Headphone amplifier that works with Powernode 2i

Answered

Marek

• June 01, 2020 04:22

Do you have a recommendation for an headphone amplifier that is compatible with the Powernode 2i? And if so one that can drive Sennheiser HD600 ? How would you attach such headphone amplifier to PowerNode ? Would it be via headphone output to amplifier i.e. 3.5mm to 2-Male RCA Adapter out of headphone input on PowerNode 2i into headphone amplifier . Does the headphone signal out of headphones in has enough volume going into headphone amp ?

Thanks,

Marek

 

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• Official comment

  

  Sam R.

  • June 01, 2020 19:46

  Hello Marek, 

  Yes, connecting a Powernode 2i to a heahphone amp would be via the headphone jack on the front (3.5mm out of Powernode to RCA IN of the headphone amp), and would send the line level signal to the headphone amp, where the headphone amp would amplifiy it.

  We do not have any direct recommendations, but any headphone amp in theory should work with the Powernode -- the key here is to look into headphone amps recommended for your Senheiser (or at least a headphone amp that can drive 300ohm headphones sufficiently).

  Regards,
  Sam R.
• 

  Marek

  • June 01, 2020 20:33

  Thanks Sam. Just one additional question after you reply. So when I send the the line level signal to the headphone amp of my choice, how do i control volume then. Will it be via headphone amp volume knob or could I use BlueOS app or Roon app to control volume via any one of those apps ? 

   

  Thanks,

  Marek

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• 

  Sam R.

  • June 02, 2020 10:35

  Hello Marek, 

  You would be able to use any of those (BluOS app, ROON, or the headphone amp itself) to control the volume. 

  Regards,
  Sam R.

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  Jean-Philippe Martin

  • August 29, 2020 00:40

  Hello Marek,

   

  I'm currently looking for a powernode 2i too to listen music with a wired headphone.

  What would be the purpose to connect another device to the powernode 2i ? Isn't it enough by itself to drive a headphone like the HD600 in your case ?

  Thank you in advance for sharing info !

  JP

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  Marek

  • August 29, 2020 01:57

  Hi JP,

  Normally, 2i would be able to drive some of the headphones with its internal headphone amplifier, however, there is unfixed big that impacts I believe majority of 2i models. There are some speakers, given their impedance rating are not muting when Headphones are plugged in. Which means you can not listen to headphones plugged into 2i because sound is "bleeding" through the speakers still! That's the bug. See this forum thread:

  https://support1.bluesound.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/360044185433-Headphones-output-on-Powernode-2i?page=1#community_comment_360011554953

  Bluesound support told me that the fix is on the way but they do not know when :( which is very frustrating.

  So I did not want to wait for their fix (is it ever coming?) and purchased my self a dedicated DAC and Headphone amplifier that can drive any type of headphones (including hard to drive, but otherwise excellent HD 600)

  This is what I bought:

  Schitt Magni Heresy - Magni Heresy Headphone Amp and Preamp

  https://www.schiit.com/products/magni-1

  Schitt Modi 3 - DAC
  

  https://www.schiit.com/products/modi-1

  These 2 components are amazing and inexpensive and made in USA. I paid $200 USD for both plus shipping to Canada. An amazing value! I am so glad I bought these 2 units as my HD 600 sound unbelievable with them. Amazing hi-fi sound and so easy to drive HD 600 with Magni! Highly recommend it!

  I hope my reply helps.

   

  Good Luck,

  Marek

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

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  Jean-Philippe Martin

  • August 30, 2020 19:13

  Hello Marek,

  thank you for your swift response !

  I will keep this solution as a possible setup for my bluOS compatible headphone spot.

  Kr,

  JP

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  Jean-Philippe Martin

  • August 30, 2020 19:24

  Marek,

  your issue seems to be fixed recently for other users :)

  https://support1.bluesound.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/360038470854-Sound-coming-through-wired-headphones-AND-speakers

  Kr,

  JP

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