2. misc-audio
  3. 1249144596

Headphone amp to replicate Quad

Hi everybody,
I have question. Would anyone have a suggestion how to replicate, in a headphone amp, the sound of a Quad 99 amp, Quad 11L speakers combo? I LOVE this sound, and my current headphones, headphone amp set, sounds watery and unengaged by comparison I think. I have a Rega Ear headphone amp, and Sennhesier HD650 headphones. I would like to work with the headphone amp, more than with the headphones. Would prefer to keep these. Thanks a lot! (More than an audiophile, I think I am more of a Quadiphile).
--- My complete regular system consists of a Quad 99 CDplayer, Yamaha TX-497 tuner, Conrad Johnson PF-R preamp, Quad 99 amp, and 11L Quad monitors.
fgubb

Showing 3 responses by fgubb

fgubb OP
6 posts
 
Thanks, I see there are some Creeks now in Audiogon. Will perhaps give them a try. Thanks,
Fernando
fgubb OP
6 posts
 
Thanks Stanwal, Tom,
What I´ve noticed these last days is that the Rega Ear sounds actually much better, less hollow in the middles with the Rega Planet CD player. I was using it before with the Quad 99 CD player. Perhaps the problem was that the Quad favors the middles, which are the strenght of the Quad amps.
Passive preamps- that´s just what I am getting into now. I just purchased a pair of Quad 12L actives, and apparently I would need a passive preamp between it and the CD player.
Thanks again,
Fernando
fgubb OP
6 posts
 
Thank you. This is really useful. I had noticed the Benchmark DAC a while ago. I am glad to have somebody´s take on them. I am tempted to consider getting it because I just received my new Quad 12L Actives --I am SO impressed-- and it looks like the DAC can go straight to your active monitors, without having to use a preamp. That way I could have a backup preamp.
What´s amazing of these active speakers is that it´s like you were quad-amping so to say. Each speaker bi-amped. I am totally converted now to the benefits of bi-amping.
These speakers are awesome.
More to discover