Do I need a Preamplifier

The MP3 player probably has a low output. Try plugging the MP3 player into the MM phono inputs on your reciever/ or better yet "tape-HEAD" inputs on your receiver, if available. The standard "tape" input is a "high level input" so that choice would probably result in the same outcome you are already experiencing. Plugging into the MM phono stage or another low level input (such as tape HEAD) would probably give you the gain you want.

Hi,

Very informative inputs. I do get good results by increasing the volume. I have a bad feeling of setting the output volume to max on the MP3 player. Neverthless I am doing that. Music quality is excellent i n my standards.

I tried with Phono inputs. That seems to put the preamplification to a different gear alltogether. However, my ears feels that the bass is a too high when I am routing the music through Phono. I need to do some more listening to see whether it is just an illusion. If you all, my learnt friends know of anything in this direction please let me know.

Also, I see some devices which can amplify a headphone jack output to line level. Do they work ?

Thanks
Boni

Bonigv - Bring the output on your MP3 volume up until you hear distortion (if you do). You're better off amplifying that output than getting all the excess noise by trying hard to amplify a smaller signal (volume turned down).
DO NOT use the phono input for two reasons.
First the gain in that input will be absurd, and you'll overload the amp input, distorting quickly.
Second, the phono input uses the RIAA equalization curve for vinyl, so your input to the amp section will really be screwed up with all kinds of EQ you don't want.

Snofun,

By amplifying you mean using a preamp before I feed into Receiver ?

Any comments on Boostaroo Portable Headphone Amplifier.

http://www.boostaroo.com/

Thanks
Boni

No - see the first two posts - you already have a preamp in your receiver. Bignerd did a good job of describing the combinations and permutations of receivers, amps, etc.
The preamp is where the signal goes in on your receiver, and the manipulation of the signal happens - tone controls, balance etc. That output is then fed to the amplifier.
What I'm trying to say is to turn up the signal from the MP3 player to the point just before distorting (if it does distort - it may not). Use the loudest signal from the MP3 to feed through the preamp and into the amp.
The reason for this is that you then have the loudest signal possible going into the preamp which means that you amplify the maximum amount of signal, and minimum amount of noise.
Good luck.