Post by Owen Y on Dec 26, 2018 16:16:20 GMT 12
Legendary in HeadFi & some other Forum circles, this is the Objective2 (O2) headphone amp designed in 2011 by an Electrical Engineer by the name of NwAvGuy (Northwest Audiovideo Guy).
Offered as a free design (providing proper design attribution is made), it is available from a few manufacturers - such as JDS Labs for US$129.
"I’m an electrical engineer, serious audio geek, and took a very objective approach to the design. It’s a minimalist amp focused on the best performance possible for the least amount of money."
This unit is the O2 Headphone Amp + ODAC combined - currently US$279 from JDS Labs
The Objective DAC (ODAC) is also a NwAvGuy design
" The ODAC takes the same minimalist approach (as the O2 headphone amp) to transparency. "
(Front)
(Rear)
Offered as a free design (providing proper design attribution is made), it is available from a few manufacturers - such as JDS Labs for US$129.
"I’m an electrical engineer, serious audio geek, and took a very objective approach to the design. It’s a minimalist amp focused on the best performance possible for the least amount of money."
- Able to drive almost any headphone load from 16 to 600 ohms
- Low output impedance for improved bass performance with difficult h'phone loads.
- Very low noise
- Low distortion
- Power to spare - "The O2 is loafing when most portable amps are straining."
- Runs from batteries or AC power
- Fully measured & complete technical specifications
- Headphone safety - will not damage headphones if batteries run low or become disconnected
- Fully assembled cost under US$150
This unit is the O2 Headphone Amp + ODAC combined - currently US$279 from JDS Labs
The Objective DAC (ODAC) is also a NwAvGuy design
" The ODAC takes the same minimalist approach (as the O2 headphone amp) to transparency. "
(Front)
(Rear)
DarkLantern blog - darklanternforowen.wordpress.com
.... But yes, by most standards, the O2 was loud enough. It just couldn't make the headphones cry. 
"
