starter headphone amp?

[Vandole]

im getting my sennheiser pc350 repaired since my moms dog ate the wire, and i'm losing my amazing surround sound when i move out, so it's time to get an amplifier since the 350 benefits greatly from it.


Where do i start? i'm posting here and on 4chan about it. i'll cross reference with what i find.

[zeal5050]

What's your budget? HeadRoom Has a decent selection of Amps. They also have a selection guide and info center that should make your decision a bit easier. One thing to consider is, if a USB powered device is important to you, or you prefer AC/Battery power.

[Vandole]

i'd say my budget is $130. are there any that look asthetically pleasing? odd request but you know, always a plus.

i was looking at http://www.headphone.com/headphone-a...al-bithead.php earlier today but i just want to know what my options are

edit: could you compare this with the prior at all? http://www.amazon.com/FiiO-E9i-Deskt...560581&sr=1-34

also, whats the difference between an amp and a DAC?

Spoiler: show

i do have an iphone 4 so this may benefit me slightly to get the E9i?

[zeal5050]

whats the difference between an amp and a DAC?

A DAC is a Digital-to-Analog converter. An Amp is used to increase the power of a signal, to physically move the drivers in headphones and speakers. Basically, your digital signal (MP3/CD/whatever) is converted by a DAC from a digital source to an analog one. Then an amp increases the power of resulting analog signal, usually resulting in a louder, clearer, crisper sound.

Current gen. iphones/ipods have fairly decent onboard DAC, If this is your main source you would probably benefit more from a standalone AMP. The FiiO E9i is a nice little unit especially if the iphone/ipod docking functionality is something you are interested in. If you want a DAC/AMP in your price range I would suggest taking a look at the FireyeII.

[Vandole]

and if i'm mainly using my computer? i built it this june but havent gotten a separate sound card yet.

[zeal5050]

In that case I would definitely consider a DAC/AMP solution. The FiiO E7 paired with a line out cable for your iPod seem like a good bet.

[Krandor]

In that case I would definitely consider a DAC/AMP solution. The FiiO E7 paired with a line out cable for your iPod seem like a good bet.

E7 is a nice product, especially paired with one of the line out cables. It has a bass boost function which works well when set to 1 (higher settings starts eating up higher frequencies).

E7 with the line out cable comes to something like 70-80 dollars, Amazon Prime membership depending.

Also, if you get the little mini amps that just goes straight into the dock connector, it takes its power from your iPhone, using something like the E7 will give you longer battery since its handling all the audio processing itself, and its battery life is around 80 hours on a full charge.

[Boyiee]

Fiio e7 and eventually grab an e9.

Best decision you could make.

[Vandole]

well why not just grab the e9 now?

also, does it just make the sound more rich?

E7 with the line out cable comes to something like 70-80 dollars, Amazon Prime membership depending.

http://www.amazon.com/FiiO-L3-Line-C...d_bxgy_e_img_b

this?

[Boyiee]

If you are willing to get both, get both. e7+e9 rocks and will power much higher end headphones than what you're using. With a line out, will cost you 180-220 and totally worth it.

[Vandole]

what exactly does an amp do, so i know what to expect?

[zeal5050]

Was gonna link the wiki article. I think this is more fitting.

[Krandor]

Long story short, the dacs contained in most mp3 players and computers can be somewhat lacking, especially in the volume and frequency range departments. Adding an amp will knock up the potential volume output and generally speaking improve the overall sound quality.

That usually comes down to improving bass response/tightness and making treble frequencies less harsh.

Also feel free to ignore that shit I said about line out, I missed that you werent the one who mentioned ipods.

[Boyiee]

honestly are those headphones even worth driving with a dedicated amp?

[Vandole]

Yes. i've asked.

[Kerberoz]

and if i'm mainly using my computer? i built it this june but havent gotten a separate sound card yet.

http://www.amazon.com/PCI-Express-XO...dp/B001OV789U/

built-in headphone amp, surround emulation, god-tier sound quality

[Vandole]

due to the problems i have had with my monitor i refuse to buy another Asus product.

however i did purchase the E7 today! can't wait.

[Krandor]

Like a boss.

E7 is a great product, especially given the price point.

[Vandole]

yeah i got that and the iphone line out dock


http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA300_.jpg

[Vandole]

Holy shit. my amp came in today. i'm hearing stuff i've never heard before, the stereo effect is so much better, everything is more crisp

Spoiler: show

im using my earbuds right now, my expensive headphones are off being fixed.