[richie60]

At the moment, I am using my dell inspiron laptop connected via USB to spdif converter to the internal DAC on my Marantz SR-4300 AV Receiver. I suppose this sounds decent enough having never heard a dedicated headphone amp, but lately have been thinking if things would sound a lot better through a dedicated amp.  To this end, I have shortlisted a couple of amps on ebay:
 
Little Dot MKII or MKIII
Darkvoice 336SE
 
Or stick with SS - Keces -HA-171
 
I will be getting some new phones in the future - preferably Grado SR325i's to go with this.
 
Tastes in music are quite broad, but I like Rock/Metal, pop, some acoustic.
 
I already own a pair of AKG K601's but am a little underwhelmed with these when plugged into the AV Receiver playing back rock music.
 
What do you guy's think would be best?  Just go with the Grado's or upgrade to a dedicated amp as well?  
 
PS Would the above mentioned valve amps be a good match for both my AKG's and future Grado choice?
 
Thankyou,
 
Richie

 

[hodgjy]

See this thread, where I posted yesterday to hear my opinion on it.  Your receiver is a headphone amp, and it might be pretty good.  If it sounds good enough to you, then feel good about keeping your wallet closed.
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/507242/noob-vs-the-amp#post_6854551

 

[ford2]

 
There are many threads on the same theme,but a quick answer is NO you do not need a so called dedicated headphone amp.
 
Many AVR's and integrated amps have very good headphone outs.
 
As to the 601's not sounding good with rock,well that could just be the phones.