Portable headphone amps

Eric Grossman · #1 04-04-2011, 07:06 AM

Hi guys. I'm hoping some of you have had experience with these units. I haven't owned one in a long time, but the need has arisen.
I need to be able to plug my bass, headphones, and an iPod (1/8 in. jack) into it.
It needs to be very portable, too. Effects and such are fine, but totally unnecessary. Obviously, I'd love it to handle some volume, without distorting.
Any suggestions? Thanks.

Rickett Customs · #2 04-04-2011, 07:09 AM

The CD Version

The MP3 Version

Sorry, I didn't notice the need for the ipod input right away. I have an older version of the CD trainer, that has an 1/8" input. Don't know about the newer one though.

Fredde · #3 04-04-2011, 07:16 AM

I use the Vox Bass Amplug. It's ok soundwise, but the build quality is terrible. It split in half when I dropped it on the floor (works fine after that though, I just had to snap the halves back together and secure with some tape).

The controls are also very small and sensitive, so you tend to accidentally change the settings all the time. But for the price/size/sound, I'd likely buy a new one if it broke.

I happen to have some samples of how it sounds with a clean setting (P-bass=>Amplug=>computer) in the bass application mentioned in this thread

DWBass · #4 04-04-2011, 07:26 AM

I use a Pocket Rock-It but it's the older black colored version than what they sell now.

bassfart · #5 04-04-2011, 07:38 AM

I have an iphone and I downloaded a GK bass amp app and I bought the iRig, and it is the best sounding portable amp that I ever played through. I pull up any song on my iPhone and jam away, this thing is amazing.

**JxBass** · #6 04-04-2011, 07:41 AM

The Pandora PX4D has a mini aux in. It has some ok sounds but I find the rhythm accompaniment to be more useful.

The Cafe Walter HA-1A also has an aux in and is the best headphone amp out there, IMHO:

HA-1A Headphone Practice Amplifier

georgestrings · #7 04-04-2011, 08:04 AM

My Pandora PX4B has been great to me - I'd recommend any of the Pandoras...

- georgestrings

GrooveWarrior · #8 04-05-2011, 09:14 AM

What is the price on the Cafe Walter?

mpdd · #9 04-05-2011, 09:29 AM

i just use a cheapo behringer fx mixer, think it was around 75 bucks

T-MOST · #10 04-05-2011, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWBass

I use a Pocket Rock-It but it's the older black colored version than what they sell now.

+1 They sound great!

**JxBass** · #11 04-05-2011, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrooveWarrior

What is the price on the Cafe Walter?

I haven't checked lately but I'd guess $100-$120 new. I believe Bass Northwest is still the sole retailer for new units, otherwise you have to go used via TB or eBay. I've seen them used on eBay in the $75-$80 range.

MNAirHead · #12 04-05-2011, 09:51 AM

I own a ton of these..

For $20-25 used.. the amplug can't be beat.. pandora (older versions) can be found in the $25 range.

Bollenator · #13 04-05-2011, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JxBass

I haven't checked lately but I'd guess $100-$120 new. I believe Bass Northwest is still the sole retailer for new units, otherwise you have to go used via TB or eBay. I've seen them used on eBay in the $75-$80 range.

Actually, when I bought mine a few months ago, they were still $169 at BNW, which is a bit pricey, but worth it if you want/need probably the best headphone amp available for the money (as mentioned earlier in the thread).

Since it's not "bass tuned," you can also use it as a super-clean headphone amp for any line-level input source (CD/MP3/computer), if that's your thing.

I have a pair of Grado SR-60 headphones that I use with the HA-1A - sounds amazing.

EDIT: Since the amplug is being mentioned, I have one of those as well - there's absolutely no comparison in sound quality, but the amplug does have the advantage of size and probably battery life. One issue I did have with the amplug was that it doesn't work with some recessed output jacks, so I had to buy a little extension thing from Radio Shack.

**JxBass** · #14 04-05-2011, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bollenator

Actually, when I bought mine a few months ago, they were still $169 at BNW, which is a bit pricey, but worth it if you want/need probably the best headphone amp available for the money (as mentioned earlier in the thread).

Since it's not "bass tuned," you can also use it as a super-clean headphone amp for any line-level input source (CD/MP3/computer), if that's your thing.

I have a pair of Grado SR-60 headphones that I use with the HA-1A - sounds amazing.

Thanks for the correction, I've owned mine for a couple of years so I'm (obviously) not in-line with current pricing.

I paid over $100 for my Pandora; while it's a fun little unit it can't touch the Cafe Walter for transparent pass-thru of the true tone of your bass. I also use the Grado SR-60s and I agree it's a terrific combination.

TheGinBass · #15 04-05-2011, 10:14 AM

How bout Dean in a box?

GrooveWarrior · #16 04-05-2011, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JxBass

Thanks for the correction, I've owned mine for a couple of years so I'm (obviously) not in-line with current pricing.

I paid over $100 for my Pandora; while it's a fun little unit it can't touch the Cafe Walter for transparent pass-thru of the true tone of your bass. I also use the Grado SR-60s and I agree it's a terrific combination.

I use the SR-60s with my Phil Jones Bass Buddy, and they are great. I have a student who needs a headphone amp.

MNAirHead · #17 04-05-2011, 10:22 AM

amplug..

Note the guitar ac-60 will suffice.. you can save $10

GrooveWarrior · #18 04-05-2011, 12:27 PM

Anyone know anything about these?

EARWIG Headphone Amp for electric bass (yellow) | eBay

GrooveWarrior · #19 04-05-2011, 12:35 PM

And, how cool is this thing?

Tube 6N11 headphone amplifier / Bass Mid Treble Adjust - eBay (item 120695197179 end time Apr-07-11 08:56:06 PDT)

Eric Grossman · #20 04-05-2011, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrooveWarrior

And, how cool is this thing?

Tube 6N11 headphone amplifier / Bass Mid Treble Adjust - eBay (item 120695197179 end time Apr-07-11 08:56:06 PDT)

That looks very cool. Thanks guys. I went with the Korg, before I saw the posts for the Cafe Walter HA-1A. I should have gone that way. This is the price for impatience though.