Budget upgrades (amps, etc.) for a cassette deck?

[Aristo1]

Hi folks,

I'm new to the audio enthusiast world, having been satisfied with just plugging headphones into my phone and listening as simple as that.
However, I collect tapes from underground bands I like, and now that I have a cassette deck (Aiwa AD-S10) to enjoy my tapes on, I've been thinking about improving my setup and what I ought to add. For headphone listening, I just plug in my Audio Technica ATH-A900X right into the deck. When I want to use speakers, I use my Logitech Z623 set I've had for a few years, also directly with the deck.

While there are some imperfections in the sound quality, as to be expected of cassettes, I was wondering what kind of upgrade I could add to the deck to improve the sound and manage the volume with my headphones. I don't have the budget to drop a few hundred on an amp with lots of features, but I'm after something basic and sturdy that won't break the bank. I was hoping some folks might have suggestions.

Thanks!

 

[PurpleAngel]

FiiO A3 (E11K) headphone amplifier, $60.
Used Schiit Magni headphone amplifier, $80?

 

[Aristo1]

I'll check those out!

I went down into the basement and found an old Harman/Kardon 490i receiver that belonged to my folks. I cleaned it up and hooked it up to my Aiwa, but haven't sat down to give it a proper listen.

Would an amp be redundant, in this case?

 

[cel4145]

See how it sounds, first. If you are happy with the sound, why worry?

 

[PurpleAngel]

I'll check those out!
I went down into the basement and found an old Harman/Kardon 490i receiver that belonged to my folks. I cleaned it up and hooked it up to my Aiwa, but haven't sat down to give it a proper listen.
Would an amp be redundant, in this case?

 
An older receiver usually has a headphone jack with a high output impedance and the ATH-A900X is a low impedance headphone.
So it not consider a great match, so the receivers headphone output might give the A900X a bloated (louder less detailed) bass.
But will not know for sure unless you have tried the combo yourself.
Personally I would get an dedicated external headphone amplifier, for use with the ATH-A900X.