[Crouchster]

Hello guys,
I don't completely understand the amp thing. I own an iPhone 5 as my main media player and I ordered some M50's for headphones. I've been reading a lot to see if I need an amp for the best sound quantity or not, but I've heard mixed feelings about whether I will need one. That being said, is it beneficial to buy a portable DAC/Amp for iPhone 5 or should i just forget the Amp all together? Or maybe it would be good to have an amp and just run through the headphone out on my iPhone? Budget is a concern. I don't really want to spend more than 200 on a DAC and or Amp

 

[KG Jag]

The M50 is quite efficient.  Try it without an amp first.
 
Although it may depend at least in part on the quality of your music files, my initial thought is that a $100 to $150 can like the M50 will be just fine without adding anything to the line between it and your iPhone.

 

[BECHA]

I agree, I use phone as main music player as well, and I listen to mostly vinyl rips in 24/192 formats, although have few CD quality albums too. Gardo work just fine, however I need an external amplifier for Shure.

 

[Crouchster]

Okay, thanks for the advice. Sorry it's taken so long to respond to you guys. I'm currently deployed and the internet over here is really hit or miss.

 

[KG Jag]

Okay, thanks for the advice. Sorry it's taken so long to respond to you guys. I'm currently deployed and the internet over here is really hit or miss.

Good luck and thanks for your service.