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Dedicated headphone amp vs Headphone socket on amp

As I am fairly new to the whole headphones world. What is the general consensus in regards to superior sq for headphones,  running from an external dac (aavik d-180) to a dedicated headphone amp (no dac) or the headphone socket on a fairly decent int amp (Rega Aethos). I have tried the headphones (sony mdr-f1) from the dac to a small ifi zen can in comparison to directly into the headphone socket of the Aethos and it is a total mismatch. With the latter beating the pulp out of the former. Now, what would happen in a similar matchup with a more expensive headphone amp with a price capped at $400-$500?...In general, is it even worth considering a headphone amp at this price level with the already proficient quality of the headphone socket in the Rega Aethos keenly in mind? . 

sagur80
mahgister's avatar
mahgister
15,058 posts
 

The most difficult  factor to get from an headphone is a natural timbre...

On par with it the spatial qualities of sound, and with many good public recording an "out of the head" holographical effect when you forgot that you listen headphone  as if listening speakers.

 

None of my past 10  headphones ever  did this two aspects right together...

Add to this  very deep bass with no booming effect and we lost most headphone at any price...

The best  headphone for timbre i owned, save my AKG K340, was the Stax SR-5 gold, but the soundfield was around my head never out of my head and no deep bass at all...

I am not able to recommend any other headphone than my optimized K340 but it is old now...

I would fear buying anything new because of costs and dissatisfaction

 

sagur80 OP
37 posts
 

The upcoming challenge will be to replicate as accurately as possible the reference system sound albeit at higher volume levels on headphones. Hardly possible to ensure 100% fidelity to the reference system sound. With that in mind, the headphones which get closest ,while still offering a personalized listening enjoyment/engagement will eventually be the keeper.

The Hifiman Arya Stealth - Just saw them on amazon and are on the shortlist of candidates. Anyone have experience or opinions on the Aune SR5000/7000, the Focal Lensys, Beyerdynamic T1  or the Sennheiser 650 ?

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,504 posts
 

@mahgister "...The most difficult  factor to get from an headphone is a natural timbre..." I agree. 

For me the thing that completely changed the game actually moved all the headphones way closer to natural timbre and power was the headphone amp. Suddenly the Focal Utopia, Sennheiser 800 and others sounded much more  alike than different. And so much like my main system in overall presentation, tonal balance, power, and satisfaction. Obviously there remained specific sonic location differences, but they just don’t seem important anymore. 

asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
5,194 posts
 

Hi @mahgister .... I'm enjoying my aids, having spent some time 'dialing' them in.  As long as I don't ask them for heavy basslines, 👍😎.

...but that's what my real headphones are for...;)

mahgister's avatar
mahgister
15,058 posts
 

Happy Easter dear friend!

 

I wish you chocolate with 75 % of cacao...

I am happy with my headphone and luckily suffer not from audible hearing loss at 75 ... probably the usual loss...

But we do not hear pure frequencies (save for ignorant objectivist ) but  we hear first acoustics recognized  meanings and i am sure you enjoy music in spite of everything...

 

Hi @mahgister .... I'm enjoying my aids, having spent some time 'dialing' them in.  As long as I don't ask them for heavy basslines, 👍😎.

...but that's what my real headphones are for...;)

 

 

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