Integrating head amp into system

[Stuey]

Hi all,

I'm building an integrated SS amplifier and intend, at the construction stage, to make integration of a separate-chassis SS headphone amplifier as easy as possible.

How is switching of the source to the inputs of a separate headphone amplifier 'usually' done? Are these commonly taken from the output of the pre-amp?

I am thinking of making the pre/power sections (which will be in the same casing) able to be used separately via some sort of short external jumper arrangement on the back panel.

Cheers

Stuey

 

[Dan2]

i would take the output from the pre-amp to run the headphones.

you may have to ground the power amp inputs when you switch the preamp to the headphone output, or you might get a buzz on your main speakers.

 

[Stuey]

Thanks for your comments Dan.

Yes, I guess two switchable pre-outs seems to be the best option, one being connected to the power amp input, and the other to the headphone amp.

Stuey

 

[Stuey]

Hmmm...just had a rethink when not under the influence of Corona and realised that it'd probably be better to run the headphone amp from line level, eliminating the pre-amp circuitry from the equation. Of course, most headphone amps would be designed to be driven directly.

A tape loop seems to be the way, but then you lose the control functionality (volume at least). Still, that's easy to implement on the headphone amp.

Onward...

Cheers

Stuey