Musical Fidelity V-CAN II Headphone Amp (Playback 53)

When I made this recording I used a pair of Ultimate Ears In-Ear Reference Monitors driven by the Korg MR-1000’s built-in headphone amplifier. Obviously, I’m very familiar with listening to the mix over headphones. Hooking up the Ultimate Ears to the V-CAN II didn’t exactly replicate the original recording experience, but it came darn close. Only a slight reduction of three-dimensional “thereness” separated the sound through the V-CAN II from the April Eximus DAC/Preamp.

CONCLUSION

Consider this player: If you need a basic headphone amplifier that can drive most headphones and you have a pair of RCA analog line level outputs from your preamp, DAC, or soundcard.

Look further if: You have one of a handful of pro in-ear monitors that need an even heftier amplifier with lower input impedance, if you need a headphone amplifier that supports balanced XLR connections, or if you require more than basic features and functions.

Ratings (compared to similarly-priced headphone amps)

• Tonal Balance: 8
• Clarity: 8
• Dynamics: 7
• Output Flexibility: 5
• Value: 8

BOTTOM LINE

Although it doesn’t look like much, the Musical Fidelity V-CAN II headphone amplifier can deliver all the power most headphones or earbuds will ever need. You may have to put something heavy on it to keep it from sliding around, but the V-CAN II delivers excellent sonics for a mere pittance.

SPECS & PRICING

Musical Fidelity V-CAN II headphone amplifier
Power: 0.25 watts/channel (into 32-ohms)
Output Devices: 2 per channel
Output Impedance: 5-ohm
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 80,000 Hz (+0, -1dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.005% typical (20-20,000 Hz)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >109 dB ('A' weighted)
Power Requirements: 12V DC, 500mAN
Price: $199

Manufacturer

Musical Fidelity Limited
www.musicalfidelity.com

US Distributor

Tempo High Fidelity
(617) 314-9296
tempohighfidelity.com