Why do pianos sound better from headphone output?

[Jappo]

Anyone know why output to a regular HiFi amp sounds so much better from the headphone output as opposed to Channel 1 (left) Channel 2 (right) when plugged in directly?

What is the best amp setup to use with my Stage 2?

I am totally exasperated at having such a high end keyboard that I can't get a decent sound from unless I am wearing headphones.

[with657]

I think the input of regular hifi amp has limited voltage input range compared to the live sound equpiment which has line level input. My guess is signal from NS2 output is "clipped" when you connect from channel one or two.

Headphone output usually has a limiting resistor in series, so it may fit into the input range of your regular hifi amp.

Just try to minimize the output volume of NS2, and try again. If it works, you need signal attenuator.

Chan

[Ledbetter]

Is your amp stereo? If not, there's your answer.

[Merlimau]

I connect my NS2 to a Behringer Mixer (XENYX 802). From there via Chinch into my old stereo Denon receiver and then into the wall mounted B&W loudspeaker. It sounds very good.

NS2: main volume half
Behringer: channel volume half
Denon: main volume a quarter

Merlimau

EDIT: NS2 out of Channel 1+2 with a 2x 3m long cables into the Behringer. How long is your headphone cable from NS2 to the stereo amp?

[analogika]

Do I understand this correctly: Are you saying that the signal sounds better through headphones than through your stereo?
The reason for this may be, quite simply, that your stereo just isn't very good.

However, we can try to work out whether there is anything wrong with how you're setting up things.

Anyone know why output to a regular HiFi amp sounds so much better from the headphone output as opposed to Channel 1 (left) Channel 2 (right) when plugged in directly?

This should work just fine.

How is it worse-sounding?

Which inputs exactly on the amp are you running the signal into?

[Jappo]

Do I understand this correctly: Are you saying that the signal sounds better through headphones than through your stereo?
The reason for this may be, quite simply, that your stereo just isn't very good.

However, we can try to work out whether there is anything wrong with how you're setting up things.

Anyone know why output to a regular HiFi amp sounds so much better from the headphone output as opposed to Channel 1 (left) Channel 2 (right) when plugged in directly?

This should work just fine.

How is it worse-sounding?

Which inputs exactly on the amp are you running the signal into?

I am running channel 1 to the left input on the stereo amp and channel 2 to the right. The sound is muffled, bassy and distorted (on anything other than tiny volume). Through the headphone output to 2 RCA cables (split - just like you would an MP3 player) it sounds great. At some point I want to buy two active speakers, one for left and one for right, to reproduce the stereo sound at volume and for live playing but right now I'm not convinced that it wouldn't be a waste of money compared to a high power stereo amp to two speakers via the headphone output. The difference is enormous.

I have a MOTU Audi Express that I have never plugged in - would that make a difference?

[Mr_-G-]

Is Input1 the left channel and Input2 the right (or viceversa?) If you connect only 1 channel, does sound come out of both speakers? That is the most important detail.

[Jappo]

Is Input1 the left channel and Input2 the right (or viceversa?) If you connect only 1 channel, does sound come out of both speakers? That is the most important detail.

Certainly seems to be the case, as you play up the keyboard to the higher notes the sound comes more from the right speaker than the left - and vice versa.

[Mr_-G-]

Is Input1 the left channel and Input2 the right (or viceversa?) If you connect only 1 channel, does sound come out of both speakers? That is the most important detail.

Certainly seems to be the case, as you play up the keyboard to the higher notes the sound comes more from the right speaker than the left - and vice versa.

You have not answered my 2nd question...
Cheers
Mr_-G-

[Jappo]

Is Input1 the left channel and Input2 the right (or viceversa?) If you connect only 1 channel, does sound come out of both speakers? That is the most important detail.

Certainly seems to be the case, as you play up the keyboard to the higher notes the sound comes more from the right speaker than the left - and vice versa.

You have not answered my 2nd question...
Cheers
Mr_-G-

Channel 1 only sends sound to the left speaker and Channel 2 the right. If I unplug one then no sound comes from its corresponding speaker.