Hey! Browsing around the forum, I'm beginning to realise how much money I'm about to sink into this "hobby".

Do I really need an amp? The two sources I'd be using (really crappy anyway) is a laptop most likely with AC97 audio, and a Sony NetMD.

I may upgrade the laptop's audio to Creative's (I know...) SoundBlaster Live! MP3+ USB. (only thing I could find locally).

The two headphones I'd be using would be the Sennheiser HD280 Pro's (unless I could find the DT250-80s cheaply or somebody could shine a light upon the DT231s) and the Sennheiser MX400s.

I was considering getting a Headsave MiniMe... but this is a lot of money! (maybe not in your eyes, but in a poor student's, it is!)

Thoughts? Will it improve sound quality to a degree that I will notice? Adding this all up is a lot of cash!

yes you'll notice. yes there'll be a gaping hole where your wallet used to be after this site gets done with you.

run while you can. if you can.

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Considering I haven't got much to start with, YES! But on the audio level... heh...

What kind of laptop do you have? Unless you have one of the higher-end IBMs or Toshibas, I'd recommend that you get the MP3+ first. Then decide whether you need an amp. A lot of laptops (Dell in particular) have terribly low quality outputs. Also, none of the headphones you describe are particularly hard to drive. I'd definitely go for the Beyer 250-80 if you can, rather than the Sennheiser 280.

Do you have any friends who are into electronics? Maybe your school has an electronics lab? You could make your own MINT instead of having someone else make it for you. It could be an educational project instead of just an expense. Start with a CMoy amp to get some skills, and maybe later move on to the MINT. You'll learn more about electronics that way and you'll begin to develop a sense for how the sound of an amp changes when you change components and circuit designs.

I might take the DIY route.
Yes it's a Dell, so the MP3+ is a good idea first..? The Beyer is a lot more expensive...

Go for it KevC. There are countless members here that are more than willing to lend a hand, or even parts sometimes when you are in a pinch.

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But I may potentially be taking business away from you