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Author Topic: Headphone amplifier for earbuds?  (Read 2057 times)

robertisonline

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Headphone amplifier for earbuds?
« on: December 10, 2015, 02:02:42 pm »

I have a friend who has a pair of Westone w2 earbuds. I don't know anything about that brand, I am pretty loyal to Grado, but if anyone has any familiarity with that brand and/or model and would like to comment, please do. I also don't know how beneficial a headphone amplifier would be to earbuds in general, but I would like to get him one for Christmas if it would make a noticeable difference. Please comment!
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blgentry

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Re: Headphone amplifier for earbuds?
« Reply #1 on: December 10, 2015, 02:45:55 pm »

A DAC might make a bigger difference than an amp as those IEMs should be really easy to drive.

Something like the Schiit Modi 2 and Magni 2 would be a really nice little stack of DAC and amp, and clocks in at just under $200 for the pair.  I own these myself and I think the sound is shockingly good for the price.

You could go for an integrated DAC/Amp also.  Fiio makes several that I read good things about all the time.  Schiit also makes an integrated piece called the Fulla, which I think is $79.  There are lots more at different price points.

Brian.
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DarkPenguin

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Re: Headphone amplifier for earbuds?
« Reply #2 on: December 10, 2015, 09:04:16 pm »

Generally not that beneficial. 

A couple JDS Labs suggestions.

Ultra clean and not that expensive headphone amp...

https://www.jdslabs.com/products/35/objective2-headphone-amplifier/

Amp + DAC ...

https://www.jdslabs.com/products/151/the-element/




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