Cheap , decent amp for Koss Pro DJ100
Dec 19, 2014 at 4:44 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 20

folie

Head-Fier
Joined
May 25, 2014
Posts
59
Likes
11
Hey guys ,I'm interested in buying an amp for my Koss Pro DJ100 , I was debating between buying a soundcard or an amp , but some people told me the amp is better , so here I am , in search for a decent low priced amp , I do not want to spend much , 50-60 euros or such , I would much appreciate recommendations that are NOT us restricted , I live in the EU .
 
Dec 25, 2014 at 11:51 PM Post #3 of 20
Just a notice, that I personally don't recommend amps to people until they get into the $150 range of headphones and that are non portable
 
The DJ100, M50, Vmoda and other portable cans popular in this range are designed to not require an amp to reach optimal volume and performance. 
 
However a 'good' amp can make it 'better' but the ROI is generally much lower on these. 
 
 
I have the E11K. Not a bad unit, but I don't know if you will be happy with what it provides.
 
 
To more seasoned users of amps and budget headphones. We use amps/DACs with cheap sub $100 units every now and then because we have a few laying around. And because we are just remotely 'flavoring' the sound a bit. 
 
 
It's easy for people more 'into' the hobby to do this and it may provide a bad picture towards new commers to see us using expensive units with $100 headphones.
 
 
Anyway, what do you want an amp to do to your experience with the DJ100? More bass? Are you looking for more 'quality' or volume (please don't tell me it's volume)..
 
If you just need a bit more bass, take a look at the E6 (it won't break the bank). If you want a bit more quality, I would say to save up the money, possibly sell or return the DJ100s and get another can. 
 
It isn't until we get into the $200 range (for newbies) that I recommend newcommerns start getting into DAC/Amps. It's pretty much the path that gives a good ROI for having a can that probably will reciprocate its 'quality' to a nice amp/DAC.
 
Don't base buying an amp off veterans using them with every device possible.... I probably set a bad example 
blink.gif
 
 
Dec 29, 2014 at 9:34 PM Post #4 of 20
@bowei006 , sorry , I have not noticed a reply on this thread so I had created another in the recommendations thread . I would not mind a bit more bass , but what I really want is more clarity and a better sound overall , I listen to rock a whole lot and I have to say , I wasn't extremely impressed with the experienced I had so far with my integrated sound card , so I thought about changing it , and then I heard people say that it's better to get an amp as it provides a better sound , I don't know , I am no expert in this domain so I thought the logical thing was to ask around .
 
For sound cards I have a few cheaper options that seemed like a fine idea , Asus xonar DG / DS / DSX.
 
Dec 29, 2014 at 10:09 PM Post #5 of 20
  @bowei006 , sorry , I have not noticed a reply on this thread so I had created another in the recommendations thread . I would not mind a bit more bass , but what I really want is more clarity and a better sound overall , I listen to rock a whole lot and I have to say , I wasn't extremely impressed with the experienced I had so far with my integrated sound card , so I thought about changing it , and then I heard people say that it's better to get an amp as it provides a better sound , I don't know , I am no expert in this domain so I thought the logical thing was to ask around .
 
For sound cards I have a few cheaper options that seemed like a fine idea , Asus xonar DG / DS / DSX.

I recommend you go to a local Best Buy or A/V center and go to a receiver.
 
Bring a CD or MP3 player and find a reeiver that allows Aux in from your DAP.(best to go with a CD as that then uses DAC of receiver)
 
Start listening. Switch between different receivers and listen to your music.
 
At the end of the day, did you notice a difference? Could you hear a difference or not? If the answer is the later....then you won't benefit from the amp/DAC. If you could hear a difference and thought wow? 
 
Then start looking into a nother sound device 
 
 
 
The DG series and other cheap integrated cards aren't known for good sonic quality but rather for in game surround sound and if your regular chip on mobo is crap crap. I would invest in a dedicated unit like an E10K if you can hear differences
 
Dec 30, 2014 at 4:54 AM Post #6 of 20
Allright , that makes a lot of sence . The only unfortunate thing is that I cannot test anything anywhere , I have to get everything by ordering online , and I highly doubt I can test it and send it back , plus that wouldn't be a very nice thing to do either. I guess if you say the asus soundcards are not very good , I'm going to get the amp , the sound I'm getting from the integrated soundcard is not terrible but there is little to no bass at all , and it sounds plain , there is no punch in it , like listening to an mp3 player through your phone headphones. I know the koss prodj are not the best but I've thought that for my needs they are plenty.
 
Dec 30, 2014 at 6:21 AM Post #8 of 20
I guess the senns before (hd203) sounded clearer , but they broke rather easily ( after one year ). I asked here and between the great but unfortunately open back sr80i I've chosen these , they are not bad I guess for someone with not the greatest feel for music like me but nevertheless I do see the difference .
 
PS: I've asked at the store and they've told me the fiio ek11v2 is apparently just an amp , it does not have anything to do with DAC , it only provides better bass and volume , volume does not interest me and I don't want anything incredible in terms of bass , I prefer clear sound over *boom boom boom* . Should I start looking for something else? Do you guys have any ideas?
 
Dec 30, 2014 at 6:38 AM Post #10 of 20
Definitely , I will consider any option you can recommend if you say it's good. I will look into the aq dragonfly , maybe i can find it at some online store in my country.
https://www.avstore.ro/dac-uri/audioquest-dragonfly-v-1-2/
Something like this? It is a little expensive but I think I could scrape some money and get it.
 
Dec 30, 2014 at 6:48 AM Post #12 of 20
Indeed , but I live in the EU , I do not have access to amazon.com on many products and including border taxes , shipping , I'll end up with a bigger hole in my wallet than benefits from the product :). I will keep looking around , maybe I will find the v1 somewhere in my country.
So this is the best thing I can get? Also , thank you very much for the help!
 
Dec 30, 2014 at 2:30 PM Post #14 of 20
Get a new set of headphones. For the one you currently have. It's not exactly a good decision to buy a Dragonfly.
 
You know those guys that pimp out, supercharge, and rim up those old 2002 Toyota Camrys or Nissans with the loud mufflers...but they still don't perform that well (albeit with minimal improvement)? Well..yeah, that is what buying a Dragonfly for the DJ is.
 
Get a better 'car' (headphone) first before you do any of the pimpin
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top