Hi

 

I am currently using a d2000 partial markl modded through my laptop, and was wondering what would be a better solution to power them. I mean, they get plenty loud but I keep reading that an amp is really needed to make these headphones shine so i was wondering what would be the best possible upgrade to these around a $100 range. I was hoping it would be something portable as I would like to take it with my laptop. I am open to DIY or trying to find a used amp.

 

Or is it just not worth it to spend just a $100 on an amp and it would just be better to trade or sell these d2000's for something that doesn't require or benefit that much from an amp? If so, what are some good choices for headphones do I have?

 

Thanks

If you want to keep the 2K's, you could always go with something like the uDAC2 or even the PA2v2.  I use a PA2v2 with my 2K's at work and it sounds great.  And the uDAC2 is a great solution that has both a DAC and a respectable amp.  I think the pricetag on it is just north of $100 but you can get a PA2v2 for $60 shipped, I believe.

You're better off getting a DAC+Amp, laptop onboard sound cards generally suck.

I agree, try to buy a DAC or DAC+Amp combo first, because internal soundcards are generally bad.

So buying the uDACv2 is my best option I suppose. Are there any other choices in the same price range for DAC/Amp combos? Also, if I choose to go the new headphones route, what would be some good headphones that don't require an amp? 
 
edit: I was looking at the udac2. What is the difference between udac2 and uDac2-hp?
 
edit: Also, the amp/dac doesnt have to be strictly portable, more like transportable.

At your budget, there isn't that much choice.  Do consider that the uDac is the current fad, so take the multitude of recommendations with a full bucket of salt.

Quote:

amer said:

So buying the uDACv2 is my best option I suppose. Are there any other choices in the same price range for DAC/Amp combos? Also, if I choose to go the new headphones route, what would be some good headphones that don't require an amp? 
 
edit: I was looking at the udac2. What is the difference between udac2 and uDac2-hp?
 
edit: Also, the amp/dac doesnt have to be strictly portable, more like transportable.

Click to expand...

There's uDac, uDac-2, Icon Mobile, Icon Mobile 2, Icon Amp, Icon, Icon-2 and Icon HDP. 
 
uDac are mobile DACs.
Icon Mobile is a mobile dac/amp.
Icon Amp is a home speaker amp.
Icon is home headphone amplifier.
Icon HDP has best home dac/amp.
Icon HD is coming, apparently bare HDP without extra features.
 
*home in they require external power.
 
If you like your headphones now, there's no point in buying new ones.
The uDac-2 changed my D2000s quite a bit. But not as much as buying new headphones.

Quote:

fallenangel said:

You're better off getting a DAC+Amp, laptop onboard sound cards generally suck.

Click to expand...

 
pretty much sums it up nicely.
 
I'm in heaven with my Audio-GD FUN Ver. A
 
I do agree the more you spend you start getting diminished returns but for $400 USD this thing is a freaking steal.  DAC/AMP + USB connectivity
 
 
EDIT:  I'll take that D2000 off you if you really don't like it / want it.  Next on my list is to get an LA2000 (further modding that unit out).

I use the FiiO E7 Dac and E9 Amp out of my iMac and they really make the D2000 come alive.  Everything seems to have gotten clearer/more defined with the extra power.  I thought the bass was a little bloated and slow without an amp, with the E9 it feels alot faster and smoother.
The E9 is amp only and its not portable, I think I paid $129 for it and it was well worth it.  The E7 also sounds really good with the D2000, its a portable amp and dac.  I paid $99 for the E7 on Amazon.  When you put the two together in a desktop setup, it is magic I tell you!