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Amplifying the Sennheiser HD650

post #1 of 4
1/13/12 at 5:45pm
Thread Starter 

I have been using these headphones for a year now, in love with them, I use them with the Asus Xonar Essence ST soundcard and I have them set on high gain (+12) but I have some questions..

 

When we amplify headphones, is this mainly to improve the sound quality and reduce the noise floor?

 

I am advised not to put the headphones on extra high gain by the Asus software, would it be safe to put my headphones on extra high gain for this quality increase and just keep them on a reasonable level?

 

Would an external headphone amp be better? Could I combine my soundcard amp with this amp too? If so, what good price/cost ratio deals are there which combine well with my HD650s?

 

Thanks, I hope you are able to enlighten me blink.gif


Edited by Snareman - 1/13/12 at 5:47pm
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post #2 of 4
1/13/12 at 6:16pm

First, you can read this:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/450803/xonar-essence-stx-and-sennheiser-hd650-gain-setting

 

With a headamp headphones deliver more resolution, details, etc. 

 

And getting a dedicated headamp for the HD650's is recommended, as i've heard they don't reach its full potential with the Stx. 

 

You can use the Dac on your Stx + a headamp. There are amps on dif price ranges. 

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post #3 of 4
1/13/12 at 6:32pm

You're not going to get better sound with a higher gain setting. rolleyes.gif

 

 

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post #4 of 4
1/13/12 at 7:13pm
Thread Starter 


 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Amorgan View Post

First, you can read this:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/450803/xonar-essence-stx-and-sennheiser-hd650-gain-setting

 

With a headamp headphones deliver more resolution, details, etc. 

 

And getting a dedicated headamp for the HD650's is recommended, as i've heard they don't reach its full potential with the Stx. 

 

You can use the Dac on your Stx + a headamp. There are amps on dif price ranges. 


It looks like i've been doing things right judging by that thread.. I will be looking to spend up £70 on a headamp, if people could suggest some I would be very grateful, however would I be damaging my headphones by exceeding the 300 ohms?
I could reduce the volume I play my headphones at and still use the high gain and a headphone amp and it won't cause damage?

 

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