Amped or Un-Amped? (HD595) I've read a lot of reviews and some are conflicting regarding whether these HD595s should be used with an Amp or not.I assume that an amp will provide louder sound but will the music sound `fuller'?The big question is... "Is the quality of music substantially improved with an amp on these cans to justify the price of the amp?"Amp in question: http://www.amazon.com/FiiO-E7-Portable-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B003E6K1VK/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=ITYPCGVMBE6DW&colid=3OG40H7SENL7QHardware: Aluminum MacBookFiles: Ripped at 192kbps & 320kbps Amped or Un-Amped? (HD595) I've read a lot of reviews and some are conflicting regarding whether these HD595s should be used with an Amp or not.I assume that an amp will provide... » Read More Amped or Un-Amped? (HD595) I've read a lot of reviews and some are conflicting regarding whether these HD595s should be used with an Amp or not.I assume that an amp will provide louder sound but will the music sound `fuller'?The big question is... "Is the quality of music substantially improved with an amp on these cans to justify the price of the amp?"Amp in question: http://www.amazon.com/FiiO-E7-Portable-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B003E6K1VK/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=ITYPCGVMBE6DW&colid=3OG40H7SENL7QHardware: Aluminum MacBookFiles: Ripped at 192kbps & 320kbps « Show Less
939313
BTW, I'm not completely sure how much of a difference there will be with MP3's. To really get the best quality sound i would recommend FLAC files. Particularly while listening through a high quality signal chain there is a MASSIVE quality difference between any MP3 and FLAC (basically akin to the difference between SD and HD tv - so for you it would be like watching an SD signal through an HD tv - not much of an improvement). Most people just can't tell the difference because their speakers and/or DAC are poor.
939314
My two cents..I'm not sure how good the internal DAC/AMP in the Macbook is, but as for my HP DM4, I found the FiiO E7 to be of lesser quality than the sound card I already had in this laptop.
939315
I'd have to disagree with this. No laptop out I've ever tried is able to convert digital to analog signal cleaner than a dedicated DAC like the E7 can. The DAC in a laptop only costs a few cents and is subject to noise in the laptop enclosure.
939316
I can't speak for that specific DAC/Amp you are talking about, but yes a high quality Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) and a dedicated headphone amp should sound better than your standard MacBook outputs for any headphones including the HD595's. I personally have a Universal Audio 2192 (DAC - $3000) that goes through a Central Station (Headphone Amp - $500) in my home recording studio which definitely clarifies the sound but that would probably be overkill for you!
939317
You'll have to try the HP DM4-1100. I guess the HP Envy is even better.I have the NuForce uDAC-2 now, and it is also just barely better than the HP DM4. For loud volume, the DAC is cleaner, for sure, but overall it is incredibly comparable.
939318
hmmm thanks for all the points y'all. this will help a lot of people too. By the way. speaking of FLAC I'm now looking into it. (I'm on the Mac.)How do you get your FLAC files? Do you rip them from CDs? also... I assume that it makes no sense to buy mp3s (lets say on iTunes) and then convert to FLAC as the mp3 is of lesser quality. Therefore to have FLAC files you would have to buy all your music on CD am I correct?if I can only buy iTunes music then hopefully the 256kbps files they sell will do these cans justice.Please enlighten me because having higher quality audio will definitely help my HD595s deliver their best. Thanks. hmmm thanks for all the points y'all. this will help a lot of people too. By the way. speaking of FLAC I'm now looking into it. (I'm on the Mac.)How do you get your FLAC files? Do you rip them from CDs? also... I assume that it makes no sense to buy mp3s (lets say on iTunes) and then convert to FLAC as the mp3 is of lesser quality. Therefore to have FLAC files you would have to buy all your music on CD am I correct?if I can only buy iTunes music then hopefully the 256kbps files they sell will do these cans justice.Please enlighten me because having higher... » Read More hmmm thanks for all the points y'all. this will help a lot of people too. By the way. speaking of FLAC I'm now looking into it. (I'm on the Mac.)How do you get your FLAC files? Do you rip them from CDs? also... I assume that it makes no sense to buy mp3s (lets say on iTunes) and then convert to FLAC as the mp3 is of lesser quality. Therefore to have FLAC files you would have to buy all your music on CD am I correct?if I can only buy iTunes music then hopefully the 256kbps files they sell will do these cans justice.Please enlighten me because having higher quality audio will definitely help my HD595s deliver their best. Thanks. « Show Less
939319
The E7 and the HD595s are a great match. The E7 is a fantastic product and most definitely worth the price. All my Sennheisers really come alive when paired with the E7.
2137453
Yes, as a longtime audiophile I have no problem recommending these headphones. The dynamic response of these headphones seem quite good, especially considering their price. Understand however that the bass response of many expensive high-end headphones leave something to be desired, but these headphones have discrete bass amplification and are intended for listeners who appreciate a better bass response along with a good dynamic range. I originally bought these for gaming and because they fold up and fit nicely into my backpack, but quickly realized their sound quality also made them a good choice for listening to music. Hope this helps. Yes, as a longtime audiophile I have no problem recommending these headphones. The dynamic response of these headphones seem quite good, especially considering their price. Understand however that the bass response of many expensive high-end headphones leave something to be desired, but these headphones have discrete bass amplification and are intended for listeners who appreciate a better bass response along with a good dynamic range. I originally bought these for gaming and because they fold up and fit nicely into my backpack, but quickly realized their sound quality also made them a good... » Read More Yes, as a longtime audiophile I have no problem recommending these headphones. The dynamic response of these headphones seem quite good, especially considering their price. Understand however that the bass response of many expensive high-end headphones leave something to be desired, but these headphones have discrete bass amplification and are intended for listeners who appreciate a better bass response along with a good dynamic range. I originally bought these for gaming and because they fold up and fit nicely into my backpack, but quickly realized their sound quality also made them a good choice for listening to music. Hope this helps. « Show Less
2193944
These are actually 300 ohm cans...and a separate DAC or DAC/amp will make a significant difference as the DAC on your computer is not the greatest. I have the latest MacBook Air and I also have a very expensive CD player. There was an immediate improvement when using my DAC/amp with the HD600. I don't have Schiit, but it would be the same effect
558274
It already has a good DAC. Whether a better DAC would improve sound really depends on the rest of your system. If you have high end stuff, you might be able to hear a difference. It also has a line-out so you can skip the internal headphone amp. However, I think it sounds fine as is. I would not pair it with other portable dacs/amps as the whole reason for buying it was to have a single, very good sounding unit.
2134812
I use the CD6005 internal headphone amp with SONY MDR-V6 (63 Ohm; 106dB SPL/1 mW), AudioTechnica M50x (38 Ohm; 99dB SPL/1mW), and AKG K701 (62 Ohm; 93dB SPL/1mw) headphones. Listening to a wide variety of genres, I've yet to set the headphone amp level higher than half-way to get 85dB levels with the SONY and A-T, and 3/4 with the AKG - that's pretty loud, but not loud enough to start damaging hearing over time. The Sennheiser HD 598 mentioned in an earlier response is an open-back 50 Ohm headphone, similar to the AKG K701, having about the same 93dB SPL/1mw. Like the AKG, it is not as efficient as closed-back headphones and requires about 75-80% of the headphone amp's power to get to an 85dB level. I use the CD6005 internal headphone amp with SONY MDR-V6 (63 Ohm; 106dB SPL/1 mW), AudioTechnica M50x (38 Ohm; 99dB SPL/1mW), and AKG K701 (62 Ohm; 93dB SPL/1mw) headphones. Listening to a wide variety of genres, I've yet to set the headphone amp level higher than half-way to get 85dB levels with the SONY and A-T, and 3/4 with the AKG - that's pretty loud, but not loud enough to start damaging hearing over time. The Sennheiser HD 598 mentioned in an earlier response is an open-back 50 Ohm headphone, similar to the AKG K701, having about the same 93dB SPL/1mw. Like the AKG, it is not as... » Read More I use the CD6005 internal headphone amp with SONY MDR-V6 (63 Ohm; 106dB SPL/1 mW), AudioTechnica M50x (38 Ohm; 99dB SPL/1mW), and AKG K701 (62 Ohm; 93dB SPL/1mw) headphones. Listening to a wide variety of genres, I've yet to set the headphone amp level higher than half-way to get 85dB levels with the SONY and A-T, and 3/4 with the AKG - that's pretty loud, but not loud enough to start damaging hearing over time. The Sennheiser HD 598 mentioned in an earlier response is an open-back 50 Ohm headphone, similar to the AKG K701, having about the same 93dB SPL/1mw. Like the AKG, it is not as efficient as closed-back headphones and requires about 75-80% of the headphone amp's power to get to an 85dB level. « Show Less
1185564
Well the sound quality on these is great and tight I wouldn't ever use them without a dedicated headphone amp like the mayflower objective 2. So I don't think you will benefit from such an expensive pair of headphones. I think you will get better price/performance from something in the audiotechnica M** series. Drastically cheaper and will match the hardware in the iphone better. This is unless you have a decent audio setup at home and plan to use it for both. On the go you should go for the cheaper option more suited for the kind of audio hardware in your phone. At home with a decent headphone amp the sennheisers will shine. Well the sound quality on these is great and tight I wouldn't ever use them without a dedicated headphone amp like the mayflower objective 2. So I don't think you will benefit from such an expensive pair of headphones. I think you will get better price/performance from something in the audiotechnica M** series. Drastically cheaper and will match the hardware in the iphone better. This is unless you have a decent audio setup at home and plan to use it for both. On the go you should go for the cheaper option more suited for the kind of audio hardware in your phone. At home with a... » Read More Well the sound quality on these is great and tight I wouldn't ever use them without a dedicated headphone amp like the mayflower objective 2. So I don't think you will benefit from such an expensive pair of headphones. I think you will get better price/performance from something in the audiotechnica M** series. Drastically cheaper and will match the hardware in the iphone better. This is unless you have a decent audio setup at home and plan to use it for both. On the go you should go for the cheaper option more suited for the kind of audio hardware in your phone. At home with a decent headphone amp the sennheisers will shine. « Show Less
2134810
The marketing mumbo jumbo that John quotes sounds nice but is false when it says "features the ability to properly drive the widest variety of headphone types, regardless of impedance or sensitivity". It will not "properly" drive all headphone types. In fact I think it is under-powered for any headphones over 50 ohms impedance. I tested it with my apple ear buds and half volume is about as loud as I would want to go but with my 50 ohm headphones I have the volume maxed out and wish I could go higher. So the honest truth is that they really skimped on the headphone amplifier on this product. The best review I have found on this product is from Don Disbennett at hometheaterhifi and he talks about this as well from his testing with HD598 headphones. The companion amplifier, PM6005, has a great headphone amplifier section that can drive any headphones however.
2021299
I just bought a Mcintosh MHA100 DAC/AMP and it is brilliant with the HD600. It completely changed the performance and took it to a level that in my opinion was better than $1800 cans I tried. If you like tubes Woo Audio WA7 has some excellent feedback
2162333
There are headphone jacks, which are large standard size and small one for small equipment like you said MacBook, I am using mine at HP computer as is without amplifier. There is no difference of Sound. It is a great one. Hope you enjoy it. Steven K.
1279870
I agree, the P7 sound pretty good without an amplifier. However, I found they do scale up nicely when I use it with my desk bound DAC and headphone amplifier. I have used it with my portable Headroom Headphone Total BitHead amplifier on my Macbook Pro and iPad Air, and found that there was an improvement. However, for mobile/daily use the beauty of the P7 is that it works just great from my iPad Air and iPhone. It actually surprised me how good it sounds sans amplifier, and how even better it sounds with $3,000 worth desktop amplification. When traveling I always bring the P7s with me even though they take up more space than even quality in-ears. I like them that much. I do not know from experience if the FiiO make the P7s sound better, but as I've said amplification to scale up the sound for me. But by no means do I feel them wanting just plugged into my iPhone, iPad Air or Macbook Pro.
583562
I don't think it's overkill at all. If you want a better musical experience, then go right ahead. But make sure you have some high quality audio files before trying them out. Better sound quality going in equals better sound coming out and that's even more true when it comes to these headphones. These will only emphasize the bad sound of your files if they are low quality. The better the source, the better the sound. Oh and speaking of source, I also recommend getting a portable headphone amp like this http://amzn.com/B005HJWWW8 and a Line Out Dock cable like this http://amzn.com/B005N6ZAT2 because the internal amp of the iPod will most likely be holding these headphones back. The Line Out Dock cable bypasses the internal headphone amp and feeds the pure line out signal directly into the better, more powerful, and higher quality external amp.
2142489
As I'm a French-hornist, my standards are low, and I'm satisfied with the AKGs from my computer alone, but the trusted friend and audiofiend who turned me on to the set in the first place observes:"The highest quality headphones usually have a high impedance. Whentheir impedance is above 300 ohms headphones can't be driven to satisfactory levels by a computer sound card, and thus requires separate amplification - usually a dedicated headphone amplifier. But even lower impedance headphones (such as my Grados) sound better when played through a dedicated amplifier. The difference is not a subtle one."like I said, I don't much care. As I'm a French-hornist, my standards are low, and I'm satisfied with the AKGs from my computer alone, but the trusted friend and audiofiend who turned me on to the set in the first place observes:"The highest quality headphones usually have a high impedance. Whentheir impedance is above 300 ohms headphones can't be driven to satisfactory levels by a computer sound card, and thus requires separate amplification - usually a dedicated headphone amplifier. But even lower impedance headphones (such as my Grados) sound better when played through a dedicated amplifier. The... » Read More As I'm a French-hornist, my standards are low, and I'm satisfied with the AKGs from my computer alone, but the trusted friend and audiofiend who turned me on to the set in the first place observes:"The highest quality headphones usually have a high impedance. Whentheir impedance is above 300 ohms headphones can't be driven to satisfactory levels by a computer sound card, and thus requires separate amplification - usually a dedicated headphone amplifier. But even lower impedance headphones (such as my Grados) sound better when played through a dedicated amplifier. The difference is not a subtle one."like I said, I don't much care. « Show Less
774523
I would say yes as the Mont Blanc amp is supposed to be fantastic, but I wouldn't buy one just to pair with an X3. The X3's amp is pretty damn solid and I think the difference would be neglagable, unless you're using cans that need a lot of current. Now if you're buying the amp anyways and are going to use it on different devices of course pair it with the X3 ;). I mean the main purpose of the X3 is an awesome sounding all in one device, so you don't have to lug around a seperate amp. I've been the separate amp route and I've spent way, way too much on portable audio stuff - so I appreciate the value and simplicity of the X3. The X3 and a nice mid high end set of iem's is all I need in my portable setup, and my wallet thanks me! Sorry about rambling on lol, there is better sounding gear for sure, but how much do you want to spend and when do you reach the point of deminishing returns? I don't visit sites like head fi anymore, keeps me out of trouble ;) They are always coming out with bigger and better things damn them :)
1005280
Yes, they can be used without an amp, but they sound much better in my opinion with one. Even a cheap Fiio E6 or whatnot. If you're listening out of a computer a DAC/amp like the Fiio E10 or the Fiio E7 or its successor, the E7k "Andes". I wouldn't say I'm an audiophile either and I used to be ambivalent about amps and DAC's until I actually tried them. Then I realized how good they could make a good set of headphones sound.
1470010
I have listened through them with my 2013 11" macbook air, and it pushes enough volume through them to enjoy them, but you are missing a lot of what they can offer with an amp. I would very very strongly recommend the Schiit vali, at $119, it sounds wonderful and is considered by many to be one of the best pairings for theese headphones.Now with my iPhone 5s, I have to put it to maximum volume to get close to a satisfying volume, so when you get to a song recorded a bit quieter than average, you are left wanting for a bit more power.These cans are worth every last penny and I hope you do decide to jump into audio nirvana with them :) I have listened through them with my 2013 11" macbook air, and it pushes enough volume through them to enjoy them, but you are missing a lot of what they can offer with an amp. I would very very strongly recommend the Schiit vali, at $119, it sounds wonderful and is considered by many to be one of the best pairings for theese headphones.Now with my iPhone 5s, I have to put it to maximum volume to get close to a satisfying volume, so when you get to a song recorded a bit quieter than average, you are left wanting for a bit more power.These cans are worth every last penny and... » Read More I have listened through them with my 2013 11" macbook air, and it pushes enough volume through them to enjoy them, but you are missing a lot of what they can offer with an amp. I would very very strongly recommend the Schiit vali, at $119, it sounds wonderful and is considered by many to be one of the best pairings for theese headphones.Now with my iPhone 5s, I have to put it to maximum volume to get close to a satisfying volume, so when you get to a song recorded a bit quieter than average, you are left wanting for a bit more power.These cans are worth every last penny and I hope you do decide to jump into audio nirvana with them :) « Show Less
2239272
NoWhile I'm sure they sounded better than other headphones you've heard, they weren't at even close to their full potential. These headphones require 300ohms to be properly powered, which you MBP won't do. I would highly suggest picking up a amp + DAC combo so you can power these cans to open up the soundstage and let the details of music shine through. If you're looking for a good pair to plug straight into your MBP, I would highly suggest checking out the HD-598's as they are low impedance and can easily be powered by the computers native sound card.
378986
@Gustavo: Yes. Any amplified speakers, such as these, are made specifically to be used with non-amplified sources (i.e., virtually non-amplified). That would include any personal computer, iPods and other MP3 players, and frankly, anything with a headphone jack. They are still called "headphone" jacks since that's what their original use was intended for, and then the speaker companies had an existing and standard sound-out jack to take advantage of. DAMAGE CONTROL: Always be safe the first time you use any new speakers by beginning with the volume controls (on both the source and the speakers) set to low, and gradually increase them. @Gustavo: Yes. Any amplified speakers, such as these, are made specifically to be used with non-amplified sources (i.e., virtually non-amplified). That would include any personal computer, iPods and other MP3 players, and frankly, anything with a headphone jack. They are still called "headphone" jacks since that's what their original use was intended for, and then the speaker companies had an existing and standard sound-out jack to take advantage of. DAMAGE CONTROL: Always be safe the first time you use any new speakers by beginning with the volume controls (on both... » Read More @Gustavo: Yes. Any amplified speakers, such as these, are made specifically to be used with non-amplified sources (i.e., virtually non-amplified). That would include any personal computer, iPods and other MP3 players, and frankly, anything with a headphone jack. They are still called "headphone" jacks since that's what their original use was intended for, and then the speaker companies had an existing and standard sound-out jack to take advantage of. DAMAGE CONTROL: Always be safe the first time you use any new speakers by beginning with the volume controls (on both the source and the speakers) set to low, and gradually increase them. « Show Less