Portable Dual Headphone Dist. Amp

This place has a couple of items that may be of interest, they don't meet all your requirements, but they are a fraction of the $175 max cost you listed.

http://www.boostaroo.com/store_category.php4

I can see where there might be a possibility of damage to the camcorder when driving two headphones in parallel, but I would really think the headphone output would be protected. Did you lose headphone output on the camcorders you said got damaged already?

One solution to your problem would be to install series resistors in-line with your headphones, choosing values that are the same as the stated impedance of the headphones. This would mean the camcorder would see the same impedance as only one pair of headphones, the downside would be reduced maximum volume.

Tom

Thanks!

I lost headphone output in 2 camcorders which I'm attributing to the overload but maybe I'm wrong. The protection does kick in sometimes and I have to power down the unit to reset it. And then sometimes it works with two pairs plugged in.

I'm going to try the Boosteroo out. I don't expect much at that price but who knows?

I don't have specs, but RadioShack offers a battery powered, four headphone amp for iPods. It costs about $30. It might serve your needs as long as the headphones are low-power types.

I know that if you try the people at <a href="http://monstercable.com/">monstercable</a> they are really helpful with the issues I had with headphones

The last splitter I got that was similar was from Buydig for around $150. I was lucky to have a Buydig coupon for 25% off, or else it would have been closer to $200. $175's not too bad, but I don't blame you for trying to figure out something else.

Also, I know MusiciansFriend had a good deal on a similar headphone amp box for recording musicians, but I don't know if it might be overkill. I think it was closer to $100... I'll have to see if I can find it.

I have to report that I've been satisfied with the performance of the Boosteroo. It would be nice if it was quieter but for the price I don't think that's possible. As it is, the headphone preamps in the camcorders are all pretty noisy to begin with. I bought 12 of them and turned them loose with film students. So far no problems. I'm actually trying to force the students to always use them to minimize the physical wear and tear on the camcorder headphone jacks. It's quite a bit cheaper to replace a Boosteroo than an HVX headphone jack. Thanks to everone for their suggestions.