[zaphod-159]

is it true that a amp can increase the maximum level of sound a headphone can produce without noticeable distortion?

 

[maudemaude]

Yes, a quality amp does this, sometimes it changes (colours) the sound a bit by intention.

 

[kboe]

Thats exactly the purpose of amps.  They are supposed to control the drivers with ultimate authority, tell the diaphragm exactly when to start, how fast to move, and when to stop.  Amps aren't about volume, but about control.

 

[xXFallenAngelXx]

Yeah, really good amps can do that but they can be really costly but of course there are lots good budget ones around.

 

[120717]

Gah. The ever-persistent puzzle of sensible budgeting vs value for money.

 

[winma]

Quote:

is it true that a amp can increase the maximum level of sound a headphone can produce without noticeable distortion?

Yes, it's true. 
Most of them do that...like previously said its not about sound level, its also quality. 

 

[Antony6555]

This is all true, but for many portable headphones they don't make much of a difference. For most iems, I'd say they make almost no difference at all. The fact that some spend more on their portable headphone amps than their iems is insanity to me.

 

[zaphod-159]

well to be honest i am about to upgrade from a hd 555 to a dt 990 pro and found out that the dt 990 pro actually plays at lower volumes then the 555 so im now thinking if i should change my cmoy amp too or just keep it :X