multichannel headphone preamp - any suggestions?

[kylie]

hi folks,

after testing 2 different units I look for some ideas what to try next.
generally I'm looking for a headphone amp that has the features listed below:

- internal psu (no wallwart)
- rackmountable
- clean and noise free sound
- multiple outs (2 would be fine already, but it seems they come with at least 4, which is still fine. 6 or more not needed)
- front inserts if possible (no showstopper, though)
- affordable

I tried the samson s-phone and the behringer ha4700 pro-xl. generally both units stand for everything I want, except sound quality.

the samson is extremely noisy (at least my unit). even with all pots to zero there is a noise floor so annoying I started looking for alternatives. especially when you take into consideration that the phone jack from my SB Live DriveII (which is still inside my computer for sentimental reasons) sounds way better and is silent when set to 0.

the behringer I got last week is more silent, but when turning up the volume some different noise is introduced, like interference you get when your cell phone renegotiates near your (unshielded) pc gaming speakers.

I have to admit I run unbalanced trs into the amps (fed from a luna box via zlink to my pulsar2) with cheap consumer cables and cinch to trs adapters, which might explain the noise on the behringer, but not the samson (which is noisy even if nothing but power is connected to it). I don't have a plus plate, and the a16u is used elsewhere, so I have some difficulties to test a balanced connection which could be more resistant to external influences...

isn't there anything useable in the price range up to lets say EUR 200 ?

I would forgive the spl 2control the missing rackmountability but it's not in my price range, apart from the fact that it is mainly a monitor controller...
the art headamp 6 pro and the presonus hp60 would be possible candidates even though they're slightly beyond the budget window, but I'd like to hear some opinions other than the marketing speech like "ultra low-noise" like behringer claims for the powerplay...

thanks for your input.

-greetings, markus-

[borg]

A few years ago, I worked for an ensemble that had both classical musicians and max/msp wizzards in its ranks. Standards were pretty high (gouvernment funded art, gotta love it), and all were quite happy using the tascam device.

http://www.kapaza.be/Muziek_en_instrume ... ifier.html

[kylie]

looks like fulfilling most of my wishes. will take it into consideration. thanks for the hint.

[katano]

I'm using this one for tracking for years, does the job and is cheap:
http://www.thomann.de/de/behringer_ha47 ... aerker.htm

I don't have the noise problems you have, balanced cables may help...

cheers

[dawman]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Furman-HR-6-HDS-6-H ... 4a9cb53723

This is a really well deigned well built system.
It can even be used to distribute custom mixes for IEM's.
Very quiet, and mains powered, which is must for headsets/interfernece.

[pollux]

I have a sonifehx red box HD1.. great unit. There are differen versions:
http://www.sonifex.co.uk/redbox/index.shtml#head

[kylie]

I'm using this one for tracking for years, does the job and is cheap:

ack. the price was a killer argument.

I don't have the noise problems you have, balanced cables may help...

I will definitely try that. will need to swap the luna box with the a16u, though...

[kylie]

I have a sonifehx red box HD1.. great unit. There are differen versions:
http://www.sonifex.co.uk/redbox/index.shtml#head

these look interesting, but well, they aren't within my price range (yet. I might have to readjust that...)

thanks for your input

[katano]

Well, if you need to swap the luna breakout box with an A16u, the price gap is gone, isn't it?
However, getting rid of the luna box will be one of your tasks anyway, when you'll upgrade to xite at the latest

cheers,
roman

[kylie]

Well, if you need to swap the luna breakout box with an A16u, the price gap is gone, isn't it?

if you read between the lines you know that I already have an A16U. "swapping" means: getting it off the other rack and using it as z-link to analog converter (mainly for the headphone preamp).

However, getting rid of the luna box will be one of your tasks anyway, when you'll upgrade to xite at the latest

maybe we should put the request for a successor to the luna box on the "wanna-have" list for S|C !?
this would necessarily have to make use of an own psu, or they might release a newer hardware revision for xite that supplies z-link power again.

I'll thinbk about upgrading to xite, when you buy the successor and get rid of your unit. like we did with your pro card

[katano]

I'll thinbk about upgrading to xite, when you buy the successor and get rid of your unit. like we did with your pro card

I see, I see

btw. I have another Scope Pro z-link with v5.0 to sell very soon with lots of additional plugins such as:
- Dynatube Guitar Bundle
- Dynatube Bass Bundle
- Orbiton Impressor Bundle
- DAS SL9000
- DAS RMX160
- STW A100
- STW P100
- STW C/D
- Six String
- Flexor

Tell me if you're interested
Cheers,
Roman

[kylie]

generally, yes, apart from the fact that there's no plugin on this card I don't have (wait, no... the orbitone impressor is missing), and that I'd prefer a plus plate.