Do Ultrasone Pro 900 really need an amp ?

Higher end headphones are recommended to be used with amplifiers because they are more resolving. I have tried the Pro 900. I really do not think they need an amplifier that badly though. They are very efficient. An amp will still help.

Cable upgrade? I think the stock cables are adequate.

amp: yes

cable: optional

They are enjoyable without an amp but an amp really help to control and to tighten  the bass. A STX or similar is sufficient, so.

you can probably find one under 150 in the for sale section.  Also, consider doing the Kees mod.

The Kees Mod is Great.  I am from the school of "Why would backyard hacks know more than large corporate companies (and their R & D department)  regarding end product sound from their headphones?"  However regarding the Kees Mod-the sound is improved, the back yard hacks (no offence Kees) do know more, or at least by expreimentation have discovered more, regarding sound presentation.  The Kees Mod does help to control the bass (I don't find standard overwhelming, but I concede that the Mod improves overall balance without sacrificing bass depth, power or impact) and the mids (which are pretty good in standard form) are more predominant.  The  Kees Modded Pro 900 is very balanced, smooth, has a fairly forward presentaion ( not as forward as a Grado), still with a bass orientation and still very detailed and yet very musical to my ears (not analytical).  The Pro900 does require a decent amp to perform at the top of its game, however I don't think it necesssary to seek an expensive top end amp for this.

If you are on a budget  the new nuforce mDAC2 sounds like a great deal at $129.

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueyan 

Kernmac, thanks for the reply. Which amp or amp/dac you recommend to use with pro 900 =D ?

I really don't have a lot of experience with amps, I have only had two desk top amps, fullstop. Both SS amps, the Meier Corda Cantate and the Little Dot MKV matched well with the Pro900.  I haven't had any experience with lower cost amps (however the MKV is very well priced) I would guess the Meier Swing would do well with the Black Ultrasone, however I think you are best to ask the question of "which budget amp...." in the amp forum.  Obviously, there are headfiers with a lot more amp knowledge/experience than me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kernmac 

The Kees Mod is Great.  I am from the school of "Why would backyard hacks know more than large corporate companies (and their R & D department)  regarding end product sound from their headphones?"  However regarding the Kees Mod-the sound is improved, the back yard hacks (no offence Kees) do know more, or at least by expreimentation have discovered more, regarding sound presentation.  The Kees Mod does help to control the bass (I don't find standard overwhelming, but I concede that the Mod improves overall balance without sacrificing bass depth, power or impact) and the mids (which are pretty good in standard form) are more predominant.  The  Kees Modded Pro 900 is very balanced, smooth, has a fairly forward presentaion ( not as forward as a Grado), still with a bass orientation and still very detailed and yet very musical to my ears (not analytical).  The Pro900 does require a decent amp to perform at the top of its game, however I don't think it necesssary to seek an expensive top end amp for this.

It´s not a question of knowing more. It´s just that companies want to make profit and they cut corners to maximize it. I wonder what company that has any success in this business doesn´t. But most don´t use specific dampening materials anyway.

if it´s 10$ with labor to add cheap ass damping on the Pro series that is quite some money in large quantities.

As for amps Goldpoint headphone Pro V9 and Trafomatic Head One is a lot better then any of the previous amps I have heard. Most of then was a bit cheaper. old slee solo, canamps and the likes. But well I am insane so you will probably be happy with lower offerings as I was with these but they do scale :)