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Amp for Skullcandy Aviators

post #1 of 15
7/24/11 at 6:01pm
Thread Starter 

Hello all :)

 

So I'm on a new budget: $300. I greatly enjoy the sound of the Aviators, and I plan on buying a pair. I have a few questions though: does it need an amp? Will a $150 (preferably cheaper) amp affect the sound too much? If so, what amps do you guys recommend? I currently use my iPhone 3GS and my new laptop as media sources, and on occasion use my Cmoy amp in between with my Sony XB 500s.

 

Thanks 

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post #2 of 15
7/25/11 at 12:54am

Never in you fkn life by a skullcandy headphone!

 

 

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post #3 of 15
7/25/11 at 1:00am

I would get the Audio-GD sparrow for an amp/dac which is $140, going any lower is not worth buying.

 

For a headphone the HD595 would be a nice all around headphone. If you want something portable then you may want the ath-m50 instead.


Edited by jTizMLG - 7/25/11 at 1:02am
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post #4 of 15
7/25/11 at 4:35am

Wasn't the Aviator the first decent headphone from SC? Something like that... I'm still skeptical though. For that budget I'd check the Fischer Audio FA-011 first. I'm sure a cheaper headphone like the Superlux HD668b will astonish you as well. A lot of good options around the price of the Aviators so do your research. :)

 

Anyway, looking at the spec-sheet and considering the Aviator's target audience I'm sure you won't need an amp. You say you already own a Cmoy and that will drive it to full efficiency. No need to invest. Enjoy your music! 

 

 

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post #5 of 15
7/25/11 at 4:50am
Thread Starter 
Thanks guys!

@Negakinu: I figured it might not need an amp, since it is a Skullcandy

@jTizMLG: I know, I've been anti-skullpoopy since the beginning of time. But I heard good things about these cans and gave em a listen. They are great headphones. IMO, the entire HD 5 series of Senheiser headphones clamp too hard (I've owned the 555s and 515s) and both require a strong amp to reach full potential. My hope was these Skullcandys don't need one, which is perfect for me.

I do like the Superluxs from what ive read about them, I'll look into those Fischers, and I've heard A LOT of good things about those audio-techs. What about Shure? I'm "Shure" they'll need an amp :P I've got some research to do...
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post #6 of 15
7/25/11 at 9:42am

The first thing you should tell us, if you want help!, is what are your preferred genres?

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post #7 of 15
7/25/11 at 9:53am
Thread Starter 

Sorry, forgot to throw that in, kinda important. I like tons of different kinds of music, but my primary focus is on rock, mainstream pop, singer/songwriter and a little alternative. Think Greenday, Katy Perry, Jack Johnson, and Radiohead. 

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post #8 of 15
7/25/11 at 10:02am

Well I'm not sure how the Skullcandies sound, I've heard mixed reviews, but for what you like I could imagine you really liking the Audio Technica Ad900. Radiohead sounds amazing on them. With the extra money you could pick up a FiiO E11+FiiO L3 to add some bass that it slightly lacks.

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post #9 of 15
7/25/11 at 10:06am
Thread Starter 

I was creepin on your profile and noticed your activity on the E11, so I've been looking into it as of 10 minutes ago. Would you suggest it? It looks pretty awesome, and cheap too. I currently own a cmoy amp (9 volt) how much of an improvement would it be? (other than being half the size and far snazzier looking)

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post #10 of 15
7/25/11 at 10:20am

I've never used the E11, but most claim that it's a cleaner/stronger amp than the E7 and it also adds the bass boost function that I feel the Ad900 needs, only slightly though. I have the E7 which I love, which has it's own advantages over the E11. I know that the E7 will definitely power the Ad900 to their potential for sure and you have the added bonus of using it as a USB DAC/Amp. I hope that doesn't sound confusing, let me try to explain better:

 

E11

 

Advantages

-Better amp for potential future upgrades, especially for portable use. It's said to be able to power some really power hungry headphones off of battery alone.

-Removable/interchangeable battery

 

Disadvantages

-It's rather one dimensional since it can only be used as an amp.

 

E7

 

Advantages

-Acts as a decent portable amp

-Great battery life

-Acts as a USB DAC/Amp when plugged through USB.

-Can dock into the E9 to be used only as a DAC while taking advantage of the great amp in the E9.

 

Disadvantages

-Not very powerful as a portable amp. The E11 is much stronger.

 

God that probably came out a mess.

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post #11 of 15
7/25/11 at 10:39am
Thread Starter 

No I fully understood you. I was debating for a while on getting the E7, but I have no use for a USB DAC, so I bought a cheaper cmoy. I am very much liking this E11 though, especially the high/low gain switch and bass boost. Replaceable battery is a definite plus as well. 

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post #12 of 15
7/25/11 at 10:45am

Honestly the E7 can power the Ad900 without a problem, and considering most laptops have cruddy onboard sound it will be nice to have a better DAC/amp, especially if you eventually pair it with the E9. It's honestly a night and day difference with my E7 through USB on my MBP from onboard.

 

I'm picking up, well thinking about picking up, an E11 for portable use only and getting an E9 for my desktop set-up with my E7...Too much FiiO!


Edited by keanex - 7/25/11 at 10:46am
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post #13 of 15
7/25/11 at 11:04am
Thread Starter 

You can never have too much FiiO ;) I know exactly what you mean, with my old Creative Soundblaster Live! pairing it with a Creative XFi USB DAC (we get discounts through them) made a world of a difference. That old piece of poop (It's an old Dell workstation from '96) finally bit the dust, so I just indulged in a new laptop. It's one of those "SRS Premium Sound Enhanced" pcs. Honestly, I have never been a fan of SRS. Hated it in Irivers, absolutly hated their "SRS Sandbox" software. But honestly, this SRS driver-infested sound card kicks butt! It's powerful (Sennheiser 595 sound awesome), loud and doesn't distort, and for the first time has a really nice audio enhancement app. It's different, but on par, with BBE+ 3 on a Cowon J3. Anywho, back to original topic, my ears and wallet like that E11. 

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post #14 of 15
7/25/11 at 11:09am

My girlfriend has a Dell with that in it as well and I can honestly say I enjoy the sound with the E7 through USB much more than the headphone out.

 

If you decide on the Ad900+E11 though I'm sure you'll be very happy. I'm a huge alt rock fan, Radiohead for sure, and rock sounds wonderful through these. I feel they're a little light on bass, but that's where the E11 bass boost comes in!

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post #15 of 15
7/25/11 at 11:16am
Thread Starter 

Ya I'm really digging that bass boost, helps in leveling out headphones (*ahem* Grados *ahem*) and Amazon has those Ad900's for $212, lookin pretty nice. I LOVE open headphones, but I think I'll have to stick to closed this time :(

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