Hi Andy:
Any of those mentioned plus I like the build quality of the Behringer units (and they're rack-mount). None of this is audiophile quality but they're probably torture-proof and replace-cheap enough to be perfect for a public listening environment.
One thing I've decided is that headphone amps are so cheap to buy now that it makes no sense to DIY with a couple of opamps. Prices dropped since the mid-90's, to about half the dollars of back then. I'm talking the likes of Behringer, Samson, ART, etc.
To CYA, you might affix a sign to the listening booth about headphone levels and ear damage. I notice any headphone or portable music player manufacturer now includes a scold page in the manuals. Actually, it's not scolding at all but I hate lawyer-mandated text.
-- Tom Fine
----- Original Message ----- From: "andy kolovos" <akolovos@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <ARSCLIST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, June 01, 2006 2:38 PM
Subject: [ARSCLIST] Headphone Amplifers?
A question primarily for those of you working in institutional environments with listening stations, but also relevant to others--
What headphone amplifiers are people using? I'm currently in the market for a headphone amp or two as we retool our listening environment, and I'm curious as to what others are employing in addition to getting some suggestions.
My needs are simple--
1) inputs for two to four listeners, each with an individual volume control. 2) 1/4" jacks 3) limited features (e.g. volume knob, mono/stereo option, but not much else) 4)smallish (i.e. not a rackmount monster unit) 5) sub $125 a unit
Thanks!
andy --
Andy Kolovos
Archivist/Folklorist
Vermont Folklife Center
3 Court Street ; P.O. Box 442
Middlebury, VT 05753
(802) 388-4964
akolovos @ vermontfolklifecenter.org
http://www.vermontfolklifecenter.org