[plexxx]

I finally purchased some new headphones. After using my Sony V6's for the past 10 years I thought it was time for something new.  I've lurked around here and settled on the Beyerdynamic DT-990's, 600 ohm version.  Got them today and they sound great.  
 
They sound good connected to the av amp but not great and I find they actually sound better connected to my PC via my USB Lexicon alpha sound device that I use for recording music.  It seems to have no problem driving them, volume knob is at about 30% and its loud enough.
 
When I have them connected to the amp the quality isn't as good as the lexicon and the amp also has some hiss.  I hear no hiss connected to the alpha
 
Any suggestions on what I can do to improve my experience with these?  I looked at different DACs and headphone amps but haven't decided on any.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

[n-phect]

Quote:

I finally purchased some new headphones. After using my Sony V6's for the past 10 years I thought it was time for something new.  I've lurked around here and settled on the Beyerdynamic DT-990's, 600 ohm version.  Got them today and they sound great.  
 
They sound good connected to the av amp but not great and I find they actually sound better connected to my PC via my USB Lexicon alpha sound device that I use for recording music.  It seems to have no problem driving them, volume knob is at about 30% and its loud enough.
 
When I have them connected to the amp the quality isn't as good as the lexicon and the amp also has some hiss.  I hear no hiss connected to the alpha
 
Any suggestions on what I can do to improve my experience with these?  I looked at different DACs and headphone amps but haven't decided on any.
 
 
 
 
 
 

what is the source from the amp?

 

[plexxx]

Any source.  The hiss is there as soon as I connect them.  It only goes away if I press mute.

 

[Rawrbington]

not all AV amps headphone jacks are created equal.  I've got several pairs of beyers and have only found 2 AV recievers or integrated amps that have headphone jacks worth a darn.  try finding a different one.
 
what kind of av amp is it?

 

[Hifianddrumming]

 First of all, how did you hold back for 10 years? Please tell me your secret
 
 Secondly, I would recommend getting something like a maverick d1, or fiio e7/e9 (a dac/amp). It's very hard not to hear a difference.

 

[SLaRe]

If you have the lexicon alpha and are using them mainly with your PC, don't get any amp. I drive all my headphones through my Phonic Helix Board 12 MKII with total ease, despite any impedance.

 

[plexxx]

It's a Pioneer VSX-2016 AV.  Surely a capable amp for home theater, but I suppose its either old, has a crappy headphone jack or some kind of grounding issue..
 

 

[plexxx]

I do minimal listening at the PC I really intended for it to work well with my amp.