Headphone hookup

October 31, 2009

I have a Unison Research Unico integrated amp that has no headphone jack. I want to get a headphone amp so I can listen to headphones. How does this work? Is there a way to hook up the headphone amp to the Unico so I don't have to disconnect and reconnect my source from one amp to the other whenever I want to switch from headphones to speakers, or vice versa?

Thanks,

Mike

We forwarded your question to Tyll Hertsens of HeadRoom. Tyll is an expert on headphone listening and system setup. This is what he said:

"Not being familiar with the exact model, I can only give some general advice. On a preamp or integrated amp the best place to get a feed for a headphone amp is by using a ‘tape out.’ This will allow you all the switching needed to get a line-level signal from any of the inputs. If you have a tape deck in the tape output, you can use some RCA splitters and split the signal off to the headphone amp, but in that case you should always turn the tape deck on when listening to the headphone amp as it will ensure that the input impedance of the tape deck is stable.

"If the integrated amp does not have a tape output, but has a ‘line out,’ you can use that. On some old preamps there was a jumper between the line out and the input to the volume-controlled gain stage. If you have one of these, you can use a splitter on that output to get a signal to the headphone amp."

Active argument

October 27, 2009

I have enjoyed reading your editorials, not only because they are well written, but because I agree with everything I've read so far.

With respect to active speakers, it might be worthwhile to examine the active studio monitors from Mackie, Adam, JBL, Dynaudio, and others for value and sound quality. It has been my experience that these speakers, while not finished in exotic veneers, may be an excellent choice for some audiophiles.

Thanks for your attention.

Richard Fertel

I agree with what you're saying too. It's been on my mind to check some of these "pro" products out. I’ll try to do just that. Thanks.

Woofers versus mid-woofers

October 20, 2009

With two-way speakers, I've read reviews where the big driver is referred to as a woofer and others where it's called a mid-woofer. Is there a difference?

Terry Robinson

In a two-way speaker, there are usually only two drivers: the tweeter that handles the highs and a cone-based driver that some will just call a woofer, because it handles the low frequencies. With some two-ways, you'll find two cone drivers, but they're outputting the same frequencies. That lower-frequency driver is sometimes called a mid-woofer simply because part of the range it handles is the midrange. Whether you call it a woofer or a mid-woofer, it's refers to the same thing.

Axiom versus Klipsch and JBL

October 15, 2009

Hi,

How do Axiom M60s compare to more readily found JBL or Klipsch speakers in the same price range? Is their sound comparable or is there no comparison?

Thanks,

J. Drillings

The M60s are outstanding speakers -- they were reviewed here in April 2008. They're easy to recommend. We don't have as much experience with the recent JBL or Klipsch offerings, so, unfortunately, we can't really tell you how they compare.

Personal letter?

October 9, 2009

I'm curious why you chose to print a personal letter to me on your  website, allowing everyone else to read such personal correspondence. But, after I thought about it, I realized that this letter could benefit others as well, so now I'm OK with it.

Tony Holt

I suspect that you're not the only one who identified with Colin's article.

Really hot!

October 5, 2009

I bought a new A/V receiver and it runs hot -- I mean really hot! I can hardly put my hands on the chassis, and I certainly don't want my son touching it. Is this normal?

Tyler Watson

Probably not -- most modern A/V receivers get warm, but not hot like you describe. The first thing I'd check is if it's positioned in a way that it's allowed proper ventilation, particularly in the area of the fan (if it has one). That could be one problem. If not, I'd definitely talk with someone at the store you bought it from because it not only sounds like something's wrong with it, but also the unit could be dangerous. Better safe than sorry.