New headphones, should I get an AMP?

[mab1376]

I just picked up a pair of Ultrasone HFI780's and i was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on AMP's. If they're necessary, do i need one with a sound card, etc.

 

[BumbleBee]

definitely. you don't need a sound card however you can buy a sound card with a internal headphone amp like the ASUS Xonar Essence STX, Auzen X-Fi Bravura or Auzen X-Fi Forte otherwise see here.

 

[mab1376]

what would you recommend in the $100-$200 range?

 

[BumbleBee]

<squints her nose>

I am not sure. I haven't been keeping up with amps. the link I gave you has reviews so you will have to research yourself.

 

[PVTCaboose1337]

I have a PA2V2 amp for my Senn 595's and I love it.

 

[Zen_]

A USB DAC /w an amp is another option. I use the Aune MK2 and really like it...NuForce Icon, Fireye II, Fubar III, Travagan’s Green are all roughly in your price range too.

 

[mab1376]

I think i'm gonna get the MK2 next week when I get paid

 

[n-ster]

I prefer having a soundcard and no amp then an amp and no soundcard. As Bumblebee rightly pointed, the 3 sounds listed are with a headphone amp. I'd lean towards X-fi Forte, but I also like that ASUS one

 

[btarunr]

A sound card with solid-state headphone amp is better on the long-run than using your onboard audio with an external amp of the same value (even tube ones). On the other hand, an external amp lets you connect to any audio source.

 

[mab1376]

I prefer having a soundcard and no amp then an amp and no soundcard. As Bumblebee rightly pointed, the 3 sounds listed are with a headphone amp. I'd lean towards X-fi Forte, but I also like that ASUS one

I have an X-Fi XtremeMusic, I do really like the Auzen X-Fi Bravura though.

I mainly want the amp for playing vinyls though through my ION TTUSB. The USB functionality of the MK2 is just an added bonus.

A sound card with solid-state headphone amp is better on the long-run than using your onboard audio with an external amp of the same value (even tube ones). On the other hand, an external amp lets you connect to any audio source.

What do you think the best card on the market is right now with an integrated AMP?

also what do you think of this?

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi HD 24-bit 96KHz USB In...

 

[n-ster]

ahh you got a soundcard already... I guess an external amp is best in that case...

 

[Anisotonic]

I recommend the Audio-GD FUN DAC/Amp, I use the older Compass model with my pro900 ultrasones and it's really great.

 

[btarunr]

What do you think the best card on the market is right now with an integrated AMP?

Claro Halo XT, if you're fine with PCI. HT | OMEGA Claro Halo XT PCI Interface Sound Card ...

or Auzentech Bravura. It's second-best, but half the price and PCI-E.

http://store.auzentech.com/auzen-x-fi-bravura-71-p95.aspx

 

[mab1376]

I recommend the Audio-GD FUN DAC/Amp, I use the older Compass model with my pro900 ultrasones and it's really great.

that's one nice looking piece of equipment, too bad its far out of my price range.

http://www.pacificvalve.us/AudiogdFUN.html

 

[BumbleBee]

sorry I couldn't be anymore help. my audio knowledge is 2008... any information is bad information. hope it works out and keep us informed.

 

[Frick]

I never understood why people are using amps for headphones. Why do they?

 

[BumbleBee]

headphone amplifiers are for audiophiles interested in amplifying a signal for higher volume and clarity.

 

[Frick]

Makes sense. I've always used amps anyway, so an amp for headphones never made sense to me.

 

[micropage7]

if you looking for power, the amps will give you that and ofcourse better audio flow especially when you run it with nice soundcard too

 

[erixx]

The part about the "More volume" is serious? Do you want to blow your ears of your head? I`mean, I am using headphones with a XFi and I cant turn the volume past 1/3 otherwise I would just DIE... And during my live I have used many other soundcards and headphones and never had a volume problem.... Nor "audio flow", "clearity".... What are you guys talking about, i am anxiuous to learn

 

[BumbleBee]

The part about the "More volume" is serious? Do you want to blow your ears of your head? I`mean, I am using headphones with a XFi and I cant turn the volume past 1/3 otherwise I would just DIE... And during my live I have used many other soundcards and headphones and never had a volume problem.... Nor "audio flow", "clearity".... What are you guys talking about, i am anxiuous to learn

http://www.headphone.com/learning-center/why-do-i-need-a-headphone-amp.php

 

[majestic12]

http://www.headphone.com/learning-center/why-do-i-need-a-headphone-amp.php

That's a really good link there ---

While my sound card has a decent amplifier already, it just can't compare to my headphone amp/DAC combo (an Audio Technica AT-HA25D). I get the benefits of EAX through the sound card, plus the sound is simply much cleaner and more detailed going through the amp. It's like comparing the sound quality of a portable media player (with exception to maybe the Hifiman) to a decent home audio system. They can both achieve a loud enough volume, but it's done with much more authority when properly amped.

 

[n-ster]

alot of times, when you do EQ modifications, the volume drops.... amps help in that case too

 

[sethk]

btarunr has a point about a good headphone friendly amp being a solid choice for your headphones. If you need something that can be used with a laptop or multiple devices, the Nuforce uDac is a pretty solid choice in this price range, and quite versatile too. There are over 1800 posts in this Head-fi thread about it, including a nice review in the first post.

 

[mab1376]

Claro Halo XT, if you're fine with PCI. HT | OMEGA Claro Halo XT PCI Interface Sound Card ...

or Auzentech Bravura. It's second-best, but half the price and PCI-E.

http://store.auzentech.com/auzen-x-fi-bravura-71-p95.aspx

I just read a bunch or reviews and i think this is the card to get, thanks for the info!