[dirktanner89]

Okay, I bought an iPod 5G last December, and little did I know that that was only the beginning. Since then, I have bought and tried about 10 sets of ear/headphones. I travel often, so I bought Westone UM2s for the airplane. I also have Sony 51s for walking, and recently purchased Senn PX 100s for home use.

The Senn PX 100s have a very good sound, but I figured for home use, I could go bigger and better. So, I bought a pair of Senn HD 580s. These cans sound great, but I find that I have to crank up the volume on the iPod to nearly 100% to hear the music at the level that I want to hear it.

So, now I seem to have a decision to make:

A) Buy an amp for my iPod, or ....
B) Keep listening at the max level without an amp, or ....
C) Return the Senn HD 580s and stick with the Senn PX 100s ....
D) Your suggestion here

Now I have questions:

1) Is an amp my next purchase?
2) What will an amp do for me?
3) Does anyone have any input or advice about my situation?
4) If you say, "get an amp", then what type?
5) Am I on my way to becoming an audiophile (and penniless?)?
6) DOES AN AMP REALLY MAKE THAT MUCH DIFFERENCE?

Thanks in advance!

NOTE: This post was originally placed at iLounge and they recommended that I come here.