[SkyZippr]

Hemps don't need an amp, but benefits an good amp. But that's again about personal preferences; if sound pleases without amp e.g. straight from phone, why bother?

Still on my way of learning that part

 

[Joaquin Dinero]

And DX3pro+ was the cheapest option that I could find that also seem to have a bit of headroom (again, I don't think I really understand what that really means). I don't even think that I REALLY need an amp for the Hemp given how easy they are to drive.

Headroom refers to having extra power available in reserve for big dynamic swings in the music.
Any given headphone requires x amount of power (voltage x current) to produce a certain volume level. And if the music was all recorded at the same level, that would be all the power you'd ever need.
But music of course has dynamics; there are louder parts, and softer parts. Those louder parts require an extra jolt of power from the amp to fully render the dynamic swing.
If a device has to be turned up to the max to produce just enough volume for the "normal" parts of the music; then it wont have anything left to process a temporary dynamic surge. You'd miss out on that aspect of the recording.
So that's headroom, basically. If the device has enough power to drive your headphones to a level well beyond your normal listening level; its probably sufficient.

 

[KyleWithAK]

Saw these on eBay… how would you let it get THIS twisted? Apparently it still works though so cheers.

 

[glpsace]

Saw these on eBay… how would you let it get THIS twisted? Apparently it still works though so cheers.

That is crazy twisted! Hope the price ain't... Damn!

 

[jonathan c]

Saw these on eBay… how would you let it get THIS twisted? Apparently it still works though so cheers.

Ouch!

 

[SkyZippr]

Headroom refers to having extra power available in reserve for big dynamic swings in the music.
Any given headphone requires x amount of power (voltage x current) to produce a certain volume level. And if the music was all recorded at the same level, that would be all the power you'd ever need.
But music of course has dynamics; there are louder parts, and softer parts. Those louder parts require an extra jolt of power from the amp to fully render the dynamic swing.
If a device has to be turned up to the max to produce just enough volume for the "normal" parts of the music; then it wont have anything left to process a temporary dynamic surge. You'd miss out on that aspect of the recording.
So that's headroom, basically. If the device has enough power to drive your headphones to a level well beyond your normal listening level; its probably sufficient.

Thx for the clarification! My Hemp typically sits at -42dB and HE560 at -20dB, so there's more than enough room for extra boom-boom

 

[DropTekRoon]

Speaking of amps.. I just placed an order for the Vali 2++ and a 3.5mm RCA cable to use with it for the Hemp mostly. I was very close to getting the Spark since it's almost half the cost of the Vali 2++. The Go Blu and DX3 Pro+ were other options I was considering as well. But I've been reading more and more people liking the Vali 2++ with Grados recently and about how great it sounds. I figured "why not get the most out of these headphones and buy a legit amp".

Not really sure what to expect in terms of there being a noticeable audible difference compared to using a basic dongle adapter off of a phone like what I'm using now, but I'm about to find out soon. I am definitely not expecting it to sound like a legit tube amp though obviously. At least it wasn't that expensive. I will post an update in a few days once I give it a listen. Down the rabbit hole I go. Weeeeee

 

[tkemp5513]

Saw these on eBay… how would you let it get THIS twisted? Apparently it still works though so cheers.

I got a pair of sr60s off eBay for cheap that had a cable like that and the ear pads had browned pretty well. But twisting should be prevented by the new braided sheathing.

 

[HWB3]

Speaking of amps.. I just placed an order for the Vali 2++ and a 3.5mm RCA cable to use with it for the Hemp mostly. I was very close to getting the Spark since it's almost half the cost of the Vali 2++. The Go Blu and DX3 Pro+ were other options I was considering as well. But I've been reading more and more people liking the Vali 2++ with Grados recently and about how great it sounds. I figured "why not get the most out of these headphones and buy a legit amp".

Not really sure what to expect in terms of there being a noticeable audible difference compared to using a basic dongle adapter off of a phone like what I'm using now, but I'm about to find out soon. I am definitely not expecting it to sound like a legit tube amp though obviously. At least it wasn't that expensive. I will post an update in a few days once I give it a listen. Down the rabbit hole I go. Weeeeee

You'll enjoy the Vali 2++.

 

[Luckyleo]

Speaking of amps.. I just placed an order for the Vali 2++ and a 3.5mm RCA cable to use with it for the Hemp mostly. I was very close to getting the Spark since it's almost half the cost of the Vali 2++. The Go Blu and DX3 Pro+ were other options I was considering as well. But I've been reading more and more people liking the Vali 2++ with Grados recently and about how great it sounds. I figured "why not get the most out of these headphones and buy a legit amp".

Not really sure what to expect in terms of there being a noticeable audible difference compared to using a basic dongle adapter off of a phone like what I'm using now, but I'm about to find out soon. I am definitely not expecting it to sound like a legit tube amp though obviously. At least it wasn't that expensive. I will post an update in a few days once I give it a listen. Down the rabbit hole I go. Weeeeee

Tube rolling. Some tubes are much better than others with the Vali2++. Take your time...

Good luck.

Leo

 

[DropTekRoon]

Tube rolling. Some tubes are much better than others with the Vali2++. Take your time...

Good luck.

Leo

Were you a fan of the stock tubes? Are there like one or two tubes/adapters that you recommend getting eventually? The JAN 5670 seems like a good place to start when I eventually decide to try something different

 

[Luckyleo]

Were you a fan of the stock tubes? Are there like one or two tubes that you recommend getting eventually? The JAN 5670 seems like a good place to start when I eventually decide to try something different

I started with the Jan 5670 as well. In my opinion, a definite improvement at a reasonable price. Then @jonathan c told me about the JW2c51. OMG. It turned this small/cheap amp into a powerhouse. It's now my goto amp. Unbelievable (in my opinion, and I'm guessing @jonathan c.) Bad news is that this tube, from 1958, is more expensive than the amp.....

Leo

 

[dpump]

What is a JW2c51? Who is the manufacturer? I have different brands of 2c51 but I've never heard of JW.

 

[Luckyleo]

What is a JW2c51? Who is the manufacturer? I have different brands of 2c51 but I've never heard of JW.

The one I have is from W. E. Co. Altn PA. 12/1958

 

[Luckyleo]

The one I have is from W. E. Co. Altn PA. 12/1958

I purchased this tube last month from Tubedepot.....