Would a portable amp improve my listening experience?

[hotheadedjonny]

I might be able to get a portable amp for my birthday.

I use a pair of PX100 and a set of SONY MDR EX-52.

So I was wondering whether an amp would actually do anything to improve the sound quality?

And if so, what amp would you recommend?

 

[ephrank]

The answer to your question depends on what source(s) you have. Computer, iPod, or?

 

[hotheadedjonny]

ipod 4th generation.

also my laptop.

 

[Nuwidol]

You'd probably be better off investing the money on a new pair of headphones or IEMs. Thats whats gonna affect the sound most.
No disrespect intended but the two you listed are quite low end.

IMO an amp wouldn't do much to your current set up.

How much were you thinking of spending/having spent on you?

 

[hotheadedjonny]

can't really buy anything more expensive. both of those pairs cost $100 each in Australia, all the Shures and stuff I've seen here are like $500+

 

[ephrank]

It may be cheaper buying from Amazon US than local retailers.

 

[jamato8]

I would buy some Koss PortaPros. Not too expensive and great sounding for the money.

 

[JMCIII]

An amp will make a big difference in your musical enjoyment! Many choices out there, but given that your sources are an iPod and a laptop (which I happen to use also) the Headroom Total Bithead - HeadRoom Total BitHead @ HeadRoom - Right Between Your Ears - with its built in DAC for USB connection to your laptop and a lineout cable (from say ALO - ALOaudio - Audio Line Out: Interconnect cables and portable line out docks for iPod - my suggestion is the Bling Bling) for the iPod will expand your enjoyment even with yur less than top-o-the-line headphones.

BUT, down the road if you decide to upgrade your headphones, then the amp will show you why you did the upgrade far more clearly than doing the preceeding in reverse (upgrade headphones then amp). Plus the TBH will REALLY make your laptop time super enjoyable by putting your muisc through a much better DAC than is found in most computers and gets that conversion out of the noise of the laptop to a much safe and quieter enviroment.

 

[Zorander]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotheadedjonny /img/forum/go_quote.gif I might be able to get a portable amp for my birthday. I use a pair of PX100 and a set of SONY MDR EX-52. So I was wondering whether an amp would actually do anything to improve the sound quality? And if so, what amp would you recommend?

When I had the PX-100, I did not notice much change in its sound whether amped or unamped. You'd be better off with upgrading the phones.

 

[hotheadedjonny]

ty all for the replies. Wish I had the means to get a good pair of headphones, they're like twice the price in australia and insanely difficult to get. And I'm not allowed to order off the internet because my dad is too suspicious of buying electronics on the internet (even amazon.com!)

 

[Nuwidol]

Not allowed to order electronics from the internet?
Wow.

High street prices are hugely different wherever you are (not just Australia)
If i would of bought all my gear from high street shops rather than online it could of cost so much more. almost twice as much in some cases.

Could your dad not be convinced it change his ways by reading reviews of reputable sites & their return policies?

 

[hotheadedjonny]

I'll try, thanks for the advice.

 

[monolith]

Do you not have a bank account? That's all you need for Paypal, which'll give you access to the FS forums here. That's just about the best place to get headphones.

 

[hotheadedjonny]

my parents do my banking for me. i give them money, they put it in my account for me.

 

[RedSky0]

Well yeah, like monolith said all you need to pay through eBay is PayPal and that allows you to link to a debit card, which means you don't have to be 18.

So if you'd be willing to start doing your own banking you'd probably be able to quite literally save 40-60% off headphones because yes, they utterly jip us here in Australia.

I've got my PX100s lying around somewhere and as I recall I couldn't really tell the difference with or without my portable amp. I'd save for some better headphones too, especially if you're cash strapped for an efficient pair that don't need an amplifier. What that would be, would depend on whether you want open/closed, or whether you're willing to use full-sized or portable etc, but there is plenty of choice out there in regards to efficient headphones no matter what you're looking for ...