Would an amp be worth it if my mp3 player doesnt have a true line-out?

[Lisa]

My PX100s don't improve drastictly when amped. Don't know about a Zmoy but I can hardly hear the difference with a MINT. Especially from a headphone out.

Start looking at better headphones first or be happy with your PX100 as they are.

There you go, one more opinion.

 

[HeavySoul]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRobb I have a creative zen touch and it doesnt have a line-out but would a portable amp still be of use and can it still be effective on the zen touch?

No, just a waste of money and an unwanted complication.

A headphone out would feed the amp with an already "degraded" signal, which no amp could purify, unless it had truly magical virtues.

You would only be able to fix "more volume wanted" problems by that, that is, issues with quantity, hardly/not quality.

 

[bigshot]

You don't mention what headphones you're using. If you are using portable headphones, I don't see any reason for an amp at all. Without a line out, there would be very little reason.

See ya
Steve

 

[PhilS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeavySoul No, just a waste of money and an unwanted complication. A headphone out would feed the amp with an already "degraded" signal, which no amp could purify, unless it had truly magical virtues. You would only be able to fix "more volume wanted" problems by that, that is, issues with quantity, hardly/not quality.

I disagree. I am using a Porta Cord II with the PX-100's from the headphone out of my Rio Karma, and there is a definite improvement with the amp. Whether it is significant enough to justify the cost of the amp, and possible inconvenience (although the amp is actually more convenient for me, as I find the volume easier to use than the push buttons on the Karma), is up to you. But others have also found an improvement with an amp from a headphone out, notwithstanding that the line out is the preferred option.

 

[fr4c]

there is definitely sound improvement when amped from a headphone out. its just not as "significant" as a true line out.

i remember there was another thread comparing line-out and headphone out, and some say there isnt much of a difference.

 

[ricola_pak]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigshot You don't mention what headphones you're using. If you are using portable headphones, I don't see any reason for an amp at all. Without a line out, there would be very little reason. See ya Steve

I echo this.

If all you are using are the PX100, then don't bother with an amp even if you had true line-out.

I have the NJB3 and a TAH amp but I only use it when I'm in my bedroom with my AKG K240S, which are phones that improve noticeably with an amp. Other than that use, I personally don't think the amp creates a big enough difference for portable phones on the go (where there are outside noises etc).