[extrafuzzyllama]

hi all i am looking into buying either a HD595 or HD558 and just wondering if either would benefit from a amp
 
i was looking into buying a Nuforce Icon U-dac 2

 

[Mad Lust Envy]

I believe they definitely benefit from an amp. Having owned the HD598, I found it to sound pretty weak without an amp. Once I introduced the E9 to the HD598, the headphone came to life for me. In comparison, I found that at least volume wise, it needed as much power as the K701 I owned. Just amping is more about volume, but I found the HD598 to nearly as much. I'd definitely look into some juice for the HD598. Not sure on the UDAC2 as an 'amp' though.

 

[Bacci]

Assuming my HD598 is similar to HD558/HD595, look for a decent amp AND a decent DAC. 
Going from Nuforce UDAC 2 to AMB's Gamma 2 DAC was a huge improvement to my HD598 rig, the kind one notices after 10 seconds of listening.
 

 

[extrafuzzyllama]

i dont have alot of money to spend on a amp and udac so i am starting out small till i can afford a more expensive on

 

[Digital-Pride]

The U-Dac 2 should more than suffice when driving Sennheiser's HD5-series as they are very efficient and relatively easy to drive.  I personally have used Fiio's E5 with the HD515 with some suprising results, so the U-Dac 2 should work for you.

 

[extrafuzzyllama]

thanks for the replies i will be buying the hd595 with the nuforce icon 2 udac

 

[abhisheknath]

I have been meaning to sell my hd595's ever since I got a pair of dt880's if you want a good price?