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Newbie question - dedicated headphone amp or is my McIntosh MA352 sufficient

Hi forum members,

I recently purchased the Hifiman HE1000 V2 headphones.  I currently own the McIntosh Ma352.  Is the headphone amp on this unit sufficient bring out the characteristic sound of this headphone or am I better served buying a dedicated headphone amp?  I appreciate your input.

soundbyjordan
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,369 posts
 
agree with soix
big_greg
6,557 posts
 
I doubt it, but haven't owned your McIntosh. A good headphone amp is essential for getting the most from your headphones, and most included headphone amps are far from good. 
bslon's avatar
bslon
2,046 posts
 
If you’ll be doing much headphone listening you’ll be happier with a dedicated amp. A good power supply is important, that’s what sets it apart from your built in headphone section. Audition with your headphones if possible.
sid42
301 posts
 

Im using older AKG 340 phones, which are electrostatic/dynamic, and everybody says hard to drive. My Preamp is the McIntosh C15, and the headphone amp can handle these phones quite nicely, and would blow my ears off if I cranked it very hard. SO, try using your headphone amp and see what it will do--you might be surprised!

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,788 posts
 

@sid42 great preamp that LiL giant killer C15, enjoy in good health !

To the OP, as many have said try but also audition a dedicated amp.

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