Hey folks

Having recently purchased a Nait 5i (and been blown away but its awesomeness!) I have developed a need use some headphones (for late evening enjoyment).

Being relatively new to high end audio I understand a headphone amp can be linked into the tape loop of my amp. Would I be correct in assuming this and if so are there any headphone amps that might be worth a look at?

Thanks in advance for your wisdom!

Headline - you'll need an iSupply or NAPSC to power it - it can be linked to the tape loop on your Nait 5i. Though you;ll need to tell your dealer you intend to use it this way so you get the right connectors.



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My favourite moving-coil headphones are Denon AH-D5000 - didn't think I liked moving-coil phones before I heard these - my previous preference had been Stax.

HT Rotf

Welcome to the forum.

A Headline is an excellent addition but I would seriously consider powering with a Hi-Cap or NAPSC at minimum. Both components will find further use in your system if you upgrade.

The problem I have had with getting to the stage of acquiring both headphone amp and headphones may be instructive.

Many Naim dealers do not do much else by way of headphone amps so comparisons within one shop are difficult. I plumped for the Headline purely on the basis of synergy with my existing system. However, getting headphones is even more problematic as the number of places you can actually audition all the options is, as far as I can see, almost non-existent. There is a small niche in the market here if someone wants to step forward.

You don't specifically mention phones but the shortlist would normally be

Grado - at various levels.
Sennheiser HD 650s
AKG 701
The aforementioned Denon.

I plumped for the 701s blind through sheer frustration. They offer an airiness and level of detail that I don't associate with listening to my system through speakers and now they have burned in and I've got used to them, they are excellent. They are either bass light or bass lean/accurate depending on your perspective. I tend towards the light camp but they're so good that nothing is lost. The level of detail is phenomenal if you're into that sort of thing.

Grados - They may not be for you on comfort alone but that's a personal thing (as is everything connected to music) but personally I found them to be valve like without the distortion at high levels. This may or may not be what you're looking for from your system.

Sennheiser - a good all rounder but sometimes portrayed as just
a bit dull in comparison to what can be achieved.

Denon - can't comment but reviews suggest similar to Sennheiser.

Just my 10p worth.
Mike

Thank you kindly for your replies guys.

I was looking into Grados, but the 701 seem like they may be a good alternative (just) within budget. As you say though Mike, it's nearly impossible to test either so I guess it will be a case of taking the plunge!

I guess a Headline may be on the cards a few months down the line, although I intend to replace my current CD (Rotel RA-02) with the CD5i prior to this. I may look into a budget headphone amp alternative as a stopgap for now!

Regards
dan

I don't know where you live, but Doug Brady in Warrington does pretty much the full range of Grados plus Sennheiser on demo. As a Naim dealer he also does the Headline, only at the moment I have their demo model on loan since mine had to go back to Naim to rectify a fault.

I can recommend the Grado RS2s. I use the Headline with a NAPSC.

Hi Dan

If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, consider the Rega Ear. I've been using one for a good few years with Grado 60's, although now need to find some closed-back alternatives.

Gavin