[cripple1]

I'm about to get a really good deal on a HiFiMan HE-400 but heard they don't sound their best without an amp on portable devices. I will be using this on my Macbook Pro Retina (early2013). Will it be able to drive them sufficiently? If not, what is a cheap, portable amp/DAC for around $150-$200 in U.S. dollars? Any help would be appreciated. Also, any comparisons of other brands with a similar sound are welcome. I still haven't completely made up my mind on pulling the trigger on the HE-400.

 

[ferday]

I'm about to get a really good deal on a HiFiMan HE-400 but heard they don't sound their best without an amp on portable devices. I will be using this on my Macbook Pro Retina (early2013). Will it be able to drive them sufficiently? If not, what is a cheap, portable amp/DAC for around $150-$200 in U.S. dollars? Any help would be appreciated. Also, any comparisons of other brands with a similar sound are welcome. I still haven't completely made up my mind on pulling the trigger on the HE-400.

My 400's sound fantastic on my $200 magni/modi stack, and on my $120 fiio e17 (portable)

Either way you couldn't go wrong

 

[cripple1]

Thanks for the info! I was looking at the Magni/Modi combo as my potential Amp/DAC. I also have the HD650 but heard they cant be driven as well with the Schiit gear. Know of any alternatives? Preferably a tube Amp/DAC in one unit that I can hook up to a macbook via USB and that can handle between 30-600 Ohms?