The Head Box DS2 B is a fully balanced headphone amplifier designed to get the very best performance from any high-end headphone, marking a real step-up in performance compared to previous models.
While the headphone market has improved notably in recent years, with many technical advances that have improved the sound ability of models across the price spectrum, headphone amplifiers have largely lagged behind, save for a few high-end designs. The Head Box DS2 B enters as an affordable high-end offering, promising to drive almost any set of headphones.
The high maximum output of the Head Box DS2 B (1100mW into 33Ω) means it will drive almost anything, even the more complicated planar magnetic designs. However, to ensure wide compatibility there are three different current settings and four different gain settings available on the front panel. There’s also the option to connect both balanced (4-Pin XLR) and un-balanced (6.3mm jack) headphone cables.
Internally the Head Box DS2 B is laid out in dual-mono configuration, complete with a phase inverter to convert any unbalanced signal to a balanced one immediately at the input stage. For accurate reproduction, the premium TPA6120A2 amplifier chip from Texas Instruments has been used. The result is a clear and accurate, yet inviting, soundstage with rich details and a silent noise floor.
Operation of the Head Box DS2 is simple, but the sound it delivers and the features it boasts are second-to-none.
Key Features:-
•Dedicated headphone pre-amplifier
•Delivers enough power to drive demanding headphones
•Dual-mono design principle
•Four gain settings to match any headphone
•Three current settings to deliver optimal sonic performance
•Balanced (XLR) and Un-Balanced (6.3mm jack) headphone connections
•Both outputs can be used simultaneously
•Phase-inverter built-in to convert un-balanced signals
•Power stage built around two TPA6120A2 chips
•Blue ALPS volume pot for smooth, accurate control
•Solid build with stylish wooden side panels
Technical Specifications:-
Power Output: 2x 550mW (33Ω) both-channels driven
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 98dB (A-weighted) @ max. output
THD +N: < 0.02%
Unbalanced Gain: 0, 3, 9 or 12dB (without load)
Balanced Gain: 6, 9, 15 or 18dB (without load)
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz (±0.2dB)
Analogue Inputs:
1 x RCA Pair
1 x XLR Pair
Headphone Outputs:
1 x 6.3mm Jack (single-ended)
1 x 4-Pin XLR (balanced)
Analogue Loop Outputs:
1 x RCA Pair
1 x XLR Pair
Headphone Impedance: 8 - 600Ω
Trigger: 12V DC
Trigger In/Output: 2-Pole 2.5mm Co-Axial Jack
Power Consumption: < 0.5W Standby
Outboard Power Supply 18V/1000mA DC
Dimensions: 240 x 72 x 218mm
Weight (Without PSU): 1.96kg