[Shexbex]

I have Grado 225 headphones and I play them off my Dell's soundcard. It sounds good, but not amazing. I have about 200$ to spend on improving the sound of my headphones. I have absolutely no idea what would be better for me. Should I buy a headphone amp? A better external usb soundcard? I could stretch my budget to 250$ if it's really worth it. Basically, I want to use the money to improve my sound as efficiently as possible!

Thanks!

 

[MatsudaMan]

If you get an amp, you'll still have the issue of your sound card not sounding as good as you may want. If I were you, I'd go for a sound card solution such as the Echo Indigo IO or IOx if you have express card found in new computers.

It has a nice sounding (so I've heard) headphone output, and has very good specs - super clean output and 24bit 196khz processing. If you're interested, just do a search on it and you should find a bunch of people with experience with the Indigo.

BTW, it's 190 bucks on many sites - I know 'cause it's on my Christmas wish list!

Hey, hope this helps!

 

[glennb]

I have an "E-MU Tracker Pre" which is an external USB sound DAC / ADC that does up to 24 bit / 192 KHz. As well as line & mike level in/out sockets it also has a very clean headphone output (1/4" socket) and volume control. The "E-MU 0202" is almost identical but a bit cheaper, much less than USD $200. They are USB powered. The Tracker Pre can also be external powered.

There are other brands of similar devices, such as MAudio and Edirol. Search and ye shall find.

Glenn.

 

[saintalfonzo]

If you have an spdif output you could consider getting a Zero DAC/Amp and modding it for much less than $200. Check out the review on here for more info.

 

[olblueyez]

Laptop is portable right? Grado's are easy to drive yes? Need both amplification and a source do you? Budget restrictions have you?

iBasso

Portable USB Dac/headphone amp, even have a few to choose from.

"Frank's" idea of getting a Zero if stationary it is to be, is a good one.

 

[Currawong]

A Zero is possible. We've got a (quality, believe it or not) Chinese company to design and build something somewhat better than the Zero with much the same features for about $200-250 we're waiting to be finished. Allowing for cost of shipping, it might be worth the wait and saving a few $$ more.

The other thing you could do is get a second-hand portable amp with a USB DAC built in. Grado's are easy to drive, so this could be a good mix.