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This or that...bargain-priced headphone amps.
- Thread starter jd56hawk
- Start date
I've had this little beauty for several years now and it was money well spent.
I used the Vox for a while and a NUX. The headphone amp that makes me happiest is the Phil Jones Big Head Pro.
boss katana plug is worth considering
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/KataGo2--boss-katanago-mini-guitar-headphone-amp
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/KataGo2--boss-katanago-mini-guitar-headphone-amp
I need a good headphone-amp for two reasons:
1) Mrs. Veg doesn't like how the sound carries when I practice at home, especially when playing along with recorded music (which is most of my practicing).
2) I have a high-travel job and I sometimes bring a bass on the road with me to practice in my hotel-rooms in the evening so some form of amplification that I can plug music into, won't bother other people, and will fit in the pockets of the bass-case is a godsend.
I have the Vox and the Nu-X. The Vox is generally OK, but I didn't like the Nu-X because it's complicated. The whole thing with needing a phone-app to use it bugged me, plus I honestly could never get a sound I liked from it. I keep meaning to find a new home for the thing since I just don't see using it. But I have a bigger problem with both: They won't plug-into the deeply recessed output jacks of two of my four basses. After MUCH hunting high and low I found a plug-extender (actually a mono-stereo adapter IIRC) that should have solved that problem but when everything is connected by phone-plugs, things tend to rotate at the slightest movement and that caused some gawdawful loud crackling sounds in the signal. No good.
I'm now seriously considering the Phil Jones unit. It seems terribly expensive for what it really amounts to, but the level of utility looks like it should serve me well.
1) Mrs. Veg doesn't like how the sound carries when I practice at home, especially when playing along with recorded music (which is most of my practicing).
2) I have a high-travel job and I sometimes bring a bass on the road with me to practice in my hotel-rooms in the evening so some form of amplification that I can plug music into, won't bother other people, and will fit in the pockets of the bass-case is a godsend.
I have the Vox and the Nu-X. The Vox is generally OK, but I didn't like the Nu-X because it's complicated. The whole thing with needing a phone-app to use it bugged me, plus I honestly could never get a sound I liked from it. I keep meaning to find a new home for the thing since I just don't see using it. But I have a bigger problem with both: They won't plug-into the deeply recessed output jacks of two of my four basses. After MUCH hunting high and low I found a plug-extender (actually a mono-stereo adapter IIRC) that should have solved that problem but when everything is connected by phone-plugs, things tend to rotate at the slightest movement and that caused some gawdawful loud crackling sounds in the signal. No good.
I'm now seriously considering the Phil Jones unit. It seems terribly expensive for what it really amounts to, but the level of utility looks like it should serve me well.
I have the Vox (not the Bass version though). Previously owned 3 Pocket Rock-its and 2 Joyo models. I prefer models with AUX in so I can use my MP3 player. Not really interested in the Bluetooth models. I plan to buy the Vox Bass version.
I have a vox bass version 2 on the way. The one with the built-in beats. I'll report on how it is.
I tried my bass through the guitar Metal version for shiggles. It was usable but not ideal. Kinda fun; distortion and effects but not possible to get clean tone. Have to keep gain all the way down and tone very low and get kind of a grindy tone. Looking forward to the bass version. I like the simplicity of the vox. At 8pm through headphones on my couch i don't want to be fiddling around with screens or apps etc. I want simple.
I tried my bass through the guitar Metal version for shiggles. It was usable but not ideal. Kinda fun; distortion and effects but not possible to get clean tone. Have to keep gain all the way down and tone very low and get kind of a grindy tone. Looking forward to the bass version. I like the simplicity of the vox. At 8pm through headphones on my couch i don't want to be fiddling around with screens or apps etc. I want simple.
I’m not sure I see the appeal of an Amplug over a Sonicake Pocketmaster or Mooer Prime. The latter two are far more versatile.
Like I can see why someone might want a Big Head or a DG Element, but they’re considerably more expensive.
For the $70 range, I don’t see the advantage of the Amplug over these little battery powered multi effects modelers. They have drums, loopers, and work for guitars as well. I bring my Prime P1 as a backup for my board, which I think would be a tough assignment for an Amplug or NUX Mighty Plug.
Like I can see why someone might want a Big Head or a DG Element, but they’re considerably more expensive.
For the $70 range, I don’t see the advantage of the Amplug over these little battery powered multi effects modelers. They have drums, loopers, and work for guitars as well. I bring my Prime P1 as a backup for my board, which I think would be a tough assignment for an Amplug or NUX Mighty Plug.
The Amplug and similar plug directly into the bass. No cables. As mentioned above, the Amplug also has drum beats and effects. Also has an AUX. Cost effective. The Mooer is $150.
Calebmundy
Supporting Member
- Apr 5, 2007
- 1,134
- 817
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: DNA Amplifiers, Lākland Basses
I love the Nux. I did not find it to be too complicated, but it does require an app. Once you have a sound you like, plug in, connect to Bluetooth and play any audio from your phone-metronome, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music etc
FYI for Black Friday Amazon just dropped the price of the BOSS KATANA:GO from $133 to $99.99, which makes it my choice over the $110 NUX.
Both are great units though if you're on a budget and don't mind some compromises in sound quality Amazon dropped the price of the Valeton Rushead Max (four bucks) to $29
Both are great units though if you're on a budget and don't mind some compromises in sound quality Amazon dropped the price of the Valeton Rushead Max (four bucks) to $29
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I use a 6” patch cable: I don’t really think that’s a huge difference. You have to use wired headphones either way.
You can let a Pocket Master or Prime dangle on a short patch cable, but you’re never using an Amplug as a backup for a gig.
The P1 was $70 in March. So, yes, point taken, but this is a $70 device in any other country in the world.
SW has it at that price as well.
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