Do I need a pre-amp?


What a dumb question, you may be thinking! (you'd be right)
But... I have recently purchased a Sony SCD-1 and will listen to it through headphones only (my budget and neighbors don't allow anything else). So I have also a Musical Fidelity headphone amplifier and good Sennheiser headphones. Some fellows here told me that this configuration is enough. HOWEVER, could the sound be improved by adding a pre-amplifier between the CD player and the headphone amplifier? Any suggestions if the answer is affirmative? Thanks again to all and sorry for my low level questions. I'm just new to this.
Pedro (horcalh)
horcalh
Why add another device inbetween the signal and your ears, my belief is to keep it as short and simple as possible, you seem to have all you need, what do you think is missing from the sound?
Thanks for your answer, Uru. You must be right. To tell you the truth, I still can't answer your question because the SCD-1 hasn't arrived yet. I will receive it within next week. I'm very anxious, I admit it, and since I'm new to this I was wondering whether it would be worth or not to have also a good pre-amplifier besides of the mentioned headphone amplifier, the Sennheisers, good wires, etc. I don't know what I'm more excited about, whether the technical audiophile madness, how well will sound my loved music or perhaps the compulsive desire to spend high amounts of money in electronic jewelry. Thanks again and greetings.
horcalh
Hi Pedro,
Outside of a few(many?) moments when I am sure I must be right that is not necessarily the case. Here it is just my opinion and practice. Wait for the SCD-1 to arrive, listen to it, and after a suitable while decide if more is really needed. All the best
Michael
If the SCD has a real headphone amp then it would probably be fine. But if not a headphone amp would be the next best and could still be an improvement.
If you are not satisfied with the sound from the SCD-1/MF/Senn rig then I would get a better headphone amp or better phones. A pre-amp will not add anything. The Senns can be a bit laid back but to my ears they are very non-fatiguing and comfortable.