[boogar]

I've been using Sennheiser PC150s for about two years now and am looking to replace them with a better amp+headphone setup, budget around $350-450. They will be used almost exclusively at the computer, listening to lossless audio and gaming. Looking at a Total Airhead ($150) and the HD595 ($200), but I noticed the HD595 has an impedence of only 50 ohms. Will this headphone really benefit from an amp? The PC150s are 32 ohm and don't seem to need extra power.

Would I be better off buying a DT880 ($235) or a HD650 ($305)? Would they be as comfortable as 595s for 6+ hour continuous use? Could a Total Airhead power these, or would a more expensive amp be required? Would they be overkill/wasted on my source, a 24-bit soundcard (Audigy2 ZS)?

Any insight would be appreciated

 

[mrarroyo]

You may wish to read: http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=166307

 

[jagorev]

Quote:

Originally Posted by boogar I've been using Sennheiser PC150s for about two years now and am looking to replace them with a better amp+headphone setup, budget around $350-450. They will be used almost exclusively at the computer, listening to lossless audio and gaming. Looking at a Total Airhead ($150) and the HD595 ($200), but I noticed the HD595 has an impedence of only 50 ohms. Will this headphone really benefit from an amp? The PC150s are 32 ohm and don't seem to need extra power. Would I be better off buying a DT880 ($235) or a HD650 ($305)? Would they be as comfortable as 595s for 6+ hour continuous use? Could a Total Airhead power these, or would a more expensive amp be required? Would they be overkill/wasted on my source, a 24-bit soundcard (Audigy2 ZS)? Any insight would be appreciated

Low-impedance headphones still need lots of current to sound good. My guess would be: yes, they will benefit.

 

[RichardCory]

I tried out my 595's with a Xin SuperMacro-III and a RSA Hornet. I noticed no improvements in sound over just using them straight out of my laptop sound card. Just buy the headphones alone, listen to them for a week, and then--if you are discontented--consider risking money on an amp that probably won't be worth the additional $100.

 

[nabwong]

I find that my 595 benefits from amping. I'm using an integrated. A lot more low end.

 

[Vertigo Acid]

Quote:

Originally Posted by boogar Would I be better off buying a DT880 ($235) or a HD650 ($305)? Would they be as comfortable as 595s for 6+ hour continuous use?

I find my DT880 to be more comfortable than the 595.

 

[boogar]

Thanks for your input guys