[Siva108]

Hey guys, so I'm planning on getting an amp with the SRH440s. I was wondering if an amp would improve the sound quality of the 440s in any way.
 
Also what would be the most neutral amp to get for around $50?
 
Oh and I'll be listening with a Fuze.
 
Thanks.

 

[Mutnat]

Have you already been using the headphones straight out of your Fuse?  If so, what don't you like about the sound?
 
I used to use my 440's straight out of my iPod and I found it lacking in bass, and too bright/shrill in the high end.  I almost gave up and returned them.  But they DO sound better through an amp for sure.  I've yet to try them with my C421 but even with the D-Zero they cleaned up a lot.  Less harsh, better bass response (though still not overwhelming), just more pleasant to listen to.  Now I leave them in my living room and use them powered by my home theatre receiver (a Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH) for late night movies and TV when I don't want to wake my neighbours.  I have to say, I'm very happy with them in this application.  They sound really good through a good quality amp like that.
 

 

[Siva108]

Nope I haven't even got them yet. But I was planning on getting an amp together with the 440s when I do buy them so that I get them at the same time, IF there is a significant increase in sound quality without changing the 440s neutral signature in any way.
 
But I have heard that the Fuze/Clip+/Clip Zip has more than enough power to drive the 440s too...

 

[Mutnat]

Wow, I'm switching back and forth between my HD25's and SRH440's right now, and the 440's make the 25's sound downright cold and dry.  Very odd.  I never thought of the 440's as warm but with the bass boost turned on on the C421-OPA2227 they are actually pretty good sounding.  Also very light and comfortable on the head. 
 
Now on the other hand, these things have pretty poor synergy with the iBasso D-Zero.  The 440's definitely need a bass boost, since they are pretty anemic down low without it. With the D-Zero lacking a bass boost, the low end is lacking pretty badly. Also, as I experienced with this amp and the HD25's, the D-zero makes them sound congested in the mids, lacking in bass, and rolled off in the high-end.  Definitely not a recommended pairing.  The D-Zero sounds great with the M-Audio Q40's though.
 
Okay so back to your query--yes, the 440's sound better amp'd, if you pick the right amp.  They seem to sound quite good with my JDS Labs C421 with OPA2227 op-amp.  They also sound very good out of my home theatre receiver.  I'd never use them with the iBasso D-Zero.  And that's all I have around to test with.  I'd rather listen to them right out of the iPod than use the D-Zero, but I'd pick the C421 over either of those options any day of the week.  Even more so with the bass boost on. 
 
Hope that helps!