Best headphone that doesn't require an amp?

[KLJTech]

I can get all the volume I need from my 8GB Sansa Clip when using my Grado 325i's so you don't have to have an amp to enjoy these headphones. I also get fine sound from my PC using the Auzentech X-Fi Prelude sound card driving the Grado's.

When you're ready for an upgrade the Grado's really come to life when their being driven by the Cute Beyond amp and Supplier power supply. Of course their are so many good/great quality headphone amps on the market now and I haven't tried but a couple of them. I've heard great things about the Musical Fidelity X-CAN amp and I hope to get one someday soon.

The amp adds more than just volume, it gives the headphones a fuller, more exciting sound. It's the same as cheaper receiver will play music loud enough through my B&W 805's or Magnepan 1.6 speakers but the music isn't nearly as involving as when those same speakers are driven by a good separate amp and a quality source component.

It's my understanding that many of the Grado's are easy to drive and do not require a headphone amp. I'm sure that their are other brands of headphones at are also fine without headphone amps but I'm only speaking to what I've used.
Good luck!

 

[Uncle Erik]

I like the Grado RS-1 just fine out of an iPod. As Boomana pointed out, they do sound better with a good amp. However, I've taken the RS-1 and iPod all over and remain satisfied with the sound. I always use an amp at home, but still look forward to having the RS-1 and iPod in my hotel room each evening.