2. amps-preamps
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Is it worth buying a headphone amp?

I currently have the Sennheiser HD555 (modded to HD595), and I'm trying to figure out if it's worth buying a headphone amp to get better sound out of them--or if I'm better off investing in better headphones first. Right now, I'm using the headphone jack on my NAD C372, which has very high 220 Ohm output impedance (the Senns are 50 Ohm). The sound is a little thick, dry, and lacking in microdynamic detail. If I get a headphone amp, I'd run it through the tape out from my amp. I'm considering the Schiit Asgard, as I'd like to buy American and $250 is right on the dot for what I want to spend. Any other suggestions?

I should note that in the past I have owned some pretty good headphones (Senn HD600, AKG K501, Etymotic ER4P). Sold them and downgraded when I wasn't using headphones as much as I am now. If I do decide on new headphones, it'll probably be a used pair of HD600 or K702 with an amp for them further down the road.

Thanks for your thoughts!
ablang
ablang OP
165 posts
 
Well, folks, new headphones it is. The HD555 are excellent for the money, but to start with I think I'm to going sell them and look for a used pair of AKG K702. I'll buy an amp later, when my budget allows. The Schiit Asgard is still at the top of my list, though I am concerned by the 6 Moons review, which characterizes it as being a bit lean--and lean is the opposite of what I want in a headphone amp. Any other suggestions around $250? Thanks for the input, all.
honeybee2012
112 posts
 
Headphone amps are a lot of fun. I WOO Tube headphone amp. You can play with the tube amp by "rolling tubes" which is trying out different types of tubes.

My headphone amp is in the office and part of a computer audio system.
donjr
1,335 posts
 
I don't own a headphone amp but if you feel like practicing your soldering skills the Bottlehead Crack gets great reviews.
freediver
1,121 posts
 
O/P,I suggest you research your choice of headphones carefully.Everything I have read on the AKG lineup points to them being on the brighter side of neutral.If you were to think in terms of nature, AKG's are characterized as being a clear,snow covered day as opposed to Sennheiser's which are usually described as a deeply colored sunset.The new HD598's can be had for your budget & after around 300 hours break in time they are simply wonderful,having that warmish Sennheiser tone but with a slightly less veiled midrange than the 600 series.JMHO for what it's worth.
donjr
1,335 posts
 
That's true until AKGs are broken in. Also personal preference. I have experience with HD650 and K702 and to my ears after a year the K702's are much better and tons cheaper. That's me though. My hearing is shot. Im sensitive to bright and that only describes new AKGs. Zero bright when broken in.
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