How exactly does an amp effect sound?

[BusinessMan]

I've read threads about how music sounds better through headphones if you use an amp.  "Highs sound crisper" and whatnot.  I thought amps simply provided power for higher impedance headphones and allowed you to turn your volume level up.  Do amps really improve sound quality?  
 
If I were to use one of those Fiio IPhone sized amps with my headphones, using my IPhone as a music source, would my music actually sound nicer?  I don't listen to music at high volumes.  

 

[Music Alchemist]

Amplification is about driving headphones with more authority, making them sound better at the same output level.
 
Most headphones under $500 don't need an amp at all. Some of those may "scale" with an amp, but usually not by much. The real benefits of amps manifest when you have high impedance and/or low sensitivity headphones - the ones that actually need an amp to shine.
 
A side-effect of amping, whether you need it or not, is being able to attain higher volume.
 
As far as purchase advice goes, don't even bother with an amp until you know you need it. Getting better headphones will always yield a far greater return on your investment.
 
P.S. Spyro. Awesome.

 

[BusinessMan]

  Amplification is about driving headphones with more authority, making them sound better at the same output level.
 
Most headphones under $500 don't need an amp at all. Some of those may "scale" with an amp, but usually not by much. The real benefits of amps manifest when you have high impedance and/or low sensitivity headphones - the ones that actually need an amp to shine.
 
A side-effect of amping, whether you need it or not, is being able to attain higher volume.
 
As far as purchase advice goes, don't even bother with an amp until you know you need it. Getting better headphones will always yield a far greater return on your investment.
 
P.S. Spyro. Awesome.

That made my day!
 
Thank you for the helpful information!  I guess I can hold off on buying a portable amp.  

 

[Music Alchemist]

  That made my day!
 
Thank you for the helpful information!  I guess I can hold off on buying a portable amp.  

 
Is that a screenshot from one of the newer Spyro games? I only have the first one. [Edit: Looks more like a painting up close.]
 
If you list your gear, I can give you general advice.

 

[BusinessMan]

   
Is that a screenshot from one of the newer Spyro games? I only have the first one. [Edit: Looks more like a painting up close.]
 
If you list your gear, I can give you general advice.

It's actually the cover art for a movie that was supposed to be released in 2009, but was canceled during early production.  I grew up with the series and it has always had a very special place in my heart.  This is one of two accounts I have that aren't named after Spyro.  I was actually trying to see if I could change my username to my standard "Spyro" themed one.
 
My Gear:
V-Moda LP (I love their design) - 2011
Beyerdynamic MMX 300 (DT 770 with a mic) - 2013
Mayflower Objective 2 amp - 2013
 
I'm actually in the process of looking for a new pair of headphones.  To make a long story short, I bought the MMX 300s for a purpose that they couldn't actually be used for.  I was misled, which was quite upsetting.  I wasn't able to return them because of some "hygiene" store policy.  I ended up using them to listen to music and I feel like they're head and shoulders above my LPs.  The problem is the mic...so I can't really use them in public.  I don't want to buy the same headphones without the mic, so I'm looking for an upgrade.  That's what lead me to make this thread asking about portable amps.  
 
Edit:  Actually my profile picture is from The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon.  It was the most recently released Spyro game from 2008.  Skylanders doesn't count imo.  I mixed it up with:
 


That's actually the movie poster.  They're quite similar.  

 

[bzippy]

  Amplification is about driving headphones with more authority, making them sound better at the same output level.
 
Most headphones under $500 don't need an amp at all. Some of those may "scale" with an amp, but usually not by much. The real benefits of amps manifest when you have high impedance and/or low sensitivity headphones - the ones that actually need an amp to shine.
 
A side-effect of amping, whether you need it or not, is being able to attain higher volume.
 
As far as purchase advice goes, don't even bother with an amp until you know you need it. Getting better headphones will always yield a far greater return on your investment.
 
P.S. Spyro. Awesome.

this is my experience as well, and it extends beyond just headphones (i am a headphone noob). in hi-fi and music equipment the effect of amp power is very noticeable. for example, one of my other obsessions is electric guitar equipment and in that realm a 15W amp and a 100W have a very different feel at similar volumes, mostly in the low end. the big watts have more thump and impact (or "authority" as MA said). anyway i hear a similar difference in my portable HP rig. when i use an amp there just seems to be more life and, well, just more of everything compared to just using my dap alone. worth mentioning that i use 300ohm headphones. i imagine iem's or otherwise easier to push drivers might not benefit as much.

 

[Music Alchemist]

 

It's actually the cover art for a movie that was supposed to be released in 2009, but was canceled during early production.  I grew up with the series and it has always had a very special place in my heart.  This is one of two accounts I have that aren't named after Spyro.  I was actually trying to see if I could change my username to my standard "Spyro" themed one.
 
Edit:  Actually my profile picture is from The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon.  It was the most recently released Spyro game from 2008.  Skylanders doesn't count imo.  I mixed it up with:

That's actually the movie poster.  They're quite similar.  

 
I saw that title in the larger avatar image, but it still looked painting-like. Is it a screenshot or just a promo image?
 
Also, is that the one with the talking cheetah or whatever? (Random, I know.)
 

My Gear:
V-Moda LP - 2011

 
I recently traded one of my headphones for the V-MODA Crossfade LP! I read stuff about it improving dramatically after 600 hours of burn-in, but don't know if it's true. As mine is now, it has far too much bass -- really boomy, making everything else sound muddy -- except the upper treble, which is surprisingly clear. I still like it more than many headphones I've owned. Do you have similar impressions? I want to get the XL Memory Cushions to enhance comfort and probably sound quality as well.
 

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 (DT 770 with a mic) - 2013

 
That is a crazy premium to pay for a mic, if that's the only difference!
 

Mayflower Objective 2 amp - 2013

 
Your desktop amp is similar to mine -- except mine is mucherest more awesomer.

 

I'm actually in the process of looking for a new pair of headphones.  To make a long story short, I bought the MMX 300s for a purpose that they couldn't actually be used for.  I was misled, which was quite upsetting.  I wasn't able to return them because of some "hygiene" store policy.  I ended up using them to listen to music and I feel like they're head and shoulders above my LPs.  The problem is the mic...so I can't really use them in public.  I don't want to buy the same headphones without the mic, so I'm looking for an upgrade.  That's what lead me to make this thread asking about portable amps.  

 
Wait, why does the mic interfere with listening to music?
 
And what does that have to do with portable amps?

 

[Music Alchemist]

  this is my experience as well, and it extends beyond just headphones (i am a headphone noob). in hi-fi and music equipment the effect of amp power is very noticeable. for example, one of my other obsessions is electric guitar equipment and in that realm a 15W amp and a 100W have a very different feel at similar volumes, mostly in the low end. the big watts have more thump and impact (or "authority" as MA said). anyway i hear a similar difference in my portable HP rig. when i use an amp there just seems to be more life and, well, just more of everything compared to just using my dap alone. worth mentioning that i use 300ohm headphones. i imagine iem's or otherwise easier to push drivers might not benefit as much.

 
I've been a guitarist since 1996 or so, by the way.

(I also do vocals, piano, and trombone and have been in orchestras, jazz bands, metal bands...)
 
I once tried connecting my guitar amp to my PC audio system. Never have I heard such shrieking terror. Ha!
 
Yeah, 300 ohms definitely benefit from the amp. Some portable, easy-to-drive headphones do too -- heck, I hooked up my old QC15 (which already has a built-in amp) to my desktop system and it sounded much more awesome than from an iPod, though that was also thanks to my DAC and software -- but ultimately, it's not worth it on a budget.

 

[BusinessMan]

   
 
I saw that title in the larger avatar image, but it still looked painting-like. Is it a screenshot or just a promo image?
 
Also, is that the one with the talking cheetah or whatever? (Random, I know.)
 

 
I'd jump at the chance to talk to anyone about Spyro games!  I don't know anyone else who's a fan of the series.  That particular image in the wallpaper version of a promo image.  Yes, we are talking about the game with the talking cheetah XD. 
 
 
 

   
I recently traded one of my headphones for the V-MODA Crossfade LP! I read stuff about it improving dramatically after 600 hours of burn-in, but don't know if it's true. As mine is now, it has far too much bass -- really boomy, making everything else sound muddy -- except the upper treble, which is surprisingly clear. I still like it more than many headphones I've owned. Do you have similar impressions? I want to get the XL Memory Cushions to enhance comfort and probably sound quality as well.
 

 
I love my V-Modas, but on certain songs, a lot of the smaller details are noticeable harder to hear and generally sound muffled/muddy in some cases.  
I listen to a lot of electronic music and often times there is a hell of a lot going on.  There's so many sounds that the V-Modas can't seem to separate everything.  The MMX 300 make every little detail sound independent and crisp.  There's no mushing everything together.  Again, this is only noticeable in some songs.  The song "Fix You" by Cold Play sounds identical on both headphones.  I suppose that does match your impressions.  The highs and vocals are similar, but the lower tones sound muddy.  I'm actually really temped to order the M-100 just because I love the design so much.
 
 

Originally Posted by Music Alchemist /img/forum/go_quote.gif
 
 
That is a crazy premium to pay for a mic, if that's the only difference!
 
 
Your desktop amp is similar to mine -- except mine is mucherest more awesomer.

 
 
Wait, why does the mic interfere with listening to music?
 
And what does that have to do with portable amps?

 
Yes, it's quite considerable, but the mic is REALLY high quality.  
 
I had planned to buy the Beyerdynamic T-90, and since they're 250 ohms, I knew I needed an amp.  So I literally bought the cheapest one NCIX had in stock.  I ended up cancelling my order on the T-90s since I wanted a more versatile pair of headphones.  The 250ohm and open back design wouldn't make them very useful for using when I'm out and about.  
 
The mic doesn't interfere with the music, I just think it would look a little goofy in public.  I was looking into portable amps because a good portion of the headphones that seem to be considered a step up from the DT 770 seem to require the use of an amp.  I want to keep all my options, so I thought I'd try to learn a bit about portable amps.  

 

[BusinessMan]

 
this is my experience as well, and it extends beyond just headphones (i am a headphone noob). in hi-fi and music equipment the effect of amp power is very noticeable. for example, one of my other obsessions is electric guitar equipment and in that realm a 15W amp and a 100W have a very different feel at similar volumes, mostly in the low end. the big watts have more thump and impact (or "authority" as MA said). anyway i hear a similar difference in my portable HP rig. when i use an amp there just seems to be more life and, well, just more of everything compared to just using my dap alone. worth mentioning that i use 300ohm headphones. i imagine iem's or otherwise easier to push drivers might not benefit as much.

 

   
I've been a guitarist since 1996 or so, by the way.

(I also do vocals, piano, and trombone and have been in orchestras, jazz bands, metal bands...)
 
I once tried connecting my guitar amp to my PC audio system. Never have I heard such shrieking terror. Ha!
 
Yeah, 300 ohms definitely benefit from the amp. Some portable, easy-to-drive headphones do too -- heck, I hooked up my old QC15 (which already has a built-in amp) to my desktop system and it sounded much more awesome than from an iPod, though that was also thanks to my DAC and software -- but ultimately, it's not worth it on a budget.

Neat!  I've owned a classical guitar since 2007 and I bought a Mexican made Fender Tele and a 40watt Marshall amp in the summer of 2014.  I still haven't really learned how to play either :/

 

[Music Alchemist]

 

I'd jump at the chance to talk to anyone about Spyro games!  I don't know anyone else who's a fan of the series.  That particular image in the wallpaper version of a promo image.  Yes, we are talking about the game with the talking cheetah XD.

 
Despite having respectable gaming experience, I don't know all that much about Spyro games. I didn't get very far in the first game either, though it was fun. Saw a few videos for one of the PS3 games and thought it looked great.
 
If you're into anime as well (anime people use that XD face a lot), then we can look forward to a wonderful relationship filled with flowers and ponies! =D
 

I love my V-Modas, but on certain songs, a lot of the smaller details are noticeable harder to hear and generally sound muffled/muddy in some cases.  
I listen to a lot of electronic music and often times there is a hell of a lot going on.  There's so many sounds that the V-Modas can't seem to separate everything.  The MMX 300 make every little detail sound independent and crisp.  There's no mushing everything together.  Again, this is only noticeable in some songs.  The song "Fix You" by Cold Play sounds identical on both headphones.  I suppose that does match your impressions.  The highs and vocals are similar, but the lower tones sound muddy.

 
Did you notice any change in sound signature since owning the LP?
 
Have you ever covered up the grills on the ear cups with your hands? It makes the bass disappear! haha
 
I listen to metal and electronic genres more than anything else. You should check out my profile and any of the links that interest you.
 
Also be sure to visit my free music thread!
 

I'm actually really temped to order the M-100 just because I love the design so much.

 
The M-100 is one of the coolest-looking headphones ever! (My LP is the Nero color scheme with the black gator skin aesthetic and looks pretty awesome too.) I want to get some custom shield designs once I get it. (But higher-fidelity headphones hold priority for me, and it's certainly nowhere near the best sound you can get for $300.) I could also use the XL Memory Cushions with it. I only heard it once at a shop -- hardly a good opportunity to make any meaningful judgments. I know that it has a more audiophile-oriented balanced sound, but still with boosted bass and treble.
 

Yes, it's quite considerable, but the mic is REALLY high quality.  
 
I had planned to buy the Beyerdynamic T-90, and since they're 250 ohms, I knew I needed an amp.  So I literally bought the cheapest one NCIX had in stock.  I ended up cancelling my order on the T-90s since I wanted a more versatile pair of headphones.  The 250ohm and open back design wouldn't make them very useful for using when I'm out and about.  
 
The mic doesn't interfere with the music, I just think it would look a little goofy in public.  I was looking into portable amps because a good portion of the headphones that seem to be considered a step up from the DT 770 seem to require the use of an amp.  I want to keep all my options, so I thought I'd try to learn a bit about portable amps.  

 
I just looked up the specs for the MMX 300. It's 32 ohms, so the mic isn't the only difference.
 
Just make sure to get the best headphones you can before expending your budget on a portable amp that may not necessarily help much.
 

  Neat!  I've owned a classical guitar since 2007 and I bought a Mexican made Fender Tele and a 40watt Marshall amp in the summer of 2014.  I still haven't really learned how to play either :/

 
I taught myself how to play guitar. Eventually taught lessons as well. I used to read music for piano and trombone, but just memorize everything nowadays.

 

[BusinessMan]

I actually spent most of today going back and fourth between the LPs and the MMX 300s.  I'm going to try my best to compare the two.  
 
V-Moda LPs:  
Look WAY cooler.
The customizable "shields" are just too awesome.
They're sleek and compact.  
Come with a very nice and trim case.
Removable audio cable
The faux leather ear pads provide a better seal; preventing sound leakage. 
 
MMX 300:
More comfortable
The velour ear pads are more comfortable, but I have dogs and their fur and lint always gets stuck to it.  It's quite annoying.  
The ear pads seem to leak a lot of sound.  
Just a louder headphone in general.  If I take them off my head, you can hear my music across my room.  That's not the case with my LPs for some reason. 
The "case" is just a square shaped canvas/nylon zipper bag.  Not practical at all.  
 
Sound:
Whenever there is any deep tone or bass, every other sound seems to suffer with the V-Modas.  If can listen to vocals and in most cases they sound the same between the two headphones.  But if there is any bass or deep tones, everything else just sounds muddy and the finer details are much less prominent.  The soundstage is also nicer on the MMX 300s.  It's to the point where I can listen to a song on my V-Modas and it sounds just fine.  I'll have no complaints.  But if I switch to my MMX 300, it's a totally different experience.  I can just hear so much more detail and it makes listening to music even more enjoyable.  When I'm home I never use my V-Modas anymore.  
 
That's where I currently stand.  I hear that V-Moda has improved their headphones a lot with the LP2s and the M100s.  I'd love to buy the M100 just because I love the design so much, but I'm a bit apprehensive because of my experience with comparing the LPs and MMX 300s.  
 
If I can sum this up with a simple equation, it would be:
MMX 300 Sound > LP sound
MMX Everything else < LP Everything else
 
But of course sound quality is the most important factor.  

 

[Music Alchemist]

I'd love to buy the M100 just because I love the design so much, but I'm a bit apprehensive because of my experience with comparing the LPs and MMX 300s.  

 
Refer to my previous comment about the M-100 not being a great value for the money. It's more like a backup headphone for when you want a fun sound. For high-fidelity listening, there are countless better options in the $300 range. Is that your budget right now, by the way?

 

[BusinessMan]

   
 
Despite having respectable gaming experience, I don't know all that much about Spyro games. I didn't get very far in the first game either, though it was fun. Saw a few videos for one of the PS3 games and thought it looked great.
 
If you're into anime as well (anime people use that XD face a lot), then we can look forward to a wonderful relationship filled with flowers and ponies! =D
 
 

 
I enjoy anime.  I have a crunch roll account, but I'm by no means knowledgeable about it.  I've watched quite a decent amount, but not anywhere near as much as an actual anime fan.  I don't keep up with "current" anime, although I'd really like to.  
 
 

   
Did you notice any change in sound signature since owning the LP?
 
Have you ever covered up the grills on the ear cups with your hands? It makes the bass disappear! haha
 
I listen to metal and electronic genres more than anything else. You should check out my profile and any of the links that interest you.
 
Also be sure to visit my free music thread!
 

 
Hah, I never knew that about the vents!  That's so odd!  I just tried it.  
 
To be honest, I haven't really noticed the sound signature change at all.  There was a period of time where the left ear cup would cut out.  This was use to the aux input shifting around in its housing.  I removed the ear pad and tried to remove the screws so I could take apart the ear cup.  I stripped one of the screw and angrily put it back together.  That actually fixed the problem and nothing else seemed to be damaged.  The sound didn't seem effected by my screwing around.  
 
I'll definitely check out your links.  I listen mostly to upbeat electronic music and hype-y hip hop.  
 
 

   
The M-100 is one of the coolest-looking headphones ever! (My LP is the Nero color scheme with the black gator skin aesthetic and looks pretty awesome too.) I want to get some custom shield designs once I get it. (But higher-fidelity headphones hold priority for me, and it's certainly nowhere near the best sound you can get for $300.) I could also use the XL Memory Cushions with it. I only heard it once at a shop -- hardly a good opportunity to make any meaningful judgments. I know that it has a more audiophile-oriented balanced sound, but still with boosted bass and treble.
 

 
That sounds nice.  Mine are just the original black and chrome.  I ended up replacing the shields with light blue anodized shields with a venom image etched in.  I use my M-100s all through the week and they see a lot of use.  The shields do tend to get scratched up.  I just feel like it adds to their character.  The faux leather on the headband is also all torn up.  I don't actually mind it all that much, but it looks like the M-100 use a different material on the headband.  
 
 

   
I just looked up the specs for the MMX 300. It's 32 ohms, so the mic isn't the only difference.
 
Just make sure to get the best headphones you can before expending your budget on a portable amp that may not necessarily help much.
 
 
I taught myself how to play guitar. Eventually taught lessons as well. I used to read music for piano and trombone, but just memorize everything nowadays.

 
Do the DT 770s not come in a 32 ohm model?  
 
It's tricky trying to find headphones.  Best buy doesn't allow you to "test" headphones because of their B.S. "hygiene" rules.  NCIX lets me try their headphones, but they have to order most of them from their warehouse, which requires a deposit.  
 
I tried teaching myself, but it's just so time consuming.  When I have the rare days off, I'm usually just trying to take a breather.  I got into music because I spend so much time studying, and it makes my days much less dull.  
 
Also, as a side question. Where do you get your music from?  I just recently moved from youtube-to-mp3.org to Itunes -_-

 

[BusinessMan]

   
Refer to my previous comment about the M-100 not being a great value for the money. It's more like a backup headphone for when you want a fun sound. For high-fidelity listening, there are countless better options in the $300 range. Is that your budget right now, by the way?

I see.  Thanks for the heads up.  I'm willing to spend upwards of $600.