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Earphone Amps

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by freddylang, Sep 17, 2001.

  1. Sep 17, 2001 #1
    freddylang

    freddylang Guest

    Dec 24, 2000
    Columbus, OH.
    I've been looking at headphone amps. I've looked at the Korg Pandora, the Rockman, Bass in a Box and I think I'm gonna go with the Rockman bass ace. I listened to some samples of the Pandora. Most of them seemed pretty impractical. It's fun to goof around with alien sounds but they have no use on stage for me plus I can make those sounds with my Multi-effects processor and my pc software. That thing has a lot of features but I just can't see spending $190 for a practice amp. I think I'm gonna go with the Bass Ace and save $120. Any other suggestions?
     
  2. Sep 17, 2001 #2
    HeavyDuty

    HeavyDuty Supporting Curmudgeon Staff Member Gold Supporting Member

    Jun 26, 2000
    Central Texas
    I have both a Pandora and a Dean Bass-in-a-box. I've considered selling the Pandora a few times now, but each time I've decided to keep it.

    I usually use mine "dry", and occasionally will add a little reverb and/or EQ. It's nice having the drum box and the bass cancel function for solo practice. And I'm just now starting to explore uses for the phrase trainer.

    Bottom line: If all you're looking for is a headphone amp, save the money and buy a simple amp. (The Dean is very good, IMO.) However, if you could find a use for an "integrated practice tool", by all means go for the Pandora!

    I've rationalized keeping both by telling myself the Pandora is for practice at my friend's house (a Bass Pandora into a set of subwoofer-equipped powered PC speakers makes a great jam tool that won't wake up the kids), and the Dean is for the office and overnight travel (because it's cheaper, thus less painful to lose).

    Works for me...
     
  3. Sep 17, 2001 #3
    MODELL

    MODELL

    Aug 30, 2001
    Pittsburgh, PA
    I have a Dean Bass in the Box and love it. I think it cost about $39.00 @ Musicians Friend. It has 3 different settings that really sound good sent directly to my 4 track. For the money you can't beat it....
     
  4. Sep 17, 2001 #4
    freddylang

    freddylang Guest

    Dec 24, 2000
    Columbus, OH.
    Thanks for the advice. I was looking to buy a headphone amp and an ashbory so I can play on my lunch hour at work and for travel. I don't need anything too elaborate. Now the only problem I have is one I haven't heard a name for yet but I know plenty of people have it. I'll attempt to name it but I'm sure there will be plenty of responses: It's after you have a fit of G.A.S. and months later when you need to get rid of an amp or a bass but you don't have the heart to give up stuff you're attached to. What do you call that? P-G.A.S. (Post gear acquisition syndrome?) How about- I have to sell something to make my car payment syndrome? Why can't I sell stuff that's collecting dust?!?!? Why do all basses, amps, and effects have their own unique sound? I love them all. I love too much. I need therapy. There should be a seperate P-G.A.S. forum. AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! :confused:
     
  5. Sep 17, 2001 #5
    Cat

    Cat Guest

    Apr 5, 2000
    Penn State
    I have a pocket-rockit. sounds great, as good as my amp with good headphones. only $50.
     
  6. Sep 17, 2001 #6
    Bass Guitar

    Bass Guitar Supporting Member

    Aug 13, 2001
  7. Sep 17, 2001 #7
    dirk

    dirk Guest

    Apr 6, 2000
    Memphis, TN
    I've been looking for a decent travel setup, too. An acoustic bass is just impractical b/c of the physics of the design. So my question is, on either the Rockman or the Bass in a Box, could you run a set of small powered speakers out and get a decent sound (better than that of an acoustic bass) enough to even consider competing w/ an acoustic guitar. And by small, I mean small. I saw some Sony speaker that are like PC speakers/Walkman speakers. What would the bass response on these be? also, does either of the headphone units have any power w/ them, or is it just like a preamp, w/ no power?

    Dirk
     
  8. Sep 17, 2001 #8
    HeavyDuty

    HeavyDuty Supporting Curmudgeon Staff Member Gold Supporting Member

    Jun 26, 2000
    Central Texas
    I've tried both the passive (non-powered) Walkman speakers and the powered type. Definitely go with powered ones!

    The best results I've had, though, are with PC subwoofer/speaker sets. Mine cost $23 at Sam's Club, and is loud enough to wake my friends' kids.
     
  9. Sep 18, 2001 #9
    dirk

    dirk Guest

    Apr 6, 2000
    Memphis, TN
    HeavyDuty,

    I've been looking around at some personal active speakers, like for a walkman or PC. I was wondering how many watts would it take to compete w/ an acoustic guitar, plus what is probably the highest wattage of speakers that will run on batteries. I was wanting this for travel, like bus trips and stuff. Also I would like for them to fit in my book-bag, too.