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Incorporating headphones into my pc audio system

  I already have a good computer audio setup for playback through my speakers but would like the option of using a high quality headphone when I need to keep things quiet.

    My current system consists of a laptop running JRiver, a Synology 2 TB NAS and an Oppo 105 as a preamp and DAC.  Even though I managed to construct a fairly solid system for ripped CDs and downloaded 24/96 flac files recorded direct to digital, I still consider myself somewhat of a newcomer to computer audio that  still has a lot to learn. 
   My current need is to learn how to best incorporate a yet to be purchased pair of high quality headphones into my system.  My confusion centers around the way my system is currently setup;  my Synology storage device is hard wired into my Comcast wi-fi router. My laptop running JRiver and my Oppo 105 serving as my DAC are both connected to my wi-fi and operating wirelessly.  The Synology, router and Oppo are all located between my speakers in my rack along the 14' short wall of my 23' x14' room.  My listening chair is along the opposite short wall where I also have my laptop.
     I know I could plug headphones into the 1/4" headphone jack of the Oppo but the chord would need to run the entire length of the room.  I was hoping someone had a better solution.  I also know wired is generally considered better than wireless for sound quality but I'm open to a wireless solution since I haven't noticed any sound degragation using wireless connectivity in other areas of my system.
     Just curious what solutions others here use and  would also appreciate any good over-ear headphone  recommendations in the $200-600 range.  
Thanks,
 Tim
noble100
noble100's avatar
noble100 OP
1,093 posts
 
I’ve been exploring options for connecting headphones to my Oppo 105 and found out that both sets of dedicated stereo outputs on the 105. regular single ended RCA outputs and balanced XLR outputs, are continually operational.  Since I'm already using the XLR outputs for connection to my mono-block amps,  this means I could utilize the l+r RCA outputs for headphone use, either for connecting a separate headphone amp or some sort of wireless headphone system. Just thought this info might expand suggestions.

Tim
marktomaras
535 posts
 
I think one question to answer first is are you willing to have a long cable in the room, or do you want a listening station in the immediate area of the computer?
noble100's avatar
noble100 OP
1,093 posts
 
Hi marktomaras,

I'd rather not have a long cable in my room but I think it would give me the very good sound quality I'm wanting if I choose the right headphones.  I've read the Oppo 105 has a very good headphone section and I know it operates great as a DAC.  
     I'd prefer a listening station by my listening chair and computer.  I do have an end table next to my listening chair but I'm not sure what I'd need and how to set it up.  Any suggestions?

Tim
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
3,575 posts
 
Try Oppo HA-2SE headphone amp ($299).  Has all sorts of inputs including analog, S/Pdif and USB.  I have earlier version (HA-2) and use it as stationary amplifier with my Mac Mini via USB and also as portable amp with my Samsung phone - also via USB. Sound is wonderful and build quality is top notch.

https://www.oppodigital.com/headphone-amplifier-ha-2SE/
noble100's avatar
noble100 OP
1,093 posts
 
     I think the ideal product for my purposes would be a unit that takes the output signals from my Oppo 105's 1/4" headphone jack and then accurately and wirelessly transmits them to headphones I would wear at my listening chair about 12-14' away, or to a module (with a headphone jack) I could place on the end table next to my chair .  Does anyone know of such a product?

Tim
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