Hello, I’m getting into this hobby and there are so many headphones I want to try out. Right now I am running a majority of my audio with my Behringer Umc22 audio interface and I’m using 2 headphones right now 1. Audio-Technica ATH-M20x and 2. Beyerdynamic dt 770 pro 80 ohms. I also have a pair of Grados SR 60e but I’m waiting for a replacement cushion.
I’m wanting to upgrade my audio setup and I’ve been watching hella youtube videos, but I don’t understand all the terminology about watts and power outputs for headphones. The only thing I really know about is ohms meaning impendence, higher the ohms harder to drive.
Plus, scrolling through the forums I’ve read a few people talking about getting an amp to drive my dt 770s better.
Basically, I’m trying to find a budget-friendly amp to drive my dt 770s better and higher ohm headphones.
I was looking at Mayflower Objective2, JDS Atom Amp, Monolith Liquid Spark, Sound BlasterX G6, and the Schiit stack. But, I just don’t understand anything the youtube videos were telling me. I want to start listening to some open-back headphones but the majority of the open-backs that I want to try out are 100-250 ohms.
So, what are some amps that are budget-friendly (100-150 USD) that can drive 100-250ohms?
Also, I wanted to experience some open-back headphones, being the Massdrop Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee. That’s why I want to upgrade to a better amp because I know these headphones are at 150 ohms.
P.S: I am also looking for a mentor to help me through this journey!
Second of all, any of the listed beginner amps (Mayflower o2, JDS Atom, Liquid Spark, Schiit stack, Geshelli stack) will run a 250 Ohm headphone easily. I was running the 770 and 990 250 ohms off of the Archel (which is the most objectively underpowered on that list iirc) and they were easy to drive to ear-splitting levels on low gain.
My suggestions…
Personally I’d say get an Archel 2.5 pro + Enog 2 Pro. Reliable, build like a tank, customizable colors, great sound, great form factor. Just have to make sure that your desktop has an optical port (or you get a converter / adapter of some kind).
The generic stack recommendation is the Schiit stack. Do not get the Heresy / Modi. My personal experience with them is they sound kinda bad and have serious build issues. Go with the next tier up in Schiit, the Asgard 3 + Modius. That stack is supposed to be damn good.
However, all of the other amps you listed are also sufficient.
Really depends on which aesthetics you want. Right now the small differences between the technicalities of beginner gear won’t make too much sense to make decisions upon until you have a baseline. They should all be a significant improvement over your stock setup.
Doesn’t matter as much as it seems. Almost all desktop amps can drive any normal (50-600 ohm) headphone.
That’s a good buy from what I hear. I’d recommend the 600 ohm 880s or the 250 ohm 990s as well.
I’m excited for your ears, brain, and heart getting into this hobby; less happy for your wallet
Since you’re just starting out, the key is to start somewhere. You need a baseline to start figuring out your likes and dislikes before you spend lots more. The 58X Jubilee is an excellent open back starter headphone, I think that’s a good choice. As for amps, any of the ~$100 starter amps(Liquid Spark, Atom, Magni 3+, or Magni Heresy) out there are solid and this early in the game you really can’t make a wrong choice of those 4. Start with the 58X, your existing headphones, and one of those amps and take notes on what you like about each one and what you wish was better. Then after some time come back to this forum, tell us those things and we’ll help with the next step.
As for all the numbers… with rare exceptions, as long as a headphone amplifier can give you 1 watt of clean power at 32ohms it should be enough power to explore the world of headphones. You are correct that the bigger the number of ohms the harder the headphone is to drive thus the more power it needs - generally. Another aspect of that is sensitivity. Sensitivity tells you how loud the headphone can get for a given amount of power. As a guide, 94-98 dB/mW is probably the average range of sensitivity. Higher than that are higher sensitivity headphones, lower are low sensitivity. So while the ohms are a good starting place, a 250 ohm headphone with 102 db/mW sensitivity could actually be easier to drive than a 50 ohm headphone with 93 dB/mW sensitivity. But again, any of the 4 amps I just mentioned will be more than sufficient for you to get started.
The liquid spark is the go to Beyerdynamic amp around here as the pairing tends to to very well. Not the cleanest amp in the world but the qualities like the overall warmth and treble roll off it provides is great for beyers.
I figure I should let you know that I’m getting rid of my Archel (only because of the sheer number of amps on my desk right now, including the erish (for $125 flat)). If you’re interested in it, let me know in PMs.
I’d say that it is hard to go wrong with the Schiit stack or the Atom Stack. The Liquid Spark is a great little amp, and it will have a matching DAC soon. They are all great options, and you probably would be happy with any of them. You may also look at the Fiio K5 Pro if you want an all in one solution–but I prefer the stack method, then you can upgrade separate pieces if you’d like to later.
HD58X is a solid choice for a first open back headphone.
