[killer_deep]

Hi All,

I've been lurking around head-fi for a while, and even indulged in some old favorites (Alessandro MS-1, Koss KSC-75, Sennheiser HD201), and some new ones (Mylarone X3's, V-Moda Vibes).

I'd like to join you guys in more, and try out some highly recommended cans for listening to music at home, so I can get rid of my computer speakers and not annoy my neighbours. I see phones like the AKG K701, Beyerdynamic DT880, etc etc. Which of those headphones I get eventually, I'm not sure of yet.

My question though - do you think it'd be worth getting an amp if my source is a computer (with a Turtle Beach Audio Advantage USB sound card), and MP3's encoded at VBR -alt-preset-standard, or VBR -alt-preset extreme? Will I noticeably achieve gains in sound quality with an amp and better headphones? Will I see gains from the cans I have currently (KSC75, X3, HD201)?

Thanks,
S

 

[diego]

I am pretty sure you will hear improvement. MP3s encoded at high bit rates can sound very good with a good system. In my case I can hear differences between VBR -2 and lossless but not in every song. Using VBR -0 will probably be almost the same than lossless for most people. So, your MP3 files won't be your weak link and SQ can be improved with a better system.

Regards,
Diego

 

[Ligeia]

Agreed with the above. If you've got v0 mp3's, you'll probably hear little difference between it and lossless; however, the addition of an amplifier (particularly if you're a tube junkie) will make a big difference.

 

[Volta]

Yes. Big improvement for me.

 

[Redo]

You'd hear a big improvement at 128kbps CBR, let alone with something like -V 0

 

[killer_deep]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I was *kind* of secretly hoping that it would be impossible to obtain quality increases so as to save my money, but so be it.

Now the hunt for an intro level amp and mid-upper level headphones begins.

S