[duff138]

I'm looking to create a headphone amp based system.  Right now the plan is use my NEC cdrom drive.  I was going to use bolder digital cable to ART di/o (I'd get modded) then to headphone amp.
  With the recent posts about the panny digital amp I was wonder could I use this as a DAC then analog out to the headphone amp. Or as soon as I use the analog outs am I losing them benefits of the great sounding panny.  Would I be better off using a modded ART DI/O for the set up?

[Wayne1]

duff138,

The Panny is a very good sounding receiver for stereo or HT use. I would not use it just for headphones, The best thing about the Panny is keeping things all digital. When you use the A/D or D/A convertors in it, it loses some of the magic.

For a headphone based system, I would suggest a good D/A convertor into a very good dedicated headphone amp.

I use a modded ART DI/O into mine. I have recently worked on a M-Audio SuperDac 24/96. This is twice as expensive as the ART in stock form but there is a lot more room inside for mods. It uses the same D/A chipset but the analog section uses 8 pin DIPs. There are a lot of choices for opamps for mods.

There is a used modded Mensa Level DI/O for sale here at AC for a very good price. A lot of folks also like the Scott Nixon or ACK DAC NOS designs.

I use a modded Radii HAP-05 tubed headphone amp. If you are not in too much of a hurry, I could get one for you. It sells for $500.00. Tyson has one as well. He seems to like it

[duff138]

duff138,

The Panny is a very good sounding receiver for stereo or HT use. I would not use it just for headphones, The best thing about the Panny is keeping things all digital. When you use the A/D or D/A convertors in it, it loses some of the magic.

For a headphone based system, I would suggest a good D/A convertor into a very good dedicated headphone amp.

I use a modded ART DI/O into mine. I have recently worked on a M-Audio SuperDac 24/96. This is twice as expensive as the ART in stock form but t ...

thanks for the info.  I'm still looking at different headphone amps, so I'll definitely put the Radii on my list one ones to look at.