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What are indicators of an underdriven set of headphones?

post #1 of 13
4/4/11 at 8:27pm
Thread Starter 

 

Hey guys this is my first post. I just bought a set of DT 880 Pros (250 Ohms) and I'm getting the feeling they are being underdriven. I had the DT 770 Pros (80 Ohms) and although the insane bass was fun for my head It didn't serve the purpose intended. Because I had heard the 770s weren't hard to drive I picked up the cheapest headphone amp I could find, the LiveWire Solutions HAO4. However, I have the feeling these are'nt providing a sufficient signal for the 880s. What are some indicators to let me know if my headphones are underdriven sound-wise. To me it sounds like the bass is too light and I am noticing some sibilance. Are these signs? If this is the problem, suggestions for an amp would be greatly appreciated. My budget is $200 and I'm using these headphones to produce electronic music and record guitar. Thank You

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Gear mentioned in this thread:

Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro 250 OHM Semi-open reference headphone
post #2 of 13
4/4/11 at 8:40pm

Welcome FJ,

 

Underdriven will give you "hollow" sounding music and no extension.  Like the life is sucked out of it.  You need some juice for the 250ohm.  What is your source? (laptop, desktop, DAP etc.)

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post #3 of 13
4/4/11 at 8:50pm
Thread Starter 

That would be a good description. I'm using a desktop with the amp being plugged into the controller for the z680 logitech computer speakers.



 

 

 

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post #4 of 13
4/4/11 at 8:55pm

I am not familiar with the amp you mentioned, but I would bypass the onboard sound with a DAC.  It will give you a clean signal to your amp. 

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post #5 of 13
4/4/11 at 9:20pm
Thread Starter 

So I need to go from my computer to a DAC to my amp and then to my headphones? Any amp suggestions in that price range?


 

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post #6 of 13
4/4/11 at 9:29pm

The reason I say this is because you want to make sure your "chain" is up to snuff.  I don't know anything about that amp, it might be able to drive the 880s, it might not, but your source is paramount to the chain, for a clean signal.  Once you bypass the stock onboard sound you will notice a difference.  You can get a $15000 amp, but if your source is not up to par, you have just spent 15K on just an amplified signal.  Everything goes hand in hand.  There are many amps and dacs to choose from.  Standalone amps/dacs or all-in-one.

 

I'm just trying to make sure you spend your money wisely.  If you stay around here and read a lot, your wallet will disappear...

 

beerchug.gif


Edited by HeatFan12 - 4/4/11 at 9:31pm
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post #7 of 13
4/4/11 at 9:38pm
Thread Starter 

The amp is a $50 dollar amp from guitar center so I am sure it isn't adequate. Are there any decent DAC/Amp combinations in the 150 to 250 price range?

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post #8 of 13
4/4/11 at 9:50pm

In that price range I have read good things about the Audinst http://cgi.ebay.com/Audinst-HUD-mx1-Hi-Fi-USB-Audio-DAC-/170613385652?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27b959a9b4

 

 

Here is a large thread / review on it  http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/484235/review-audinst-hud-mx1-usb-dac-amp

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post #9 of 13
4/4/11 at 10:02pm
Thread Starter 

And this would be able to reasonably power DT 880 Pro headphones?

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post #10 of 13
4/4/11 at 10:14pm

As an owner, I can say that the Audinst will probably drive your DT880 Pros to deafening levels. Obviously it won't sound as good as more expensive products, but it's a good choice and delivers great performance for the price.

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post #11 of 13
4/4/11 at 10:18pm
Thread Starter 
Alright, thanks guys. I'll keep that in mind and keep reading. Always open for suggestions
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post #12 of 13
4/5/11 at 12:05am

To play devil's advocate here, your amp is probably fine and it's just simply that the headphones do not have a sound signature to your liking. Plug them into a receiver (which should be ample power) and see if it sounds any different.

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post #13 of 13
4/5/11 at 12:47am
Thread Starter 
Just did that and they sounded infinitely better. The bass was way more present and the sibilance gone. I actually feel like I got my money's worth now. Now to find an amp that can do the same thing and fit on my desk.
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Gear mentioned in this thread:

Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro 250 OHM Semi-open reference headphone
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