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I don't get it. Everyone here says that using a headphone amp makes for a better sound so I'm assuming that going through my NAD would improve matters?
The NAD 3020i isnt a headphone amp. I'm just confused as to if I should use it or not. My 595s have plenty volume just plugged straight into my sources...I just want to know if the sound quality will improve if I go through my NAD first?
No one here says a amp would mean better sound. Some headphones need a little more power to be able to sound good. It's not breaking the limit, but meeting the requirements of the headphones.
That is a headphone amp, it's nothing other then a amp that powers headphones and speakers.
And the amount of power that the headphone needs is up to your source. It might provide enough power to the headphones.
That's why I said to test it out and see. If it doesn't improve the sound, it's not worth plugging in.
Now I have a receiver I've modded, to give more power. I use to for all my headphones because it's closer to me then my desktop. It doesn't give me BETTER sound but allows for a little play. Some or most headphone profit from a amp, but it's a very, very small difference. Unless your job depends on your equipment, don't bother trying to upgrade.
Why might help you is a DAC. Digital audio converter. It pretty much convert digital sound that most people hate into more analog sound that is a little less harsh. Your amp shouldn't have a built in DAC like mine does, so it's a worthy upgrade.
If you're only running from a computer, the new Hifiman DAC is cheap and works like a soundcard.
Other then that, the FiiO E7 and Ibasso D-zero are also a inexpensive pair of DAC's
But they aren't REALLY Needed. It's just nice to have. You probably won't notice a major difference in the sound change.
