Amps & DACs

I bought this amp after listening to the bigger Micro Amp from Headroom. Very close to the same quality of sound but in a smaller package. I love my amp. I take it and my ipod everywhere. I am currently listening to a pair of Bose Triport headphones and as soon as I plugged this amp in I could tell a big difference. If you are looking for an amp that is portable and don't want to spend a lot of money, this is it.

I purchased the 'Airhead' at the same time as the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro's to make up for the loss in volume (with 64 ohm impedance) compared to my existing Koss UR-20's (wthh 32 ohm impedance). They accomplished that mission. What does that mean exactly? Well, the HD 280s and UR-20s are different animals. The HD 280s are quiet and tight, the UR-20's are loud and flabby (but still good). The airhead actually even's the playing field a bit. Frankly it's a bit of a judgement call. If you're powering a pair of decent headphones WITH AN IPOD, you really should get an amp. Having said that, I usually use my ipod's stock earbuds. At home; however, I use the airhead and the big boy headphones need the boost when used via my PC. But, when I connect either to an (old) receiver I really don't need the 'Airhead' for volume. The receiver has plenty of power needed to drive the (tiny) speakers in the full-ear head phones. So....I usually keep the 'air head' delegated to my PC. Is that worth $100? After 1 year I'm frankly still on the fence. I certainly DO NOT need the 'air head' to power EITHER headphone via a receiver. Via ipod? It may be handy but compared to an ipod the 'airhead' is @#$@ huge. I like the flexibility to move the 'airhead' where I need (want) it.

Cleaner sound? That is really subjective. In other words: I have no idea. Yes, it pumps up the volume a few dB which *IS* significant (a good 5-7 dB) but the added distortion may be overwhelmining. Will more investment in a higher powered amp result in better sound? Probably. But what is it worth to you. I say, work your way up.

(NEW 11/APRIL/2010) Although Headroom has indicated the AirHead is NOT designed for use with a PC, it is actually flexible (and small ) enough to b used with a 7-year old Sound Blaster 5.1 soundcard (barf!) to bypass the speakers. It amplifies EVERYTHING (for good and bad). I didn't plan on using it with my PC, but it gives enough if all you need is blissful loudness. Is it worth $100 in a situation FOR WHICH IT WAS NOT DESIGNED? Yes. It's worth exactly that amount. (FOUR STARS 11/APRIL) Like the experts say, if you're a a PC only user browse the (pricy) DAC amps--for an extra $250 Ouch.! This one is all purpose, baby! For alot of people, going from the $100 Airhead to $350 the DAC version is a deal. My advise, call them and ask--be honest how much you can spend & stick with it.

In the end I would recommend this to inexperienced amp/headhphone users willing to spend (and sacrifice) the cash. Otherwise, stick with your solo UR-20's and enjoy the (cheap) (boomy) blissful sound (noise).

BONUS:
Since an amp isn't normally something you will be handling often, I don't think this should influence you (much), but I have to comment on the build feel of this mini-amp. Nowadays good build feel for any electronic device is typically decided by a bean counter (team) and focus groups to hack out what might be the least amount of material that can be used to extract the most dollars from MISS (or MRS) consumer. Headroom must have kicked out the bean counters when designing the cover to the 'airhead.' A NICE BIG CHUNK OF FLEXIBLE RUBBER (yum) that fits the plastic body with the expected force and moves 'deliberately'when forced. It tops the cicruit board and can be totally removed from the body. Why? To expose the single switch to boost the amp's signal. No, it doesn't *SEEM* to make sense, but I love it damn it. This thing exudes quality if not practicality. Only you can decide. Ask about their return policy and give it a go. It's only money. Yours.

Just got mine in and just love it. Great little amp. A must for music lovers on the GO and a simple steal for the $$$. Drives good ear speakers to unheard levels of musical bliss. Good work guys.