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Showing 1 of 56 conversations about:
Reebadeeb
36
Oct 14, 2017
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It's not 2005 anymore. Why would anyone need a portable amp on any modern smartphone? Even 100 dollar ones are more than capable enough of driving high end headphones at deafening levels.
smallbit
1328
Oct 15, 2017
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ReebadeebEver owned a pair of good headphones? The t50rp's are a good example but anything from audeze and even some of the akg stuff is really hard to drive.
Reebadeeb
36
Oct 15, 2017
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smallbitI got memed into buying a pair of HD800's but I prefer the sound and comfort of my K712's more. My current s7 edge drives both just fine, as did my LG G3 and iPhone 5 before that. There's no distortion or audible noise using just the phone.
smallbit
1328
Oct 15, 2017
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ReebadeebYou probably are missing some bass potential on the 712's that you might not even realize unless doing a side by side comparison. Try out an amp with them and then without. I am sure you will hear a difference. :) It is like a warm blanket for your earholes.
GunsOfBrixton
911
Oct 15, 2017
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ReebadeebI'll definitely agree that people tend to over recommend amps and that most consumer headphones are capable of being driven by the phone in your pocket. I find that amps are often used as expensive and limited flexibility EQ. That said, there are definitely headphones that need them because of a combination medium/high resistance and low sensitivity (the latter is usually what's underappreciated). There is also variance in the power requirements across frequency ranges, so amp fans can sometimes have a legitimate argument that you are not hearing the full potential of a given set of cans. I usually fall on the "don't need it" side, but I recommend this as a nice, cheap way for people who want to see if it makes a difference without spending enthusiast prices on an amp. Otherwise, if you're happy with the sound you're hearing from your headphones, don't worry about amping.
VinceP
13
Nov 26, 2017
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ReebadeebUm, anyone with a post 2005 smartphone, big cans, and desire “good” sounding music. My iPhone 7plus can certainly drive my HD6xx - BUT it‘s pretty muddy at the low end and can’t get anywhere near reference volume. A good set of iems sound great on it, so it’s not the headphones; it’s the lack of power.
ansonchc
13
Nov 26, 2017
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VincePYup I agree with you. Post 2005 smartphones are already decent in delivering nice audio to most earphones or headphones, however due to output limitations they are very often not bringing out the full potential of IEMs and headphones, especially those with hybrid or multiple drivers. Hence that's amps still exists.
I too have a love-hate relationship with the NX1s though, it sure does bring more out of my FXA7. But i need bass boost to make it sound normal and then it makes the soundstage less airy, and odd enough it does make my friend's pair of UM Pro 30 sound much better. Seems like this amp is more suitable for Amateur driver IEMs? Anyhow, there is definitely a reason and worth for amps to exist in 2017, and you'll understand why once you try it.
tipsymcstaggers
17
Nov 27, 2017
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ReebadeebI generally would have agreed with you prior to experiencing it, but I took this for a spin on my On2's and every piece of music I've listened to seems to jump out more from my iPhone 6...like the sound is more 3-dimensional rather than just a 2-D wall of sound. Certainly willing to allow for SOME sort of placebo effect, but after going back and forth with it on/off there's just so much more detail to everything...very surprised at how much difference there was.
VinceP
13
Jan 17, 2018
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ReebadeebHave you ever listened on those devices WITH a good amp? I suspect this is a case of simply not knowing what you’re missing. My iPhone 7 Plus drives my HD6xx. They aren’t super loud, and that doesn’t bother me. What does is the lack of detail that I don’t notice until I plug in an amplifier. A 1.8l four cylinder engine can “drive” a huge truck - just not very well.
ansonchc
13
Apr 25, 2018
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LBaroufOh my god you guys are still on his tail after so many weeks.... lol
smallbit
1328
Apr 25, 2018
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ansonchcIt almost died and you brought it back up. Just when I think I am out of the notifications on this I get sucked back in!
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