[T.B.N.]

Hi,

I'm looking for a headphones amp after hearing how much of an improvement they provide for so many headphones, even ones that can be powered by iPods, etc.

Most of the ones I've seen so far are well above $400, and I am trying to spend under $200. Is that even possible??

I want to connect this to my X-Fi, which I am hoping to mod with better opamps in the future. If I do this mod, is an amp still necessary or is it redundant? (remember, this would be a sub$200 amp)

So, are there any suggestions for amps around that price? All of my headphones right now are 80 ohm or below, but I'd like the option to get higher-ohm ones in the future...

Also, what about portable amps? Is there a large price premium on amps that can run on batteries?

I know very little about this, any help would be great!!!
Thanks

 

[shomie911]

An amp is going to make a very noticeable improvement.

I have a $150 Minibox-E amp for my Beyer DT880 and the differences between that and just plugged into my computer are huge.

An amp will (in most cases) improve seperation, detail, and make the sound less "muddy."

As for what amp you should I really don't know, my only amp so far has been the Minibox-E.

The Minibox-E is a great amp though, small, battery powered, and it sounds great. Plus it's only $150.

I'm sure desktop amps sound better (and cost a lot more) but the Minbox-E will definitley be a significant improvement over the X-Fi.

 

[T.B.N.]

Cool, I will check that out. Where did you find it for $150?

Oh, and I just read about the CMoy(!). I am SO tempted to build my own (because it is so much fun, and pretty cheap) but if its not going to sound nearly as good as something that costs $150, or even my X-Fi for that matter, its not worth it...

How much of an upgrade do you get moving up to something like "The Hornet," which seems pretty popular?

Are there any used amps available?

Sorry for all the questions, and thanks for the input...

 

[shomie911]

My mistake the Minibox-E used to sell for $150, but the new, improved Minibox-E+ sells for $179, which is still a bargain.

Minibox-E

According to some reviews the Minibox-E is supposedly at or above the Hornets level.

 

[T.B.N.]

hm, that one seems nice. Not a huge fan of the "bass-boost" and other extra features, but whatever. Any other options to consider as well?

 

[Dobro]

What kind of headphones do you have? That makes a big difference as to what amp is best for you.

I might note that the resistance isn't the only factor in determining how hard the phones are to drive, sensitivity is a big factor as well.

Yes there is a premium for portablity, you'll get more bang for your buck with a desktop.

If you have the skills and inclination to build your own thats a good way to save some money. There are many other DIY options besides the cmoy. There is a DIY forum here you might check out.

 

[T.B.N.]

I think I've decided against DIY for now, as it can be difficult to get it to work and sound right. I think I could do it (I built a tube guitar amp) but I don't want to put in the time right now...

As for my headphones: I am looking at getting a DT770/80ohm, a Senn. HD595, or possibly Ultrasone headphones... Still a little up in the air. I also have Grado SR-60's.

I realize that these are all low-impedance 'phones, but I hear that having an amp still makes a pretty big difference...

 

[T.B.N.]

So, a portable/small amp for low-impedance HP's, like SR-60, possibly DT770 or Ultrasone Proline 650....

 

[TSi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by T.B.N. /img/forum/go_quote.gif So, a portable/small amp for low-impedance HP's, like SR-60, possibly DT770 or Ultrasone Proline 650....

you should check the FS/FT section, theres actually a lot of pretty decent amps (portable) out there.

 

[T.B.N.]

any suggestions for what models/brands I should look out for?

 

[thische]

Mini^3

 

[JamesL]

Quote:

Originally Posted by T.B.N. /img/forum/go_quote.gif Oh, and I just read about the CMoy(!). I am SO tempted to build my own (because it is so much fun, and pretty cheap) but if its not going to sound nearly as good as something that costs $150, or even my X-Fi for that matter, its not worth it...

AMB Laboratories DIY Audio Site
These amps are pretty good if you want to try make your own, and the total cost of materials usually comes out quite a bit cheaper than a amp with comparatable sound quality. Also look up millet hybrid max.

 

[TSi]

Theres actually a lot.

If you are interested in swapping sounds, ie... opamp swapping, u should look for such like iBasso D2, or w/e of that sort

If you are interested in just a solid portable, there are many choices such as the Corda 2 Move, pico (expensive)

If you are interested in DIY, there are your typical m3, cmoy, ppav2
just remember though, if you mess up on DIY (which is possible), u may end up spending more than what you want.

 

[T.B.N.]

Wow, they offer kits?

If one of those includes the parts and an enclosure, I'd definitely be up for building my own amp...

 

[TSi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by T.B.N. /img/forum/go_quote.gif Wow, they offer kits? If one of those includes the parts and an enclosure, I'd definitely be up for building my own amp...

there are many that includes parts, but not an enclosure, but then you can buy them for a decent price (the enclosure), take in mind though, there are shipping and suchhh.