Hooking up wireless cans to old school amp
Discussion
I would like to replace my old Sennheiser HD540 reference cans with a pair of modern (ideally wireless) replacements. The 540s have served me well for prob 30 yrs but recently have lost nearly all bass and sound v tinny. Something has clearly failed internally.
But a few minutes Googling suggest it is not entirely straightforward to connect wireless 'phones to an old school analogue amp such as mine. They generally seem to require a dongle that fits into a powered USB socket, not a quarter inch headphone jack. Then there is the thorny question of BT codecs, for both transmitter and cans (which seems akin to asking car enthusiasts what's the best oil...)
So, any thoughts on what I should do/buy? My priority is the best wireless sound quality I can get for a total budget (inc headphones) of £500-£600. I listen mainly to ripped CDs from a Brennan B2 via Audiolab D7 DAC and Arcam A65 amp. (Both the D7 and the amp have quarter inch headphone jacks. But no BT out). Also Spotify for parties and vinyl from my old Systemdek when I am in a nostalgic mood. The Brennan/D7 set up sounds a lot better tbh;)
Advice/experience gratefully received.
But a few minutes Googling suggest it is not entirely straightforward to connect wireless 'phones to an old school analogue amp such as mine. They generally seem to require a dongle that fits into a powered USB socket, not a quarter inch headphone jack. Then there is the thorny question of BT codecs, for both transmitter and cans (which seems akin to asking car enthusiasts what's the best oil...)
So, any thoughts on what I should do/buy? My priority is the best wireless sound quality I can get for a total budget (inc headphones) of £500-£600. I listen mainly to ripped CDs from a Brennan B2 via Audiolab D7 DAC and Arcam A65 amp. (Both the D7 and the amp have quarter inch headphone jacks. But no BT out). Also Spotify for parties and vinyl from my old Systemdek when I am in a nostalgic mood. The Brennan/D7 set up sounds a lot better tbh;)
Advice/experience gratefully received.
https://amzn.eu/d/03HsmGoG
Something like this. I use this and a transmitter to move my hifi sound upstairs to listen on headphones. To my ears the quality is pretty good when you use the highest quality codec.
Something like this. I use this and a transmitter to move my hifi sound upstairs to listen on headphones. To my ears the quality is pretty good when you use the highest quality codec.
uknick said:
https://amzn.eu/d/03HsmGoG
Something like this. I use this and a transmitter to move my hifi sound upstairs to listen on headphones. To my ears the quality is pretty good when you use the highest quality codec.
That looks promising tks. How does it connect to the amp - what output does it use? Speakers or headphone jack?Something like this. I use this and a transmitter to move my hifi sound upstairs to listen on headphones. To my ears the quality is pretty good when you use the highest quality codec.
I take it from the headphone socket on the amp. It comes with 3.5 to 3.5 lead so I use a 6.3 to 3.5 adaptor.
I then control the amp with an old pyramid system as I use corded headphones in the remote room. But I have used it with Bluetooth earphones and control the volume with them
I have to say, I found it incredibly easy to set up and use.
I then control the amp with an old pyramid system as I use corded headphones in the remote room. But I have used it with Bluetooth earphones and control the volume with them
I have to say, I found it incredibly easy to set up and use.
In that set up. I’d recommend using the record outputs of the arcam a65 - assuming you’re not using the balanced outputs on the dac. The wireless headphones will (likely) have volume control and it’ll prevent the Bluetooth adapter trying to boost the gain too much. Plus, it’ll leave your headphone jack free for the inevitable wireless headphone upgrade
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