Amplifying headphone output

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aktor

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Hi guys, need some advice.

I need to amplify output to my headphones (on a different/seperate setup, not my main computer - so I'm looking for a simple, cheap solution). The PC already has its output volume on max, and the headphones' inline volume control is at 100% too. Even so, it's bloody soft. Now, I know you'd probably tell me to get a new sound card, but since I need a new set of speakers for that PC anyway, I figured I might look into the possibility of getting some 2.0 desktop speakers with the capability to boost/amplify the output volume a bit, including the output volume of its headphone jack.

I actually used to have just such a set of speakers long ago (and I mean, YEARS ago). Small, simple 2.0 speakers but with a mean amplifier. I'm looking for something similar. At the moment, the following two models look like they might work:

Logitech LS11: http://www.logitech.com/en-za/speakers_audio/home_pc_speakers/devices/4252
Labtec Spin95: http://www.labtec.com/index.cfm/gear/details/EUR/EN,crid=18,contentid=733,crid2=49

To summarise their specs:

LOGITECH LS11:

# Total FTC power: 3 watts RMS
# Satellites: 1.5 RMS x 2 (into 4 ohms, @ 1 kHz, @ 10% THD)
# Total peak power: 6 watts
# Drivers: 2-inch (5.1 cm) high-excursion metallic drivers
# Dimensions (H x W x D): 16 x 8.5 x 8.1 cm (6.3 x 3.35 x3.2 inches)

LABTEC SPIN95

# Total RMS power: 4.0W RMS (2W + 2W)
# Total peak power: 8 watts
# Frequency response: 80Hz - 20kHz
# Speaker dimensions: 6.7" (H) x 3" (W) x 4" (D)


Now, I know next to absolutely nothing about audio, but logic tells me the Labtec Spin95 speakers have more output power? BUT, does it mean they can actually amplify the audio that it gets in, too?
In other words, can it accept audio input at X volume, and output it via the headphone jack at X*2 ? (That's REALLY a simplistic way to put it, but eh..)
 
There are a few things to consider.

1) Are your headphones only 'quiet' in your computer, or in other computers too? If yes, it sounds like they could be low impedance headphones designed for strong audio amplifiers, rather than for computer soundcards. (Impedance is the 'ohm' rating you see on headphones, speakers etc. e.g. 600 ohms)

2) Generally, computer speakers simply take the output from their amplifier and reduce it with a resistor to the headphone jack, so yes, you will get a better volume/stronger sound from the speakers compared to your computer.

3) The Watt rating of computer speakers tells your nothing about how strong/loud their headphone jack will be. So you really are just taking a chance. If you can, borrow some computer speakers and plug them into your setup. Then see if your headphones are much louder. If they are, then buying speakers should help you with extra volume.

4) Also, try some other headphones and see if they are also too soft. This will give your an indication if your setup is normal or not.

The general idea is to test to see where the weak point is. You might be able to see on the headphones themselves a number indicating their ohm rating. It could be 600ohms or 100 ohms or something like that. Generally, a higher number will give you more volume with small soundcards and weak amplifiers.
 
I have the same problem.

My current setup is for my desktop computer. I have onboard sound Realtek AC97 but I have disabled that and using a PCI Creative Labs 5.1 VX Sound Card. When I use my 2.1 Speaker Systems from Creative Labs I get good sound when on max output.
However, I like to use my Skullcandy Hesh Headphones and when I plug my headphones into the audio jack at rear of pc into sound card, when the volume is to Maximum, the sound is still very soft to my liking.

I see possible solutions are editing the volume settings in registry but I am too afraid to mess around there. I am currently using Windows 7 32bit Professional. Is there any solution to this. Should I replace my speakers and get one that has output socket for headphones. Should I upgrade my headphones to Sirus 5.1 Gaming.

Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.
 
Upgrading Sound Card

Would it help if I upgrade my sound card to Creative Labs X-Fi Amplified Sound Card?
I read a few reviews that some old sound cards have an amplified audio-out that will enhance the headphone jack.

I have two options to either buy a better pair of headphones maybe Sennheiser or upgrade Sound Card.

Can you confirm this.

My skullcandy hesh specs:
50 mm speaker diameter
18 - 20k hz temporal frequency
Over ear headphones
In-line volume control
Extension cable
 
First buy low-ohm Sennheiser, HD5xx range.

Then get Asus Xonar, preferably Essence ST/X although the entry U3 and DG is pretty good! Xonar = best for headphones.
 
Asus Xonar is best for headphones. It's widely accepted.

Why hold allegiance, especially in light of this? Sounds like you're living in '05. :D

Nope I don't, all I know is it's old now, and I'm pretty sure it isn't amplified.

These are far more suited, ranging from R300 - R650:

Asus Xonar U3 audio station , black , flash drive type usb audio , Dolby Digital & Pro-Logic IIx surround sound , 24bit 96KHz , EAX and DirectSound HW support , analog / optical digital output http://www.asus.com/Multimedia/Audio_Cards/Xonar_U3/#overview

Asus Xonar DG , ultra fidelity 5.1 pci sound card , built-in Headphone AMP , 3 headphone gain modes ( VOIP / Pro-gaming / Exciter ) , Dolby headphone technology , ASUS DS3D GX 2.5 , VocalFX , Dolby®/DTS , SNR output/input : 105/103db , HD Audio at 192KHz/24Bit , EAX advanced HD , with optical S/PDIF digital output + 3.5mm + CD-In + Aux-In - retail pack + bundled software - include low-profile bracket for 2u or minuet350 http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=FiWODUF4uhiJVJKD&templete=2

Asus Xonar DS , ultra fidelity 7.1 pci sound card , ASUS AV200 High-Definition sound processor , support DS3D GX 2.0 , VocalFX , Dolby®/DTS + Pro Logic IIx , SNR output/input : 107/100db , HD Audio at 192KHz/24Bit , EAX advanced HD , with optical S/PDIF digital output + 3.5mm + CD-In + Aux-In - retail pack + bundled software - include low-profile bracket for 2u or minuet350 http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=wcFuNdxM0I4Sf10X&templete=2

Asus Xonar D1 , ultra fidelity 7.1 pci sound card , ASUS AV100 High-Definition sound processor , support DS3D GX 2.0 , VocalFX , Dolby®/DTS + Pro Logic IIx , SNR output/input : 116/112db , HD Audio at 192KHz/24Bit , EAX advanced HD , with optical SPDiF out + HDMi out ( via header to VGA card with HDMi out ) + 3.5mm + CD-In + Aux-In - retail pack + bundled software - include low-profile bracket for 2u or minuet350 http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=6p3ZFmkwzIKPTYLk&templete=2

Asus Xonar DX , ultra fidelity 7.1 pci-express sound card , ASUS AV100 High-Definition sound processor , support DS3D GX 2.0 , VocalFX , Dolby®/DTS + Pro Logic IIx , SNR output/input : 116/112db , HD Audio at 192KHz/24Bit , EAX advanced HD , with optical SPDiF out + 3.5mm + CD-In + Aux-In - retail pack + bundled software - include low-profile bracket for 2u or minuet350 http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=R3E8hhLCEgwyAOt9&templete=2
Click to expand...
 
LOGITECH LS11:

# Total FTC power: 3 watts RMS
# Satellites: 1.5 RMS x 2 (into 4 ohms, @ 1 kHz, @ 10% THD)
# Total peak power: 6 watts
# Drivers: 2-inch (5.1 cm) high-excursion metallic drivers
# Dimensions (H x W x D): 16 x 8.5 x 8.1 cm (6.3 x 3.35 x3.2 inches)
Click to expand...
I have that Logitech set you linked to, the output from the headphone out on the speakers is actually softer than directly from my pc. However my onboard sound is more than loud enough.
 
Speakers generally do not amplify the headphone output, so forget about it. Especially since they have long analog cables already. The Xonar U3 that PMP recommended is OK but if your headphones are too soft now, it's unlikely to change since it doesn't really have much power...

Proper headphone amps cost a few grand normally, your best bet is probably getting a Xonar D2/D2X, Essence, or Xense. I wouldn't recommend anything from Creative anymore since their hardware is from the stone ages and the software even older and clunkier than that...

That said, if you want an amp that is portable, can be used with different inputs, and is probably the best value for money (according to Head-Fi among others), try and get the FiiO E7. Costs about R1000 to import.
 
Sorry to but in on your thread :) Has anyone used the logitech LS11 speakers? Are they properly shielded against cellphones (so it doen't make that awful sound whenever you get an sms etc)?

Thanks
 
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