[fletch76]

I have an asus EeePC 1000HE netbook that I use to do work on and listen to music on using Senn HD201s or Shure E2c's. When listening to the Senn HD201s, the volume is very low, even on max volume. Someday I plan on upgrading headphones (in a few years probably). Any suggestions for a budget solution to improve the volume (and maybe as a bonus the sound quality)? I was looking at Nuforce Icon Mobile for $99. Any other ideas?

 

[TheMarchingMule]

A DAC would probably be your best bet. There's no point amping an already-awful headphone out.

 

[fletch76]

so do you think the nuforce icon mobile with its built in dac would be an acceptable solution? or do you have any other product suggestions?

 

[K_19]

Another 1000HE owner here. I use my 1000HE with a very simple yet quality Total Bithead and the SQ for the DAC is great and the volume pot is no longer an issue. It also has an amp of which I don't care for too much, but is also a neat bonus. It's very cheap now too... with the headphones you've stated I'd probably stay with the cheapest yet most efficient DAC that you can buy (Icon Mobile is a decent choice from what I've read).