Headphone amplification

Hi,

I own a Naim NAC202 preamp and NAP200 amplifier (no additional power supplies) and have been using the Naim Headline for headphone amplification. However, I’m looking to improve on that setup.

I use Audeze LCD-3 planar headphones and would appreciate suggestions for a headphone amp that pairs well with the NAC202 and these headphones. Additionally, any advice on how to properly connect the recommended amp to the NAC202 would be helpful.

Thanks for your input!

Best regards,
Walter

I have a similar second system with a HL2 powered by NAPSC & driving Meze 109 Pro’s and find the result quite wonderful.
What do you think you are missing that replacing the HeadLine would achieve?:thinking:

Hi,
Thanks for sharing. Because the headline connected to my system sound a bit muddy and lacking dynamics (withdrawn) when used with the LCD 3 and in comparison to the mojo 2 which is a portable device I use often connected to my laptop or poly. The specs of the headline 2 show it pushing a lower output than the mojo 2 for example.

I think the impedance of your meze headphones is much lower and they are not planar magnetic headphone but have a dynamic driver instead.

Your only option is to connect any headphone amp to one of the three din sockets on the 202 that provide an output - tape, AV or Aux 1, which must be what you are doing currently. You don’t say how your Headline is powered, and it may be worth trying a better power supply before deciding to let it go.

Hi,
I am powering it using naim i-supply and using din connector from the headline to the NAC 202. Would a replacement headphone amplifier have to use din connections as well?
Thanks!
Walter

It would obviously need din on the 202 end but phonos are fine on the other end. You need to ensure it’s correctly wired, and there is a topic in the FAQ.

The iSupply is really basic. I bet if you got a Napsc, or even better a Hicap, you’d be surprised at what your Headline can do.

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Thank you for explaining how to connect with the NAC 202. I’m looking for suggestions for alternative headphone amplifiers, apart from the Headline, that would complement my Naim setup. Finding a suitable headphone amp is a more direct way to resolve my issue, as an external naim power supply is quite costly and may not provide the additional power or sound quality needed for my LCD headphones.

I have a pair of Dan Clark Audio Aeon2 Noire planar headphones, which are just as current hungry as the Audeze LCD models, in turns of driving them properly.

I use a Bakoon HPA-21 unit, which is a battery powered but also current amplifying, so it delivers power based on the impedance of the headphone, which for planar magnetics is normally lower than dynamic driver ones. I use a ‘Tape Out’ connection from my Sim Audio Moon amp, so it’s a fixed line level output, with a RCA-RCA interconnect. The current version of the Bakoon HPA-21 is the Enleum HPA-23R, which is a smaller unit, but with improved amplification on the ‘Current’ output.
The Bakoon/Enluem units are well suited to the Audeze models, and I believe, in the past, there was a partnership.

The Burson range are also good powerful headphone amplifiers and I have seen them reviewed with LCD2/3/4/5 models.

Thanks, Simon! You’re the only one who didn’t insist I use the Headline or spend more on a Naim power supply instead of exploring alternative amplifiers for my Naim setup. I’ll consider your suggestions. Do you know of any affordable yet high-quality amplifiers for driving planar magnetic headphones? I am open to more suggestions from other members.

The FAQ has a topic you may find useful…

Hey Walter, I wasn’t suggesting you stick with the HeadLine and add a different PS, I was merely querying what you’re were looking to achieve from an alternative product that the HeadLine was not providing. I also thought you might find my experience of interest. :man_shrugging:t2:

Budget for any change? ‘Affordable’ is a flexible concept!

Are you set on keeping the headphones? One alternative way of improving your headphone set up might be to change them rather than the Headline.

Bruce

Hi Bruce,
Budget below or up to USD 1000 for alternive amplifier. USD 500-700 would be the sweet spot though. I also thought about other headphones but I do like Audeze LCD signature, soundstage and looks. I am afraid I might end over my budget (defeating the whole upgrade idea) if I try to replace them for something better or more efficient.
Best regards
Walter

That is helpful.

In the US market I am less sure of your options at that price. Others may be better placed with that budget in mind.

Cheers Bruce

Hi
I am located in Sweden (EU market).
Walter

Hi Richard,
Any DIN to RCA cables recommended by naim to go from tape out or CD out into an RCA input of an external headphone amplifier?
Thanks in advance?
Walter

Dollars confused me! I will have a think.

No problem - I do use my Headphone & Amp with my NDS with 555DR on Socket1!

I like the Bakoon current amplification technology. I have their Phono-stage (EQA-11 Reference) too, so no DIP switches or Load/Gain settings

Other suggestons of amps that have a higher current delivery include

  • PassLabs HPA-1
  • Ferrum OOR
  • Burson Soloist GT
  • Trilogy 993 (would need to find a 2nd hand one)
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I generally use Naim’s own or the old Chord Chrysalis (very similar). If you don’t use a Tape I/c then you’ll need to have the DIN custom wired for REC OUT rather than PLAY pins.

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I see… Which naim cable could be used to go from the NAC 202 to the RCA inputs of an external headphone amplifier? Thanks!