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Integrating headphone system

Hi all. Hope summer is treating everyone well. 

I recently added a XP-22 to my 2CH system. It does not have a headphone input/amp. What's the best way to add headphone listening to a 2CH preamp that does not have a headphone input while using my existing DAC and preamp?

I've read most users add a separate HPA by connecting to tape out. And thus use the HPA as the controller. The XP-22 has two sets of unbal. and one set of bal. outs. Can I use these to connect to the HPA and avoid clipping? I assume doing so would not mute the output to my speakers. I'm currently using one of the two bal. inputs set to unity gain to use a separate preamp that has phono input. 

Thanks! 

tee_dee
freediver
1,173 posts
 

Using 1 Line Out would I believe,mute the speakers as the power amplifier would be fed from a different output...Use the Tape Out & HPA as volume control to cans...
 That said,using 2 preamplifiers seems like a complicated & unbalanced system...

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,825 posts
 

Yes, Tape out or Fixed output is always the best way to connect a headphone Amp. My integrated has a headphone Amp built in but I prefer my Quicksilver HP Amp.  

I use Fixed out to the Amp with great results.   I just turn the volume all the way down on the Integrated to mute the speakers.  

mitchb's avatar
mitchb
336 posts
 

Tape out works best for me. I had a balanced tape out with my X1 and I have balanced tape out with my XP-32. I don’t think that the XP-22 has balanced tape out but you could use single end rca tape out for HPA.

tee_dee OP
36 posts
 

Thanks for confirming. Initially I thought I could use output 5 that is configured for HT bypass. I’ll experiment with the tape out. 
 

Yeah. The second preamp for phono isn’t ideal. I’m doing some research on a proper phono pre.  
 

harris4crna's avatar
harris4crna
124 posts
 

I use speakers taps out of my 2CH amp for HP listening. Works really well. No need for separate HP amp.

 

https://fogcityaudio.com/products/adaptor-cable-speaker-banana-plugs-to-female-4-pin-xlr

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