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Earphones driven by preamp RCAs?

What are the advantages/disadvantages of driving headphones off the preamp RCAs (my pre has no earphone jack)?

The eaphones have an impedance of 300 ohms. The preamp has an output impedance of 325 ohms, SE. For good listening, I need to turn the preamp volume to about 12:00.

Would a preamp with a phono jack, or a dedicated preamp do a better job?
128x128zargon

Showing 3 responses by zargon

zargon's avatar
zargon OP
453 posts
 
I believe matching the pre output and headphone input impedances will maximize the power transfer. So, anything else different between a pre with headphone jacks and one without?
zargon's avatar
zargon OP
453 posts
 
I have plenty of volume at 12:00 - that is not the really what I am interested in here.

What about the quality of the sound? What if I compare my headphones on the pre, to my headphones on a headphone amp RCA, to my headphones on a pre with a headphone jack? Sure, the answer will depend on the specific units compared, but how do they compare in general? What are the pros and cons? If I wanted to get the best sound, which direction would I go? Or are all three just as capable?

If I already own a fantastic pre (RCA out only), would there by any reason to add a headphone amp?

Thanks
zargon's avatar
zargon OP
453 posts
 
Kr4: For the same volume, the speakers are at 9:00.

Lets get more specific. My pre is an ARC LS 25 MKII. Can I do better with a headphone amp?
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