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kfox
38
Aug 14, 2017
I own Fostex and HIFIMAN headphones. Can someone explain why I would need an amp? My volume output out of my PC is more than adequate--more than I could even handle in fact.
HarisJaved
59
Aug 14, 2017
kfoxif you feel that your current setup sounds good then you dont need this. I bought it to try it, if I dont like it I will sell it. I already have my end game setup Audiogd NFB 27.77 w/ HE-560/HE-1000
kfox
38
Aug 14, 2017
HarisJavedThanks for replying. Is the amp something that enhances the experience, despite the gain on my current setup being enough? I don't truly understand amps.
Juka
191
Aug 14, 2017
kfoxThe idea of getting a seperate amp is to get a cleaner output and increasing the amount of volume you can get. For tube amps and the tube rolling world of audiophiles, you can change the sounds by swapping tubes while doing everything you want an amp to do.
If you are satisfied with your current set-up then you don't an amp. Getting one may or may not add a better experience, it is subjective.
SOULSIK
1500
Aug 14, 2017
kfoxyou will be amazed with the clarity or using a good amp with a good dac vs a computer. more clarity will lead into the sound becoming more dynamic and overall more musical in theory and my experienece but its up to you to explore. enjoy the hobby,
cheers
HarisJaved
59
Aug 14, 2017
kfoxSo experiencing audio is not like other things in life. Here is the thing - If you have a smart phone, and you are using good good headphones with it (HD-6xx. HE-400i) moving over to a decent AMP/DAC combo (300$-600$ range) will not give you a 100% better measurable differences, but maybe 8% - 12% measurable difference (lower THD, Higher Power), however your ears will tell you that it is a Huge upgrade. So in general, in the audio industry you pay a lot to get small measurable gains, but what you hear will make the difference. As you pay more you will hit the point of diminishing returns. I am a simple man, but there are people here with ears so good that they hear differences between speaker cables, power cables, and USB cables (I am not that guy), so it all depends on what you want to get out of your setup, and what your end goal is. If you want a really good setup, that will last your many many many many years to come, buy a Schiit Jot, and HD 6XX - skip all the magical cables.
sirkuttin
145
Aug 15, 2017
HarisJavedInterestingly enough I ridded myself of the Jotenheim quite quickly. I had my personal customized t50rp, hd 6xx and Fostex Ebony. I didn't really like it no matter which headphone. I went cheaper with an xDuoo xd-05 with a burson v5i opamp and am much happier.
Darkangle
8
Aug 15, 2017
HarisJavedHearing difference in USB cables,.... That's quite some imagination they have then :D.
Varholiaglimp
939
Aug 15, 2017
kfoxHeadphone amps can improve the sound of the source and are rarely used merely to increase volume, esp. in a post-tinnitus world. Whether you'd need an amp depends on the power requirements of your specific headphones, not which brands they happen to be.
If you're using a PC and have never purchased a headphone amp before, then I'd look into an all-in-one DAC-amp. Try to hear a few of them at an audio store, a friend's house or a Head-fi meet before you make a purchase.
some_random_guy
8
Aug 16, 2017
kfoxIt's good to try a bunch of dac/amp personally with your favorite songs and see if you can hear the difference. It will be better if you can get someone to help you do a blind test.
I have He-400i and Dragonfly Red and I really like the improved richness, clarity and immersion that dac/amp brings to the music.
Jackula
1743
Aug 16, 2017
kfoxVolume isn't everything, there is also distortion. I don't own the Hifiman, but these are orthos yes? They generally need a lot of power to sound their best.
But a wise man once said, you'll never miss anything you've never had. So if you enjoy the sound out of your PC sound card, then just stick with that. Unless you're actually seriously considering an upgrade, just be warned - there's no known cure for upgraditis.
jammuu
54
Aug 17, 2017
HarisJavedI'm super eyeing the Audiogd NFB-1 amp, how is your experience with purchasing from them and the quality of the products? They seem very well built, use high class components from what I could see in the pictures. Is the power as good as they say?
jammuu
54
Aug 17, 2017
some_random_guyI was really hesitant to drop $200 bucks on a USB stick, and at first it really didn't do much, but make things a bit louder. However I enjoyed the size and portability. Once I burned it in for about 60-80, oh my goodness the sound became thick and rich and warm the likes I had never experienced before. I love it!
HarisJaved
59
Aug 17, 2017
jammuuhello sir - so far I have had very good exeprience with AudioGD. The shipping was a bit slow (4weeks) but my unit arrived in the US safely (no dents on the box, no scratches on the unit). The build quality is superb. All the buttons have smooth movment, the volume knob is nice and heavy, the amp itself is pretty well constructed. The input / output connectors are pretty soild. My Amp came with a nice silver remote, and I use mine with headphones and a speaker amp (pre-amp to control volume) - Its a very powerful amp delivering 9900mw @ 16 ohms via XLR, and 3500mw @ 16 ohms single ended. It has no channel imbalance. I am quite happy with it :)
alvarg
235
Apr 24, 2018
HarisJavedsee I'm in a weird state with cables, because my logical brain wants to tell me no there is no difference, yet when i tried different cables on my hd600 i could definitely notice a difference, mainly in the presence area, one cable seem to have a more forward upper mid range than the other cable which actually made the hd600s sound worse than with the stock cable. but again without being able to blind test this, im kind of skeptical as to whether i heard a difference.
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