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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
sagur80 OP
30 posts
 

I had always some minor niggling peeves towards the mid and lower bass sections of the Aune 7000 headphone running through the Aethos headphone socket. Then took a chance with and put my mind to rest with adding the Aune S17 pro headphone amp to the mix. After the second listening session, now happy to confirm the sound is as good as if listening through my reference system and even adds an additional layer or sometimes two to the presentation . Not revealed before. My headphone foray is now complete. A surprisingly good outcome and more quality sound on tap than ever thought possible. 

sro
20 posts
 

FYI, I'm going through a similar process.   I have an Aavik U-588, Borresen 01 SSE speakers all Ansuz cables, D3 power distributor, D3 power switch.  I wanted to get some headphones.  Bought some Focal Bathys and McIntosh MB25 bluetooth [BT)  receiver and transmitter.  Liked the sound somewhat but didn't like the MB25.  To make a long story short.  Bought Topping A50 III headphone amp and P50 linear power supply as a test.  Very impressed with the Topping items, sound, build, etc.  Hard to believe they we're so inexpensive.  Using the Focal Bathys wired, sound pretty great for the price.  Not sure where I go next.  Have Art Audio building long custom cable for the Bathys.  If I were to upgrade anything right now I think it would be the Bathys but I think I'd need to spend about $2000 to make much of a difference.  Just my current story and info for you.

dbphd
1,633 posts
 

I’m new to headphones, but will be moving to a life-care community next month where I will need to play my audio at moderate levels even though the units are said to be well sound proofed with cement walls.  I was impressed with my cousin’s McIntosh headphone amp driving Sennheiser 800S for loud large orchestrations.  I will be using the headphone output of my Ayre QX-5 Twenty Roon-ready DAC to drive 800S, and I don’t know what to expect.  Roon iis my primary source,  I hope I don't have to buy a separate headphone amp.

(The QX-5/20 will be used with an Ayre AX-5/20 integrated to drive KEF Reference 1s as an alternate to my KEF LS60 setup.)

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