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Desktop amp newb

post #1 of 3
11/27/10 at 3:51pm
Thread Starter 

Alright so i've recently discovered what a headphone amp is and have never used one but i like the concept. First off i have no idea how they work, how to connect one, what other gear i need to hook one up, etc. I really could use some help in this area. Second thing i need to talk about is which one to get. I have a pair of m50s right now and i really like how they sound but i might be getting hd600s or hd650s with the up coming holiday season so i figure i could always use more power and eq. I have 200ish$ right now that i could spend on an amp and use it on my m50s now and then hook it up to some new cans when christmas comes along or i could use a little extra christmas money to fund a bit more expensive amp if need be. I dont have any computer speakers so i don't know if i need thoes or not to make an amp function. The amps ive been looking at right now are...

http://www.amazon.com/NuForce-Icon-Integrated-Desktop-Amplifier/dp/B0016XEVHS/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1290900549&sr=8-10

and 

http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-N22-Premium-Desktop-Amplifier/dp/B0049OI08W/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1290900549&sr=8-7

I really just need to be basically informed about amps and what to look for and any help would be appreciated

thank you

 

Edit: Oh also, i plan on using this amp with my desktop computer and also a laptop eventually just fyi

Edit 2: I was also looking at 

http://www.amazon.com/FiiO-E9-Desktop-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00470Q76K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1290912061&sr=8-2

but do i need to buy the e7 too to get it to work?


Edited by Bubbacritz - 11/27/10 at 6:42pm
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post #2 of 3
11/28/10 at 10:18am
Thread Starter 

bump

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post #3 of 3
11/28/10 at 1:18pm

 Just to be clear:

The items you linked to @Amazon are combined USB-DAC and amplifier units, as far as I can tell. (The FiiO units together (amp and DAC) fit that description as well.)

If you want to play music out of your computer (bypassing the computer soundcard ) one of those units may be a good solution.

 

Possibly a new thread: "Best USB DAC and amp combo under $200" would get more responses from folks who own units like those.

 

If you want to use the soundcard in your computer (or for that matter a $5 USB soundcard from eBay) to generate the analog signal, then you just need a headphone amp. There are many of those available, both semi-DIY and finished units. Search around.....

 

Another approach is to get a separate DAC and amplifier, but that will probably cost more (2 cases, 2 power supplies, etc...).

 

Lots of threads here on amps/DACs so happy reading!

 

None of the headphone amps require computer speakers.

 

Cheers

John


Edited by VictoriaGuy - 11/28/10 at 1:23pm
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