I can definitely say that my old desktop DAC Creative E-MU 0202 can't drive DT150 well enough, even though the volume is loud enough they just don't play. What I can hear is loud lifeless sound with no trace of emotion. Everything changes when I connect the cans to 15V powered Quickstep... This is when they wake up and get their in born drive. Don't underestimate the power of an amp with these cans. An amp is a must for DT150. Make no excuses like "my phone can easily make them loud enough". This is not enough! No power - no drive with these cans. This why I'm expecting PB2 which is even more powerful than Quickstep powered by an external 16V Energizer battery.
And as a side note. I can compare them with ATH-M50x which I also have. DT150 definitely outperforms m50 with a wider soundstage that suits most music genres. As for more private atmosphere, e.g. bard music where you don't need big soundstage, I still prefer M50 for closer sound and feel as if you are in the same small room with the performer.
Same here. Although with my Fostex T20RP. With amp they get so much dynamic and more effortless. Better layering too.