I guess at the end of the day if the volume levels you are reaching sans amp are sufficient then you don't need one. Or as has already been mentioned try an inexpensive amp and see how you like it.

Quote: Oh believe me- I'm an old fart, I dont listen at ear-splitting volume levels.  My point really was some of my lower signal level mp3s only played at moderate levels even at full volume on my touch.  I do believe that to push the m50's dynamics capabilities and bass extension an...

  Didn't know there was such a thing :D 

M50's really benefit from an amp. I found my iPod touch couldn't drive the 50's to sufficient volume levels on some of my lower quality compressed files.