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I recently bought the Massdrop version of the 6XX but now Im confuse because I find out I will not get the best of them soundwise because I need a amp. I will use it mainly with my phone and tablet. What type of amp you guys recommend?

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WordsandMusic
262
Oct 6, 2019
Instead of starting a new thread, maybe I can piggyback on this one and get some feedback. To be as brief as possible: I listen to my music through iTunes on PC or iPhone. I also have a few hi-res sources, primarily from recent Zeppelin, Floyd, and Beatles reissues. When listening on the PC, I either use Creative Audio speakers (a "3.1" set up) or plug in headphones. I just acquired the KZ ZS10 Pro and I'm very happy with what I hear. Also have the Bose QC 25, which I don't use as much since getting the KZ IEMs. Educate me: What would I gain from adding a modest amp (probably Fiio), besides volume boost? Does an amp help bring out details and add breadth and depth to the music?
rastus
1391
Oct 8, 2019
If you had said low budget, I was going to say the ES100. If you want to stay pc/centric, noisy environment... then the Audionote/EVGA collaborative sound card: https://www.evga.com/articles/01281/evga-nu-audio/ Beyond this you will want to look towards desktop separates. There are great and powerful portables beyond the ES100, but the entry fee is stiff;) https://www.astellnkern.com/eng/content/shop/features.asp?mcg=CG110000&mpos=0&scg=CG210240&spos=4&tcg=&tpos=0&gcode=SC10690
(Edited)
WordsandMusic
262
Oct 8, 2019
rastusI appreciate the time and input!
gwanlass
2
Sep 28, 2018
Schiit Fulla 2- besides the awesome name it is a great and well built dac/amp for only $99
Djdaniel
64
Sep 27, 2018
Get a DAP fiio or other that has high gain but i would not take a hd 6xx outside with it openback leakage, just around the house.
benirohit458
8
Sep 26, 2018
Well if your tab is in Ipad, youre pretty much good without an amp. I was running my HD6XXs on my Ipad before I got my Audio GD amp. Even though there is an improvement in quality, but its subtle. Nothing huge. Yes, you wont be able to get them very loud without an amp. Even though i found the volume from my Ipad Air 2 sufficient.
Megazine
544
Sep 25, 2018
Hey, don't be upset. I would recommend the Audioquest Dragonfly Red, in terms of portability. I know it might be to late, but the the Massdrop Sennheiser HD58X Jubilee is a great set of can if you don't want to invest in more powerful amps.
FutureTrunks
15
Sep 26, 2018
MegazineThanks man, I heard about those headphone. I was not a very happy man when I try the 6xx, they sound flat and very low in range and quality. I rexen bought a small amp (EarStudio ES 100-24 bit) price at $99 in Amazon and gave them a little push but no enough that I was surprise. My other Seenheiser HD 4.30 sound way better than my 6xx :( but I’m guessing is because those dont require too much amp. I’m still looking for a better portable amp so thanks for the advise.
GunsOfBrixton
911
Sep 25, 2018
FT, this is probably maddeningly confusing - don't let it drive you crazy. It sounds like what you need is a small, simple amp to get the volume up loud enough to enjoy, and that you can carry with you easily. The Topping NX1 is $40 or less, and will do the trick nicely. I hadn't tried it before with my 6XX, but I tested it and it works great.
This will make your new headphones usable right now, and let you enjoy their great sound. You can get into all the confusing madness of DACs and amps at your leisure later on.
gephross100
27
Sep 25, 2018
This depends on which phone you are using it with but generally you will need an external amp or a dac/amp combo to make the most of these. If you are using these at a desktop I would suggest something like the JDAC O2 amp to start with to drive these, for portable FiiO makes a bunch of solutions that will be able to drive these somewhat sufficiently.
This really all depends on how much you are willing to spend and what type of sound you are going for.
KTech
57
Sep 25, 2018
Massdrops Xduoo XD-05 looks like a decent pick for mobile use and it's still fairly affordable but it's both a dac and amp. That said if you just need an amp I believe the objective 2 is technically supposed to be a portable amp as it has 9v battery terminals by creative commons dictates. Otherwise if you're spending that much you may perhaps be better served by selling the 6xx and getting the 58x which do sound great off of mobile devices. Not quite the same thing and I understand that but I understand that but I own both and I am equally satisfied by both so I just use my 58x when I'm not sitting at my computer.
ashberic
15
Sep 24, 2018
Not sure why people are suggesting you buy a $300+ DAC - you don't need a $300 DAC.
Grab a FiiO E10K on Amazon for $70 or a Schiit Fulla 2 for $99 and call it a day.
gwanlass
2
Sep 28, 2018
ashbericI love my Shiit Fulla, bargain for $99
ethanchan
270
Sep 24, 2018
FT, Your headphones are rated at 300 ohm, this means that you will need to look at something that will drive them. Next thing you need to think about is the built in DAC that your device has, will this give you the sound you are looking for. The reason for that is because a portable AMP can be found at a cheaper price than a comparable DAP (DAC AMP combo). I have DAC's, AMP's and DAP's and have found that some work better than others depending on the headphones I am using it with. My 598 SE is fine connected to my phone or tablet directly but with a little more power i get a cleaner sound. My 1More triple driver over ear will also work but there is a marked difference in sound and volume with a DAP. My LCD 2 Classic Closed back needs a DAP (the only reason I use a DAP and not just a AMP is because I am not fond of my phones built in DAC). With the 6XX you get the classic Sennheiser sound quality and want to make sure that you are pairing it with something that is going to take advantage of that. I would suggest that if there are any people you know that have portables see if they will let you use it. The audio you get will change from product to product and brand to brand. Testing out as many as you can will give you an idea of what sounds better with those headphones based on the sound quality you enjoy. Nothing about this hobby is easy nor cookie cutter, peoples audio tastes can vary widely which is why there are so many different types of headphones and equipment out there. It doesn't have to be a long drawn out process but I would suggest that you try as many parings as possible in order to find the sound you enjoy. Buying quality headphones is but a piece of the puzzle, the rest is figuring out what your audio taste is and finding a DAP to go with it. Sorry this could not have been a clear cut answer but to be honest, anyone that will tell you to choose one thing over another is just basing that on their opinion and tastes, which might not be the same as yours. I have plenty of equipment and headphones sitting on my shelf that I purchased based on other what I have read and others have told me just to find out it is not what I like. Save yourself some money and when you can, sample the things you are interested in before you buy it because this can quickly become a money sinkhole. I hope this helps, if you have any other questions just ask and I will do my best to reply as quickly as possible.
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