output of my RME Babyface Pro. Due to some of my EQ settings and HRIR convolutions I'm running out of headroom with some phones like the DT 990 (250 Ohm) or HD 700 from time to time.

Spoiler: Specs

DA, Line Out 1-2

• Dynamic range (DR): 115 dB RMS unweighted, 118 dBA
• Frequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0.5 dB: 0 Hz – 20.8 kHz
• Frequency response @ 96 kHz, -0.5 dB: 0 Hz – 45 kHz
• Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB: 0 Hz - 89 kHz
• THD: - 106 dB, 0.0005 % • THD+N: -102 dB, 0.0008 %
• Channel separation: > 110 dB
• Output: XLR balanced
• Output impedance: 300 Ohm balanced, 150 Ohm unbalanced
• Output level @ 0 dBFS: Balanced +19 dBu, unbalanced +13 dBu
• DC @ 0 dBFS: 6.35mm 4.8 V, 3.5mm 2.4 V, XLR bal. 9.6 V

DA, Phones 3/4
AS DA Line Out, but:

• Output: 6.3 mm TRS jack, unbalanced
• Output impedance: 10 Ohm
• Output level at 0 dBFS, 1 kOhm load: +13 dBu
• Max power @ 0.1% THD: 50 mW
• Output: 3.5 mm TRS jack, unbalanced
• Output impedance: 2 Ohm
• Output level at 0 dBFS, 1 kOhm load: +7 dBu
• Max power @ 0.1% THD: 70 mW

Looking at the Specs of the device, which price range do I have to expect to improve clean output power?
Do you think its worth an upgrade at all, also taking the reduction of DR on the digital side (HRIRs with up to -30 dB) into account?

Kind regards and thanks in advance,
P48

 

[LTig]

Hey guys,

I'm considering to upgrade the headphone output of my RME Babyface Pro. Due to some of my EQ settings and HRIR convolutions I'm running out of headroom with some phones like the DT 990 (250 Ohm) or HD 700 from time to time.

What about keeping the Babyface and adding a good and cheap headphone amp like the Atom to its headphone or analog output?

 

[Dreyfus]

Selling the unit is no option since I absolutely love TotalMix FX

My idea was to use the SPDIF out for an external DAC / AMP stack or a good combo unit. But if I remeber it right from the RME forum, the headphone out can be used as line out, as well. The XLR outs are blocked by my speakers, but they are not my top priority.

My budget is roughly 400 Euros.
Is there anything in that range that can absolutely outperform the BFP?

Though about something like the Yulong Canary II or Aune X1s. Or maybe a SMSL SP200 for an amp only steup.

The Atom is mostly made of plastic, right?

 

[FrantzM]

<snip>

The Atom is mostly made of plastic, right?

I understand the aesthetics concern but the Atom is the real deal.. World class performance for pas cher ....

 

[TungstenC]

The Atom is mostly made of plastic, right?

There's the EL amp II now if you prefer an aluminium body.

 

[Tom C]

For real. Now there’s a choice. Get the Atom, and if you don’t care for the looks, don’t place it front and center. Hide it. Or, if you can swing it, the EL amp II will give you the good looks.

 

[JBX1666]

I understand the aesthetics concern but the Atom is the real deal.. World class performance for pas cher ....

Is it best to use the Atom with headphone out 1 or 2?

Thanks.