Aphex 454 HeadPod Professional High Output Headphone Amplifier

by Aphex

Product Features

• Professional Monitoring for ALL headphone types
• High headroom (no clipping at high headphone levels)
• Ultra low distortion and wide frequency response
• Overcomes limitations of typical headphone outputs
• Four independent stereo power amplifiers

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B000Z8GPM4
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #48,371 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)

Product Description

The Model 454 HeadPod is a professional 4-output headphone distribution pod with four independent stereo power amplifiers. Working with any headphone type, the HeadPod provides high headroom to avoid clipping even at high sound levels. Designed for ultra low distortion and wide frequency response capabilities, the Model 454 also allows for longer listening sessions without listener fatigue. Individual volume controls are provided for each of the four headphone outputs, made with durable metal jacks. A master volume control on the HeadPod allows for matching of source levels. It connects to any analog source, with a rear panel selector switch to choose between balanced sources (discrete left and right) and unbalanced sources (e.g., stereo on TRS from a headphone amplifier). The Model 454 HeadPod is housed in a sturdy and attractive all-metal chassis, and includes a 12VAC power supply.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Robust low impedance 4 headphone distribution AMP., February 1, 2011

By 

Z. Rousedower (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Aphex 454 HeadPod Professional High Output Headphone Amplifier

I've just had this for a few days. I needed a way to switch between 3-4 different listening devices without plugging and unplugging each one. This does the job really well. My setup is the following:
Acer PC with the newest Sound Blaster Titanium XFI HD sound card connected to the Headpod 454 via a 3.5mm male to 3.5mm male stereo cable (TRS) with 6.3 mm adapter at the (HeadPod) source input (back of unit). There are also 2 balanced inputs that I will not be using.
3 of the 4 total outputs of the HeadPod (font of unit) have the following listening devices connected:
- Shure SE 530 IEM with volume attenuator (included with the IEMs) and 6.3mm adapter.
- Male to male TRS connection (with 6.3mm adapter) to an 24" Acer monitor's built-in speakers.
- Sennnheiser HD800 headphones (no adapter needed).
The volume attenuator for the Shure IEMs allow me to decrease a background noise that I hear when turning down the volume of the HeadPod output. I just had to carefully adjust the attenuator to get a good balance of sound quality and decreased noise. I believe the IEMs are too sensitive for the AMP. Nonetheless, I am happy with the results once I added in the attenuator.
The HD800 full size headphones (@300ohms) do not have the noise problem. They sound just as if they were connected straight through to the sound card, which is what I want. Audiophile folk may have more to say about effects, but I am not that sensitive to changes (beyond the IEM situation).
The monitor speakers sound fine considering their already weak attributes.
Now whenever I need to listen to an online video and don't want to use headphones/IEMs I just turn up the speakers' corresponding volume knob on the HeadPod and turn the others down. Same deal if I want to do more critical music listening on my headphones/IEMs. I adjusted the Master Volume knob to accommodate the Shure SE530 and attenuator situation and so it remains in the same position.
The HeadPod itself is very well built. It is an all metal enclosure with solid metal input sockets. There is a white LED light that is, along with the unit itself, always on. It doesn't bother me. In fact it looks kinda cool when I reach for a knob (at night) and my hand reflects back the white light, illuminating the surface of the unit with a nice, subtle white glow. Very satisfied with the unit so far. I would suggest trying out cheaper offerings at a local guitar store. You might get the same results. Their specs are lesser when compared with the HeadPod but I don't know if that will affect the average user's experience.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AWESOME!, August 30, 2010

By 

Aileen May (Glendale, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Aphex 454 HeadPod Professional High Output Headphone Amplifier

The Aphex HeadPod is awesome! I'm partially deaf on one ear, but when I listened to my ipod using the 454, everything was clear, crisp and beautiful!!!