[SeoTFSI]

Hi guys, from a few days i have a wonderful pair of Sennheiser Momentum. But also with only 18Ohm, my M-Audio 410 can't handle the heaphone (the regulator is always on max power and i don't like this)..
 
The possible solution, for me, are 2:
 
 
-Buy a normal headphone amplifier.. On all there is the Lovely Cube premium for good rapport p/q.. but this is a choise to see later...
 
-Upgrade my 410 firewire with the Essence One. In doing so, i should have more generally sound quality and a boost on the headphone output..
 
 
the second solution for me is the best, also for the limited space that i have. But i'm not sure that the Asus has more power of M-Audio (i think yes, but I have not tried the Essence One)
 
 
For you, what is the ideal  solution?
 
thank to all
 
(sorry for my english )

 

[Leftbehind]

There's a lot going on inside your computer. This can add noise or distortion to an unshielded amplifier . I know with my video card getting up to 100 degrees C, tons if fans and dust, and all kinds of moving parts happening inside my computer I wouldnt want an amp it DAc in there. Plus a stand alone will last you longer, computers may not always have a comparable PCI slot.

 

[SeoTFSI]

ok but... I i didn't speak about to put components inside the pc XD
 
in past i had a pci soundcard e it created noise pollution and in fact, i switched to M-Audio Firewire

 

[PurpleAngel]

  ok but... I i didn't speak about to put components inside the pc XD
 
in past i had a PCI sound card e it created noise pollution and in fact, i switched to M-Audio Firewire

As your Sennheiser Momentum's are only 18-Ohm and internal sound would not be recommended.
An external headphone amplifier with a low impedance would be best for driving the headphones.
Schiit Magni headphone amplifier, $99. Headphone impedance is less then 1-Ohm
 
I believe you would need a cable with dual 1/4" TS (mono) to RCA, to connect the M-Audio to the Magni.
http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-Cable-CPR201-Dual-Inch/dp/B000068O16
 
It's the same cable I use to connect my external DAC to desktop speakers.
 
Or just replace the M-Audio 410 with a Magni/Modi stack.

 

[SeoTFSI]

  As your Sennheiser Momentum's are only 18-Ohm and internal sound would not be recommended.
An external headphone amplifier with a low impedance would be best for driving the headphones.
Schiit Magni headphone amplifier, $99. Headphone impedance is less then 1-Ohm
 
I believe you would need a cable with dual 1/4" TS (mono) to RCA, to connect the M-Audio to the Magni.
http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-Cable-CPR201-Dual-Inch/dp/B000068O16
 
It's the same cable I use to connect my external DAC to desktop speakers.
 
Or just replace the M-Audio 410 with a Magni/Modi stack.

thank you for the answer . Yes, i would need that cable..
 
But
Now I have in mind to change the M-Audio, for a quality upgrade..
 
If convenient, maybe buy a DAC and an AMP.. or a DAC/AMP.. but on a over level respect at my 410
 
if is possible with my budget, obviously (400-450€ (500-550$))
 
 
thaks

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Thank you for the answer . Yes, i would need that cable..
But, now I have in mind to change the M-Audio, for a quality upgrade..
If convenient, maybe buy a DAC and an AMP.. or a DAC/AMP.. but on a over level respect at my 410
if is possible with my budget, obviously (400-450€ (500-550$))

Audio-GD NFB-15.32 ($255+shipping) or NFB-11.32 ($340+shipping) external DAC/Amp.
http://www.audio-gd.com/Products-EN.htm
 
I've been using the 15.32 model for the past three weeks, no regrets.

 

[SeoTFSI]

mmm... are a bit 'ugly! XD

 

[SeoTFSI]

Today i will go to try a Musical Fidelity M1HPAP.
 
Do you know this product?
 
sure has a USB 2 input, but i don't know if has also a dac..