New to the idea of using an amp

[oh my goose]

I know virtually nothing about amps or other sources that are not a laptop or a smart phone. So for my edification, is there any reading you guys can recommend so I can understand this stuff better?

Also, I'm not in a position to spend 400 dollars on an amp, particularly when my most expensive pair of headphones currently is 200 dollars. However, I've seen usb-c dongle/amp thingies and I'm wondering if these are a scam or if they will actually improve the sound a bit. I was looking at this one

https://www.amazon.com/Linsoul-ESS9...ld=1&keywords=USB-C+dac&qid=1594050716&sr=8-9

 

[Raketen]

Depends on the headphones but unrelated to price. Depends on the quality and power and other particulars of your laptop and phone's internal DAC and Amp. Depends on your ears and brain.

The dongle thingies are dac/amps, they can be better or worse (or just different) for a particular headphone than your gadget's internal ones. True for other form factors as well tbh, though at certain price points you might find better or worse value for different types.

This store has a decent basic/introductory guide: https://www.headphones.com/pages/research

 

[PurpleAngel]

I know virtually nothing about amps or other sources that are not a laptop or a smart phone. So for my edification, is there any reading you guys can recommend so I can understand this stuff better?

Also, I'm not in a position to spend 400 dollars on an amp, particularly when my most expensive pair of headphones currently is 200 dollars. However, I've seen usb-c dongle/amp thingies and I'm wondering if these are a scam or if they will actually improve the sound a bit. I was looking at this one

https://www.amazon.com/Linsoul-ESS9...ld=1&keywords=USB-C+dac&qid=1594050716&sr=8-9

I'm going to guess it's a good value, for $48.
With out knowing anything about the computer you would plug it into or the make and model of your headphones, not sure how much it might improve audio quality.
But I would try and talk you into getting the Schiit Fulla 3 ($100).

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Also, I'm not in a position to spend 400 dollars on an amp, particularly when my most expensive pair of headphones currently is 200 dollars.

There isn't any golden rule regarding how much amps or headphones should cost. There are a lot of variables. Finances aside it is not necessarily wrong to spend 500 dollars on an amp for headphones that cost 300 dollars.

 

[oh my goose]

The other thing I should mention is -- I listen to music exclusively on apple music -- is it worth it to spend money on an amp with this kind of audio? Will it still improve the sound?

I have a cheap android phone and a pixelbook go as my sources. As of tomorrow, I should have a moto g stylus.

Also - will one of those USB-C dac/amp dongles work with a phone that also has a regular 3.5mm headphone jack?

 

[Raketen]

The other thing I should mention is -- I listen to music exclusively on apple music -- is it worth it to spend money on an amp with this kind of audio? Will it still improve the sound?

I have a cheap android phone and a pixelbook go as my sources. As of tomorrow, I should have a moto g stylus.

Also - will one of those USB-C dac/amp dongles work with a phone that also has a regular 3.5mm headphone jack?

Don't know that it will improve your sound or not, but I doubt that Apple Music quality will be an impediment.

Dongle should work, though compatability is always a little bit of a crapshoot with these things and all the different android builds out there.