[ooeric]

for entry level
ive noticed alot of people have and use these setups.

soundcard > amp > cans.

the next step up i notice is
soundcard/dac > amp > cans.

would the next step up be ?
soundcard > preamp > amp > cans?

as the extreme end of the pc audio spectrum.
would it be overkiller to get a setup like this to drive some high ohm cans?
(YES i know,, there really isnt a such thing as overkill but but. kk?? lol xD)

 

[ph0rk]

I don't think a preamp is really necessary as a standalone before a headphone amplifier - it would be hard to find a headphone amp that doesn't have an integrated volume control anyway, save some of the earlier CMOYs.

 

[Uncle Erik]

No, you don't need a preamp with a headphone amp. Every headphone amp on the market has a preamp circuit already, so they are technically integrated amps.

People mostly use preamps so they can connect and switch between several sources. Also, you'll see people using a phono preamp for their turntables. If you listen to vinyl, you need a phono preamp to apply the RIAA curve.

 

[ooeric]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif No, you don't need a preamp with a headphone amp. Every headphone amp on the market has a preamp circuit already, so they are technically integrated amps. People mostly use preamps so they can connect and switch between several sources. Also, you'll see people using a phono preamp for their turntables. If you listen to vinyl, you need a phono preamp to apply the RIAA curve.

ah. good man.
thanks for the explanation =D