headphone amp

[miner]

I have a very good pre (McIntosh C2300) with a headphone jack. Is a headphone amp via rec out necessary for great sound or should I be OK with just using the jack on my preamp? i don't have my phone yet (Grado PS1000i) but wull get them soon.

 

[gearhound]

Depends.
Some dedicated headphone jacks on receivers and amplifiers, are better than others?
BUT.....if I were gonna spend serious $$$ on a pair of cans, I'd be willing also to spent serious $$$ on a dedicated headphone amp.
Just my humble opinion, mind you?

Steve

 

[jt45]

I would try the McIntosh first, you can always get a dedicated later if your not happy with it.However it looks like your going TOTL so a dedicated does make more sense.

 

[Mysteryed]

I would try the McIntosh first...

Makes sense to me.

OP: What is your source feeding the C2300? If the s/n is greater than 93db then a headphone amp directly to that source may be warranted. But that sweet 12ax7a sound is then sidestepped. The headphone output is matched for cans from 16Ω to 250Ω on your preamp. I'm rooting for the C2300!

I look forward to your impression of the Grado PS1000i phones!

 

[miner]

I feel the C2300 jack will be just fine. Source will be a McIntosh MVP871 universal player and a Rega P9 TT. My listening position is 15' from the cabinet so not having a remote volume control (via seperate headphone amp) would not be convenient. I will try the pre before I decide upon a headphone amp.

 

[HiFiGuy528]

I have a C2200 and I don't care for the headphones output with most of my headphones in my collection. I use a Lehmann Audio BCL with great results.