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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
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

v-fi
77 posts
 

I would be very careful using speaker taps. It does work well for certain difficult headphones. Like the HifiMan Susvara and older HE6 models. They needs tons of power and so speaker taps are a good way of getting them there. For most other headphones of normal sensitivity I wouldn't recommend it though. I almost ruined a pair of expensive Focal Utopias that way!

Have you looked into the Pass Labs HPA1? It's a really great headphone amp. 

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