supa! Posted January 29, 2015 Posted January 29, 2015 I sit at a computer all day for work, so I finally decided that I'd buy a nice pair of headphones to pump some tunes. Sounds easy enough right? WRONG. Turns out I'm actually a dumbass when it comes to audio tech, and have no idea what I'm doing. I've got a pair of AKG K7xx's from Massdrop on the way, but I'm not really sure of the best way to run them (amps, dacs etc) without blowing the budget. Anyone able to help? Quote
jitz Posted January 29, 2015 Posted January 29, 2015 If you're playing MP3/AAC type files, plug it into the computer and away you go, you've just spent twice what you needed. If you're playing lossless files, you can buy decent desktop amps for a couple of hundred dollars, but if you notice any difference at all is dependant on you, your hearing loss, the files, the song, the artist, the mixing, the mastering, the onboard sound or soundcard, the output jack, the amp, and the headphones. Plus inside a computer there's hundreds of magentic fields going on, so interference is a common problem. A lot of times less sensitive headphones (cheaper ones) are a better option. I would just plug it into the computer to begin with and see if you're happy. Good luck! Quote
supa! Posted January 29, 2015 Author Posted January 29, 2015 Dude if that's true, that's a massive relief! I was under the impression that good quality headphones needed amps etc to drive them, because without them the power source would either be inadequate (like an ipod) or kind of all brawn no brains (like a standard desktop). Quote
jitz Posted January 29, 2015 Posted January 29, 2015 (edited) It's all about impedance, high impedance headphones need amps. Those AKG are somewhat high, double what my audio technica headphones are. That doesn't mean it won't run them though. It may run them perfectly at the volume level you're comfortable with, but it also may not. It may not be able to go super loud, it might not even be able to get to a reasonable level, or run them at all. You won't know till you plug them in. Just don't spend anything, till you know. I definitely wouldn't be putting my money on getting any sound out of an iPhone with them though. Edited January 29, 2015 by jitz Quote
supa! Posted January 29, 2015 Author Posted January 29, 2015 Solid advice right there. I've been looking into what I need to do if I need to run a decent portable system. Fortunately about 7 or 8 years ago I made one of the best investments ever - ipod classic 64gb. Apparently thing is pretty decent for running headphones, but even so many people still hook it up with a small portable amp. Quote
supa! Posted March 10, 2015 Author Posted March 10, 2015 For anyone who's interested, headphones FINALLY arrived today (USA delivered to Australia Post Warehouse who forwarded them to me). Thoughts so far... I love them. They're are BIG AS FUCK (see pic below) but the sound is amazing. I've got a pair of Beats and these honestly make them sound like shit. The best way to describe it is upgrading your tv from built in speakers to 5.1 surround sound. Thanks for the advice Jitz - I don't think I'll need an amp or DAC if I'm running off macbook or ipod classic. The Galaxy Note 3 doesn't really seem to have enough juice to power it too loud but oh well, no loss. What headphones do you guys run? Quote
SekiRaze Posted March 10, 2015 Posted March 10, 2015 I personally run on my AKG K-812 Pro for ages now! they have cost me a Motherf*n fortune but it was worth the buy. I make music and I need to be carefull with sounds alot. Those headphones cost a shit ton of money, but they give me what i need and i would cry and die if those broke in the next 5 years. The headphones i had before those were my Philips SHP1900. Cheap, sound was ok but was not enough to satisfie my need... on the go i use my Aircoustic Xtreme Talk. Needed to tweek the EQ of my Sony Xperia Z2 but they provide very clean sound. The mid tones are rather flat (hence the EQ) but the bass is very neutral and the hights do not spasm out on higher volumes. Quote
Deleted Account Posted March 12, 2015 Posted March 12, 2015 I absolutely loved the look of those headphones you've got on the picture. It looks incredibly big and possibly too mother freakin' big for me, I'm absolutely glad to read that those headphones are good value. I currently run some plain shitty Woolworths stereo headphones that cost me about 30 dollars, better than nothing though, when I use it for 4 hours, my outer ear gets a little sore, but thankfully not the inside. Safety first is always the answer. In case my headphones break, I might buy a better brand that's not a supermarket brand, maybe Sony perhaps? as long as it's not too expensive than my budget would be good. Quote
supa! Posted March 17, 2015 Author Posted March 17, 2015 Seki - AKG's are the shit. I was looking at getting some k702's before I saw these badboys on Massdrop for $200 US - ABSOLUTE STEAL. Hectic - look into some of the sennheisers - some pretty decent ones for low budgets Quote
HarlotEffect Posted March 17, 2015 Posted March 17, 2015 I got some Skullcandy headphones for like £15, and I love them. Quote
Deleted Account Posted March 21, 2015 Posted March 21, 2015 I looked into Sennheiser and I'm definitely gonna buy them. Quote
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