Anyone use a headphone amp as a preamp?

Discussion in 'Audio Hardware' started by El Jefe 651, Dec 6, 2016.

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  1. El Jefe 651

    El Jefe 651 New Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Saint Paul
    I'm considering getting a DarkVoice 336SE tube headphone/pre amp. I'd like to use it in addition to my DAC while streaming to add a bit more warmth and personality to the music. I'm wondering if anyone else uses a headphone amp solely as a pre? How does it perform?

    My setup would be: iPad/dragonfly 1.2 DAC/DarkVoice 336SE
    preamp/Cambridge Audio azur 551r receiver/Dali Zensor 1 speakers
     
  2. P2CH

    P2CH Well-Known Member

    Some tube headphone amps have RCA outputs. Is that what you're referring to?

    Mine has only a 1/4 headphone output though I've considered driving a power amp with it. I don't think it would be as clean as line-level RCA's though.
     
  3. Steve Baker

    Steve Baker Forum Resident

    Location:
    Columbia, Maryland
    Yes, I am currently running through my Schiit Valhalla 2. Sounds pretty sweet to me.
     
  4. El Jefe 651

    El Jefe 651 New Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Saint Paul
    yes, this particular amp does have RCA outs. In fact, it bills itself as being capable of preamp duties, but I have just seen such little info on the interwebs about using a headphone amp solely as a pre that I became a little concerned. Thanks for your reply.
     
  5. JimSmiley

    JimSmiley Team Blue Note

    I use a Little Dot MKIII as a pre in a secondary system. Works great and you have the ability to roll the tubes to your liking.
     
  6. timind

    timind phorum rezident

    I have used my Nuforce HDP as a preamp in my bedroom. It worked worked perfectly for my needs.
     
  7. El Jefe 651

    El Jefe 651 New Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Saint Paul
    Yeah, rolling is definitely a bonus. Thank you
     
  8. El Jefe 651

    El Jefe 651 New Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Saint Paul
    Glad to hear it. Thanks for your input
     
    timind likes this.
  9. BigGame

    BigGame Forum Resident

    I have used my Marantz HD DAC1 and I did not like how it sound.
     
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