Question about headphone amp.

basyl666 · 20th January 2012

I've recently come across a discussion,on one of the forums about using headphones and headphone amps.I myself have a pair of beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 OHM ...I don't own a headphone amp,but I am deeply wondering what such a piece of gear would do for me?..Is it recommended to use one with this type of headphones?If so,maybe someone could suggest a brand?
Thanks.

Liquid Legacy · 20th January 2012

Well, I don't think you would need a headphone amp to drive the 770's properly. If you have an audio interface with a volume controlled headphone output, I think that should be plenty. Plugging them directly into the ipod/computer output might not yield the best result, but it should work OK too. Amps are pretty much required on the higher end headphones though, to make them reach their full potential.

If you still want a good, affordable amp to see if it makes any difference, check out the Matrix M-Stage. It's made in China with the same quality components as it's European "boutique" counterparts that are 2-3 times the price. I have one that I use to drive my AKG K702's (those are known for being pretty hard to drive properly) and the M-Stage works beautifully with them. That is if you already have a DAC, the M-Stage is just an amplifier.

If not, you could check out Fiio amps (primarily the E7 DAC + E9 amp combo) for an even more affordable solution.

ProfessorNick · 20th January 2012

You probably don't need one. Most audio interfaces drive headphones fine. If you are experiencing a decidedly thin and weak sound from your headphones when plugged into your interface versus the sound when plugged into other sources, then you might but that is less likely the case. Main reason for headphone amps is distribution. If you have a band and they all need phones, but your interface only has one headphone out.

basyl666 · 21st January 2012

Thanks for sharing.This is the forum to be on.

20th January 2012	#1
basyl666 Gear interested Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 2 Thread Starter	Question about headphone amp. I've recently come across a discussion,on one of the forums about using headphones and headphone amps.I myself have a pair of beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 OHM ...I don't own a headphone amp,but I am deeply wondering what such a piece of gear would do for me?..Is it recommended to use one with this type of headphones?If so,maybe someone could suggest a brand? Thanks.

20th January 2012	#3
ProfessorNick Gear nut Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 129 1 Review written	You probably don't need one. Most audio interfaces drive headphones fine. If you are experiencing a decidedly thin and weak sound from your headphones when plugged into your interface versus the sound when plugged into other sources, then you might but that is less likely the case. Main reason for headphone amps is distribution. If you have a band and they all need phones, but your interface only has one headphone out. __________________ Audio Production Tips and other music goodies http://carillonaudio.wordpress.com/

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20th January 2012	#2
Liquid Legacy Gear addict Joined: Dec 2011 Location: On top of the globe Posts: 341	Well, I don't think you would need a headphone amp to drive the 770's properly. If you have an audio interface with a volume controlled headphone output, I think that should be plenty. Plugging them directly into the ipod/computer output might not yield the best result, but it should work OK too. Amps are pretty much required on the higher end headphones though, to make them reach their full potential. If you still want a good, affordable amp to see if it makes any difference, check out the Matrix M-Stage. It's made in China with the same quality components as it's European "boutique" counterparts that are 2-3 times the price. I have one that I use to drive my AKG K702's (those are known for being pretty hard to drive properly) and the M-Stage works beautifully with them. That is if you already have a DAC, the M-Stage is just an amplifier. If not, you could check out Fiio amps (primarily the E7 DAC + E9 amp combo) for an even more affordable solution.

21st January 2012	#4
basyl666 Gear interested Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 2 Thread Starter	Thanks for sharing.This is the forum to be on.