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

Showing 1 response by soix

I’d highly recommend these Hifiman Arya Organics that can easily be returned through Amazon if they don’t work out.  I own the Arya Stealths that are a model below these and am thrilled with them, and the Organics are supposed to be a significant improvement (see review below) but aren’t much more expensive and still within your budget.  They are also relatively easy to drive so should work perfectly fine with your Aethos.  The Stealths are very open sounding with an expansive soundstage and imaging that is very much of an “outside the head” type of presentation.  They are neutral and very balanced with great detail and tone with very quick, tight, and tuneful bass and are very light and comfortable to wear for long periods of time.  They go quite low but don’t do boom boom kinda bass so if you listen to EDM, rap, etc. there are probably better choices, but if you want a well-balanced, audiophile experience these are excellent and very well worth a try.  Just one idea FWIW, and best of luck. 

https://www.amazon.com/HIFIMAN-Arya-Organic-Full-Size-Audiophiles/dp/B0C5RFXMM5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=63ME27D9XL7L&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gZiIW-FtM_VJzkxpPNYXmtY9arIQ1GRqHWX_x5G3RMpKL12EiHBglMp-Gz0EdJ0SizCWbspiltGmMA8iGOxUuA99Ymomm_9u9ih29HMbim-cfPcFI5wr_A6ikbBbK5ZVZ5HtaqitghBfUa-HlTQXTJCSBWHfJMqqx6aYxAsR-zkA9wmRgi2lvnfN-2P5HKYGqzxSwzu5MhguvwF2v1IExq4TEP1eCK8ExrAPAxD34Ok.p540th1sN4ffFXXsj-V44PP0DMFJHoX6c3Oya9JWI60&dib_tag=se&keywords=hifiman+arya+organic&qid=1745004111&sprefix=Hifiman+arya%2Caps%2C107&sr=8-1

The review…

https://soundnews.net/reviews/headphones/hifiman-arya-organic-review-comparison/