Is an amp. necessary in my case ?

[Saiya-Jin]

I tried searching on this board for an answer to my question but didnt managed to find a direct answer so guess ill ask heh.

I was planning on either buying the Senn HD 580 or 590 from what I've read so far on this board, (leaning more toward the 580 since half the comments on the 590 were bad). I was planning on plugging them directly in my computer and my T.V. and I was wondering if they would have sufficient power from those or if I really needed an amp. for those headphones (my sound card is an Audigy 2 and my TV an I'art 20" from JVC is that makes any difference heh). I'm not really planning on buying an amp. for the moment since they all seem to cost a fortune and don't have the cash for that now.

And also would those headphones be a good choice since ill mostly be using them for playing video games ? I've read in a review that the 580 would be a good choice for that because they have nice positionnal audio but I'd rather have additionnal opinions heh.

Thanks

 

[ampgalore]

HD580 definitely needs an amp. You can hear sound from a computer headphone jack, but the sound underpowered and lifeless.

 

[HiGHFLYiN9]

Welcome to Head-Fi Saiya-Jin and sorry about your wallet

Yes the HD580, as most headphones, benefits greatly from an amp. If you're working with a small budget, I'd recommend a cMoy, as they can be had for as little as $50 and greatly improve the sound over standard headphone outs. Just be aware that all cMoys are not made equal, and it's important that the seller has a good track record and uses worthwhile parts.

 

[oneeyedhobbit]

You can get the HD580s for probably less than $200 now, and there are several cheap and worthwhile options. www.headsave.com's Norm gets great reviews, particularly for his Vibe headphone amp. The CMoy mentioned above might also be worth consideration, or contact another DIYer and look into the Pimeta or Meta42 or something. Not sure if these could sufficiently drive a Senn, you'd have to ask others.

 

[ampgalore]

You can get a used pair of HD580 for far less than that.

 

[coolbluesurface]

Hi Saiya-Jin, for your needs you should consider the Senn HD555. Here's a link for pics/specs: http://www.sennheiserusa.com/newsite...ransid=newHD-2
You would be able to get alot more sound with the 555s without an amp compared to the 580s. I have the 580s and when connected to my audigy2zs they are quiet even at max volume. You really should like the 555s better unless you are going to spend at least $200 on an amp AND buy a good cd player or soundcard.
Plus the 555s have a new surround reflector that is supposed to be great for movies and games.
You can pick these up new for $115-$150, just search shopping.com or froogle.com. Here's a link to get you started: http://www.thetwistergroup.com/store...7037&source=dt
Take care and let us know what you get and how you like it.

 

[Saiya-Jin]

Thanks for the replies guys.

As you can probably guess fomr my previous post im kind of a newb when it comes to headphones so i'm not really sure what a cMoy is. From what you saying it sounds like some kind of self made amp. or something heh. Is there a faq somewhere explaining that stuff ?

im assuming the 590 need an amp. like the 580 ?

Any suggestions for great headphones for video games that dont need an amp. ?

Edit: replied while coolbluesurface was posting heh. Ill look into those 555. Are those better than the 570 ? asking cause a friend of mine has the 570 I could compare with heh.

 

[ampgalore]

Sony MDR-CD3000 baby

 

[lizzardfire]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ampgalore Sony MDR-CD3000 baby

I can't wait for mine to get here! should be here on Thursday... so long to wait!!! lol

 

[Saiya-Jin]

Heh yeah the sony looks nice but a bit overpriced for me I'd say heh.

I've read a couple of comments on the 555 and they seem like they might indeed be good for my use. Lots of people say they use it with their Audigy card and that they sound nice so guess I could go with that.

btw anyone would know of a good website or store to order them from to Canada ? the most recent model most of the stores in my area seems to have are the 570 ... couldnt find the 555 anywhere ....

 

[Pirvy]

Hey saiya,

here's some advice from a newbie

base don a lot of the stuff i learned & read on this board i bought a set of Sennheiser HD600 (the best i could afford

). I got them new from a seller called HiFinesse on eBay - excellent company and it only set be back around $195 shipped to Malta (Europe, $30 shipping) and they are brand new with full warranty etc.

their sound is great and they are still unamped so im guessing it can only improve

. They are being driven from a creative audigy 2 (changing to AV710). Other phones i've used include a couple of sennheisers, plantronics etc.

for an amp i found this interesting looking amp also on ebay - still waiting for it to arrive to see if its good

it cost $65 incl shipping

if your budget stretches to $300 i think this setups is pretty much the best thing i can think of... then again i'm a self confessed newbie

all i know is that is sounds great.

regs
Kurt

 

[MagusG]

I'd go for some grado's of sorts, while they benefit from an amp just as much as any phone out there, they are a bit less dependent on one to sound good in the first place. I suggest the SR-225 or the MS-1s.
-Mag

 

[Sultan165]

I haven't heard them personally, but the 570 is not well liked here at headfi. Its a power hungry headphone and even when adequately powered, does not sound as good as either the 590 or 580.
I wouldn't discount the 590 too easily. In your case, the 590 might be better than the 580 because the 590 does not require an amp to sound good. Other than that, it really will come down to what sonic signature you are looking for. The 580 has a warm, laid back sound whereas the 590 is more forward and aggressive (sort of like the halfway point between the senn and grado signature sounds).

 

[alea35]

Do the Sennheiser hd 280s need a amp? I will be using them mostly with my computer. If so what amp should I get on a really tight budget? I use them mostly for gaming and some music.

 

[S_Dedalus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MagusG I'd go for some grado's of sorts, while they benefit from an amp just as much as any phone out there, they are a bit less dependent on one to sound good in the first place. I suggest the SR-225 or the MS-1s. -Mag

I love my SR 80's for music, but for games, they are somewhat lacking. He's probably better off with the sennheisers for that.