The Headpod 454 from Aphex is a professional-quality headphone amplifier that allows four people to listen to a single audio signal. Ideal for computer-based applications, broadcasting, FOH, voiceovers, on-location recording, or post-production, the Headpod 454 has a compact and durable design ideal for the trials of day-to-day professional use.
The unit has four independent stereo power amplifiers, and four 1/4" headphone outputs, each with its own volume control. A master volume control is also provided. A single stereo 1/4" input jack, as well as two individual mono 1/4" input jacks for left and right, are provided for inputting your signal.
The Headpod works from any analog source and overcomes the limitations of typical headphone outputs. It offers high headroom, low distortion, and low crosstalk so you can have long listening sessions without fatigue.
| Number of Channels | 4 |
| Input Connections |
1 x Unbalanced 1/4" TRS Stereo Input 2 x Balanced 1/4" TRS Mono Inputs (L/R) |
| Output Connectors | 4 x 1/4" Stereo Headphone Outputs |
| Maximum Gain | 35dB |
| Function Controls |
1 x Master Volume Control 4 x Individual Volume Controls 1 x Input Selector Switch |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 120kHz ±1dB |
| THD + N | < 0.001% |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 100dB |
| Display | No |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 5.5 x 1.9 x 4.5" (138 x 48 x 114mm) |
| Weight | 1 lb (0.45kg) |
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Reviewed by 5 customers
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Comments about Aphex Headpod 454 Four-Channel Headphone Amplifier:
Like other reviewers, I think it sounds great and I think it is very well constructed. I use it with a variety of headphones having very different levels of efficiency and impedance, and all of them sound great. My only two minor issues are (1) I think the ON light is too bright and (2) the unit runs hot, but that's to be expected with good amps, so it's not really a negative.
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Comments about Aphex Headpod 454 Four-Channel Headphone Amplifier:
One of the best I have used. Drive all my headphones with excellent sound quality.
Pros
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Comments about Aphex Headpod 454 Four-Channel 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.
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Comments about Aphex Headpod 454 Four-Channel Headphone Amplifier:
I have been using this product for a few weeks now, and it is apparently superior to other solid state pro headphone amplifiers I've used. One aspect is the headroom, which allows unfettered use up to even loud levels. Another is the low noise level. Build quality is very good. Fidelity to input signal is unusually good in this price range, eclipsed only by HI-FI tube amps I've used. All-in-all, a real winner... (m.)
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Comments about Aphex Headpod 454 Four-Channel Headphone Amplifier:
This Headpod is powerful and sounds amazing! Very well built too. The only bummer is the wall-wart for a plug-in. No regrets!
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