Newbie...Amp Suggestions&Help

[joeshmo1985]

Hey everyone,

I've strongly been considering purchasing my first real set of cans. I was taking a look at the Sennheiser 580s(or 595s if I got them used), or Beyerdyanmic 770s(if I can find em). I'd be using them primarily for watching movies on my computer, as well as playing games. Occasionally I listen to music, but not all that often. Right now I have a X-Fi XtremeMusic sound card. I'm assuming I'm going to need to purchase an amp as well. I also like to use my speakers at times(just a basic 2.1 setup plugged into the analog out on the card).

So, a couple of questions:

1. What's a decent amp, if needed, that won't break the bank(<$60)? Would I need it for all the headphone choices listed above, or only certain ones? Would the Beyers work well without one?
2. Right now, I plug my headphones into the headphone jack on my logitech speakers. Should I plug the new ones directly into the soundcard, or does it not make a difference?
3. If I'm not plugging into the speakers, is there a way to leave both hooked up, but to switch between the two?
4. Since I'm new to this...how exactly would an amp attach to the soundcard and then to my headphones(e.g. what slot does it plug into, does the amp require batteries, etc)?

 

[uraflit]

if you get the hd595, you wont need an amp

plug them straight into your soundcard

other than a switchbox, i dunno

X-Fi Headphone Out -> Amp -> Headphones

 

[rb67]

Quote:

Originally Posted by uraflit /img/forum/go_quote.gif if you get the hd595, you wont need an amp plug them straight into your soundcard other than a switchbox, i dunno X-Fi Headphone Out -> Amp -> Headphones

x2. Exactly how I would have responded.

3) If you want to dip your feet into DIY electronics, a switchbox will be a very simple, cheap project for you. Or you can buy something like this:
http://electronicsusa.com/mk5.html

 

[joeshmo1985]

Quote:

Originally Posted by uraflit /img/forum/go_quote.gif if you get the hd595, you wont need an amp

Would the same hold true for the Beyer 770/80 or 770/32? Which would you guys recommend?

If I did decide to go with the 580s(haven't decided yet, plus they're cheaper), which amp would go well with them? I'm looking to keep the amp pretty cheap.

I guess I really need to decide if I want an open or closed headphone.

If I'm plan on using the phones mostly for gaming/watching movies and occasionally listening to rap/hiphop/pop music, which ones would suite me best?

 

[Redo]

If you're set on PC use only, buy the X-Fi front panel. It has a headphone amp on the front and it'll give you the extra jack you need.

 

[joeshmo1985]

I'm really thinking of getting the Beyer dt770. From what I've read, they sound more enjoyable(based on my preference). Additionally, I really would like a closed can. So, a couple questions on this:

1. Would the Beyer's need an amp if driven from the X-Fi Xtrememusic? If so, should I get something like a cmoy, PA2V2, or the like; or is the I/O front panel(which I really like the concept of) good?

2. I've been having a hard time locating Beyer's here, the Beyer website seems to cater more towards Europe. What's a good location to find/buy them? I see them at Guitarcenter and musiciansfriend for $200, is that a decent price? I also see some 770s at bhphotovideo, but they appear to be 250 ohm versions

. I also see a few for about $170ish shipped on ebay, but I'm more inclined to trust a store than a person(the guy has perfect feedback, but seeing the buyout as $50 lower than everyone else makes me suspicious. Maybe I'm just paranoid.)

3. New or used? These are my first major headphone purchase, and I'm on a slightly tight budget, would used be better?

 

[ericlikeseatin]

welcome to the forums!
1. stepping up to an amp will improve sound quality. the x-fi xtrememusic will be able to drive the dt770s but an amp may be something you want to consider to get the most from those cans.
2. i would definitely check the for sale/trade forums here. i saw some dt770s for sale just yesterday. people here are nice and tons of people have had great experiences.
3. used, if you are on a budget!

 

[joeshmo1985]

Yeah, I saw those, think they were 250 ohm version though. I'll probably try to buy them used, but I don't want to wait too long.

Does anyone have any first hand experience with the X-Fi front panel? The concept is nice(not having to plug the phones into the back). Someone mentioned it has an amp, how good is the quality?

 

[Redo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeshmo1985 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Does anyone have any first hand experience with the X-Fi front panel? The concept is nice(not having to plug the phones into the back). Someone mentioned it has an amp, how good is the quality?

I have one, it drives my DT880's just fine. Naturally it's a few notches down from my MicroStack, but it doesn't sound bad at all

. It also will give you extra inputs/outputs (analog and digital), so you can have a Mic, Speakers, Headphones, and digital outputs in use all at once.

 

[joeshmo1985]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redo /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have one, it drives my DT880's just fine. Naturally it's a few notches down from my MicroStack, but it doesn't sound bad at all . It also will give you extra inputs/outputs (analog and digital), so you can have a Mic, Speakers, Headphones, and digital outputs in use all at once.

DT770/80-$200
I/O Panel to drive the 770s-$70

Ugh, my wallet.