Headphone amp for 595s?

InkZ

InkZ

InkZ

Associate
Joined
27 Sep 2006
Posts
504
Hey Guys,

I've just ordered a pair of HD595s and wondering if it's worth investigating a headphone amp to go with my Fatal1ty X-Fi.

Can't seem to find a clear answer on this.
 
Have you used many headphones before, or decent ones at least? Chances are you won't notice any difference with or without an amplifier. Now, it might be worth investing in one if you plan to get some other headphones down the line that require it, however.
 
Cheers guys.

This will be my first pair of decent headphones. Using Creative Fatalitys atm, but they are too uncomfortable after wearing for to long.

I'm guessing I've made the right choice, really hard to pick the right pair. Got a bit of cash to burn atm, and just wanna buy stuff that's gonna last me whilst I can.

Will leave an amp for the moment and see how I get on :)
 
Sorry to semi hijack, in the vague chance someone has had HD555 and HD595, would you say the 595's are worth the extra money, considering I listen to mainly mp3?
 
ok, having second thoughts now, 595s aren't in stock atm how about getting HD600's for £140 rather than the 595s at £70. Not buy an amp initially and buy one if I feel the need.

Like I said, they'd be mainly for gaming. Would it be worth the extra, bearing in mind I'm planning on keeping these for as long as possible.
 
if your gunna spend 140 on headphones can i suggest the ASTRO A40 headset the sound is awesome and it comes witha mixamp so its 5.1 surround sound it has a load of other feautres also

www.astrogaming.com

EDIT: it has a mic also
 
InkZ said:
ok, having second thoughts now, 595s aren't in stock atm how about getting HD600's for £140 rather than the 595s at £70. Not buy an amp initially and buy one if I feel the need.

Like I said, they'd be mainly for gaming. Would it be worth the extra, bearing in mind I'm planning on keeping these for as long as possible.
Click to expand...

Were I you and purchasing the Sennheiser HD 600s, I'd definately think about aquiring a headphone amplifier in the future. The HD600s are terrific 'phones which many prefer over the more expensive HD650s. You will get reasonable sound from them un-amped from your soundcard but an amplifier they'll sound terrific.

On the other hand if you don't plan on buying an amp. I'd suggest you look for some lower impedance 'phones. Audio Technica cans are 40ohms, the HD600s 300ohms. You could also look at Grados, although many people find them uncomfortable to wear, they at the lower end of the impedence range and would be moderately well driven without an amplifier. If you're into a very "upfront" 'phones you could consider the Grado SR60s or SR80s. Grado has it's devotees but I'm not one of them.

I have a set of HD650s and a set of Audio Technica W1000s and much prefer the less bassy W1000s. Have you thought about shopping online in Japan. You might be very agreeably surprised by just how far your £150 or so will go compared to UK prices.
 
wush said:
Not worth it. The difference will be nowhere near worth the outlay for a sane person :)
Click to expand...

The Sennheisers sound a lot better with an amp than without, it makes a big difference in sound (and that's not even a dedicated headphone amp).
 
I disagree. The difference is always exaggerated (as is everything when it comes to audio) and they sound fine without one.
 
wush said:
I disagree. The difference is always exaggerated (as is everything when it comes to audio) and they sound fine without one.
Click to expand...

That's your experience but not one shared by many audiophiles. If you have a headphone amplifier and a set of HD600s and have tried them with and without the amp, and you are unable to distinguish the difference, perhaps it's your ears that are unable to detect the difference.
 
Greenlizard0 said:
Uhhhh, don't say that - I'm seriously thinking of not choosing AT again because of their lack of base!
Click to expand...

I don't think Audio Technica 'phones lack bass. The Sennheiser HD600s and more so, the HD650s bass is more prominent than Audio Technica and a great number of 'phones by other manufacturer's. I think that the bass on the AT W1000s is more refined than on the Sennheisers, as do others.

You may prefer the bass rendering on the HD600s as many owners of these 'phones do. They are quality 'phones and you'll enjoy them but I think it might be a mistake to write off ATs. I was a firm Sennheiser fan until I heard the W1000s.

Enjoy whatever you get.
 
But the term "a lot" in audiophile conversation doesn't mean the same as it does in the real world. I'm just saying that I think many people (purchase justification aside) would be disappointed with the level of improvement given the sort of money you have to drop on most of these amps.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom