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Headphones without AMPS

post #1 of 53
Thread Starter 

What factors of a certain headphone could let you know they don't need much amping? Does having a lot of Ohm or whatever they call it, would thaht be one of them? Because I really want good sounding headphones but if their prices go up, so does the price for the AMPs they need and I clearly don't have money for that much.
So what factors are there to know that a headphone doesn't need AMP but has still good quality? Tell me some brands too

post #2 of 53

As a gross over generalization, ohms, except for Hifiman and Audeze headphones. If you're a newbie to headphones, just look for ohms. It's not always a indicator of needing an amp, but yeah... ohms - under 100.

post #3 of 53

I'll add to the discussion that higher impedance headphones really do need amps, but many low impedance headphones scale very well with proper amping.

post #4 of 53

Again, it's definitely not a solid indicator. Generally, your ears are the only truth teller. If it sounds good without an amp, it probably doesn't need one.

post #5 of 53

Headphones in the 25-Ohm to 65-Ohm usually work decently with out a headphone amplifier.

A brand like AKG, will sale headphones that are only 62-Ohms (but cost $250), but really need a headphone amplifier to bring out their best.

Audio Technica sells headphones that are in the 32-Ohm to 42-Ohm range and do fairly well with out a headphone amplifier.

 

You can buy low cost Solid State headphone amplifier off eBay, prices start around $50.

post #6 of 53
Thread Starter 

Beyerdynamic had some crazy impedance how bout them

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by PurpleAngel View Post

Headphones in the 25-Ohm to 65-Ohm usually work decently with out a headphone amplifier.

A brand like AKG, will sale headphones that are only 62-Ohms (but cost $250), but really need a headphone amplifier to bring out their best.

Audio Technica sells headphones that are in the 32-Ohm to 42-Ohm range and do fairly well with out a headphone amplifier.

 

You can buy low cost Solid State headphone amplifier off eBay, prices start around $50.



 

post #7 of 53

Yes they do.  Some of them go to 600 ohms, but that's isn't too crazy.  In the past, some headphones had resistance of 2000 ohms!

Quote:
Originally Posted by seunghoyoum View Post

Beyerdynamic had some crazy impedance how bout them

 



 



 

post #8 of 53

Check the GMP 8.35/435 @ 35 ohm. Sounds fantastic with out hps amp.

post #9 of 53

I've also found that many Sony headphones sound good without dedicated amping.  Say what you want, but I think Sony makes some underrated headphones.  They hold their own in each of their respective price brackets.


Edited by hodgjy - 1/19/12 at 4:31am
post #10 of 53
Thread Starter 

I'm using the HD598's and I think they have plenty of room of improvement. Does anyone think they already show their full potential without an amp?

post #11 of 53
Quote:
Originally Posted by seunghoyoum View Post

I'm using the HD598's and I think they have plenty of room of improvement. Does anyone think they already show their full potential without an amp?


I doubt it. Very few headphones perform worse/the same amped - It can't (or very rarely does) hurt. That's why people buy amps.


Edited by dorino - 1/19/12 at 2:01pm
post #12 of 53
Quote:
Originally Posted by seunghoyoum View Post
Beyerdynamic had some crazy impedance how bout them


The Beyerdynamic DT770, DT880, DT990, need to be used with a headphone amplifier to bring out their best.

Even the 32-Ohm version(s) needs a good headphone amplifier to work it's best.

 

 

post #13 of 53
Quote:
Originally Posted by seunghoyoum View Post
I'm using the HD598's and I think they have plenty of room of improvement. Does anyone think they already show their full potential without an amp?


The HD-598s are fairly decent without a headphone amplifier.

But around $60-$80 is as much as you would need to spend on a headphone amplifier for the HD-598.

 

 

post #14 of 53

Ultrasone HFI-580

Denon ahd2000

Audio technica M50/A900/AD900

Grado sr80/125

 

post #15 of 53

IMO amp not a must for any of the above

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