To amplify or not?

[tehandydumke]

Alright so I have about a 200 dollar limit for headphones soundcard amp combo. Do I even have enough money to afford an amp and headphones or do I need to up my limit to say 300 dollars. I've heard the Beyerdynamic DT 770/80's sound really good with an amplifier for gaming purposes, but I also still want an audigy2 zs.

What do you think?

 

[aeriyn]

200 dollars for amp/soundcard/headphones is really probably not possible.

200 for soundcard and headphones, sure.

Hmm... maybe DT770s + get someone to build you a PIMETA + chaintech av710? that'd be around... well... probably more than 300. Probably around 350-380.

 

[crazyfrenchman27]

You can't afford an amp with those figures...

You're going to need $400 for that.

Settle for a headphone that doesn't require amplification.

Currently listening to: "Peaceful Day" by Pennywise on my SR-225s.

 

[cpw]

You might consider something like the Senn HD497 which sounds pretty good unamped but will eventually benefit from an amp. They're about $60-70 and available from site sponsors Todd the Vinyl Junkie and Headroom.
Then get your soundcard and add the amp later.
Or just stretch your budget (signature move of mine!).
CPW

 

[fr4c]

a simple portable amp and the av710 should get you started. see what you can get with the rest of your money. also, you can always buy used equipment, which can save you a lot of benjamins.