Headphone Amp Options?

**fasteddie** · 06-07-2019, 07:17 PM

I can’t comment on the other amps mentioned in this thread. I can only comment on the Roland Micro Cube RX (5 watt) which I own. In my opinion It is an excellent practice / headphone amp.

This tone from this little amp eventually lead me to purchase a Roland Cube 80XL amp. Which I also find very nice for jazz. On both of these amps I almost always only use the JC Clean model.

Unfortunately the Micro Cube RX is not available anymore. During a quick web search I could not even find a used one for sale. Maybe a good sign as to how good this little amp is, if nobody wants to sell a used one. Roland still makes a Micro Cube (~$150). My brother has one and it sounds as good as my RX just not as many features.

l think a Roland Micro Cube would suit your needs at an affordable cost. Good luck in your quest.

**dconeill** · 06-07-2019, 07:44 PM

Originally Posted by bmw2002

... my Princeton-sized Gries 5 has a bigger footprint than I'd like at present.

I'm going through the process of thinking about very small amps such as the Henriksen Bud (one of which I sold before we moved -- doot!), the DV Mark Little Jazz, the Phil Jones Cub, etc. I really need something that will fit on a window sill or book shelf and that has a useable headphone feature. ...

I'm guessing that by "doot!" you mean that you regret selling the Bud. So why not get another Bud, or a Blu if you need only one channel? You already know the amp and what it does, and since you called yourself "doot!" I think you liked the amp.

I have a Bud myself and like it pretty well. I especially like picking it up and moving it around like a loaf of bread.

**strumcat** · 06-08-2019, 03:55 PM

Originally Posted by fasteddie

I can’t comment on the other amps mentioned in this thread. I can only comment on the Roland Micro Cube RX (5 watt) which I own. In my opinion It is an excellent practice / headphone amp.

This tone from this little amp eventually lead me to purchase a Roland Cube 80XL amp. Which I also find very nice for jazz. On both of these amps I almost always only use the JC Clean model.

Unfortunately the Micro Cube RX is not available anymore. During a quick web search I could not even find a used one for sale. Maybe a good sign as to how good this little amp is, if nobody wants to sell a used one. Roland still makes a Micro Cube (~$150). My brother has one and it sounds as good as my RX just not as many features.

l think a Roland Micro Cube would suit your needs at an affordable cost. Good luck in your quest.

Just out of curiosity, what additional features did the Microcube RX have? I have a Roland Mobile Cube, but the Microcubes have amp modelling (no idea if it's any good) and more flexibility. There's also a "GX" model now.

**bmw2002** · 06-08-2019, 06:05 PM

Originally Posted by dconeill

I'm guessing that by "doot!" you mean that you regret selling the Bud. So why not get another Bud, or a Blu if you need only one channel? You already know the amp and what it does, and since you called yourself "doot!" I think you liked the amp.

I have a Bud myself and like it pretty well. I especially like picking it up and moving it around like a loaf of bread.

Actually, I've solved the issue by taking up the classical guitar not too long after this thread was initiated. I've been enjoying it so much, I've rarely taken out my archtop (which I may end up selling in favor of a hybrid crossover type of nylon string).

I did end up purchasing the Quilter Microblock 45, which works really, really well -- sounds great and it's about the size of a deck of cards. For whatever reason, I'm just enjoying the total acoustic nature of the classical -- no wires, no pedals, nothing but strings and nails necessary to make what sort of passes for music for me.

**zcostilla** · 06-08-2019, 06:14 PM

Originally Posted by bmw2002

Actually, I've solved the issue by taking up the classical guitar not too long after this thread was initiated. I've been enjoying it so much, I've rarely taken out my archtop (which I may end up selling in favor of a hybrid crossover type of nylon string).

I did end up purchasing the Quilter Microblock 45, which works really, really well -- sounds great and it's about the size of a deck of cards. For whatever reason, I'm just enjoying the total acoustic nature of the classical -- no wires, no pedals, nothing but strings and nails necessary to make what sort of passes for music for me.

I was just about to creat a thread asking opinions on the Quilter amp pedals. I’m thinking about the Interblock 45 for headphone practice and a backup amp. It can’t be too bad based upon the facial expressions alone of the reviewer, right?

**fasteddie** · 06-08-2019, 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by strumcat

Just out of curiosity, what additional features did the Microcube RX have? I have a Roland Mobile Cube, but the Microcubes have amp modelling (no idea if it's any good) and more flexibility. There's also a "GX" model now.

The Micro Cube RX has 4 small speakers which are stereo. Since the amp is so small I’m don’t think the stereo feature is that important. The RX also has what is called a Rhythm Guide (Drum Machine), which I do find very useful while practicing.

**p1p** · 06-09-2019, 03:18 AM

My THR10C is pretty much always on in the house. I love it. The only thing that bugs me is the clean headphone volume, with most of the amp models. I need to dial in the tiniest bit more gain than I'd like, but it's totally usable.

I've played around with the models and settings so much over the past 3 years, but this last year or so has just been fine tuning...to the point where I can't improve the tone. I think I'm ready for the real deal version of the model. Does anyone know what the "Class A" model simulates?

**sgosnell** · 06-09-2019, 10:56 AM

Here's an explanation of Class A amps:
Access Denied

**John A.** · 06-09-2019, 11:10 AM

Originally Posted by p1p

Does anyone know what the "Class A" model simulates?

Usually, this means a copy of a Vox AC 15 or 30. There's a widespread misconception that these are class A amps (they're class AB), and calling Vox copies class A has become a sales tool. It could mean it's a model of something like a Fender Champ (which is class A), but it probably doesn't.

John

**p1p** · 06-09-2019, 11:22 AM

Originally Posted by John A.

Usually, this means a copy of a Vox AC 15 or 30. There's a widespread misconception that these are class A amps (they're class AB), and calling Vox copies class A has become a sales tool. It could mean it's a model of something like a Fender Champ (which is class A), but it probably doesn't.

John

So do you think Class A = Vox AC? according to Yamaha?

**2bornot2bop** · 06-09-2019, 10:22 PM

Originally Posted by p1p

Does anyone know what the "Class A" model simulates?

Ask an Audiophile!

**Jabberwocky** · 06-10-2019, 03:08 AM

https://www.amazon.com/NUX-Portable-...A12BZYZWPO5UKH

**John A.** · 06-10-2019, 07:53 AM

Originally Posted by p1p

So do you think Class A = Vox AC? according to Yamaha?

Googling around a bit, people say it's a model of a Matchless amp (essentially a modded AC 30). But I don't have one, so I don't know for sure. if it sounds good, use it.

John