I know these don't require an amp since they are only 42 impedence, however would they sound better with a dac and amp?
505577
Almost any pair of headphones will benefit from a higher quality DAC and/or amplifier. These sound quite solid even driven by more common sources such as a laptop headphone port. Because of this I find the difference between 'normal' sources and a nicer setup to be a little less pronounced but still appreciable, though your milage may vary.
505578
yes they will sound better with a dac/amp. though they run well off just about any source, nothing beats a dac/amp combo to bring out the best in a headphone. unamped you're getting 90+% of the headphone's capability. the dac/amp gets you closer 100%. the results aren't always mind blowing and noticeable though. I run my a900x through a schiit modi dac and schiit vali amp. what I notice most is the bass is tighter and more controlled. overall clarity is also improved. because of the clarity, the soundstage sounds more open. again not a huge difference, but if you're used to the sound signature, you'll notice it. yes they will sound better with a dac/amp. though they run well off just about any source, nothing beats a dac/amp combo to bring out the best in a headphone. unamped you're getting 90+% of the headphone's capability. the dac/amp gets you closer 100%. the results aren't always mind blowing and noticeable though. I run my a900x through a schiit modi dac and schiit vali amp. what I notice most is the bass is tighter and more controlled. overall clarity is also improved. because of the clarity, the soundstage sounds more open. again not a huge difference, but if you're used to the... » Read More yes they will sound better with a dac/amp. though they run well off just about any source, nothing beats a dac/amp combo to bring out the best in a headphone. unamped you're getting 90+% of the headphone's capability. the dac/amp gets you closer 100%. the results aren't always mind blowing and noticeable though. I run my a900x through a schiit modi dac and schiit vali amp. what I notice most is the bass is tighter and more controlled. overall clarity is also improved. because of the clarity, the soundstage sounds more open. again not a huge difference, but if you're used to the sound signature, you'll notice it. « Show Less
505579
They might sound different but not necessarily better. An amp might make them sound more open. It all varies between equipment. I can't live without my EQ settings, that would be one benefit of a amp.
78708
You just need your normal surround amp no separate amp required p.s. they sound awesome
1157963
I use them with iphone and computer - don't really feel the need for an amp, quality and amplitude are both great.
1128283
No amp required, but they are FAR better with an amp and a bit of EQ to tailor to your choice of sound.
1898242
You can run them without . That's what I'm doing now but it you what clearer and louder sound you'll need an amp
164030
Oh most definitely. I have them hooked up my computer with a small little Chinese amp in my living room and they sound more than adequate for it.
417556
I own these headphones and i hook them up to my mac laptop and computer all the time and the sound quality is fantastic. I also have a fiio e5 and that really doesn't do much. These headphones are very sensitive and only 50 ohm so therefor you will not need an amplifier. People say you need a headphone amp for high end headphones, but that is only if you have 300 ohm headphones. Most high end headphones are much higher than these. SO you should be fine hooking them up to your pc speakers or just directly into your pc.
1222471
No, they will work without an amp. Yes, for them to work at peak performance. Really depends on your standards of sound quality. Mine sound fine without an amp.
1723768
You probably don't need an amp, but the Grados will really sound a lot better with more power. You will need a 1/4" to mini adapter to fit your PC, though.
677146
I have heard with my ears and from Tek Syndicate on YouTube they do not need a DAC. So they should be fine with on board audio.
1386828
I can't tell you if the dac is worth it but I wanted to make it clear since a lot of people have said that an amp wouldn't help much on the qc15's. This is quite wrong since I have used these headphones myself with and without an amp and the difference is clearly there. You'll be able to turn up the volume much louder on these headphones with an amp and get a much warmer sound. Whichever amp you decide on getting, you'll definitely notice the difference.
1017592
Yeah...you need a REALLY good sound card to use these, and even then, it'd be better if you just stuck to using an A/V Receiver or something instead.
1566680
If I were you I would look for a good pair of PC speakers. Technically it is possible using an amp and converter cables. If you are using the computer as part of a music system setup then it maybe worth going this route.
1698057
you'll want an amplifier. A DAC is nice, but not strictly speaking necessarily
171478
Hey, not unless you have a power amp and mixer. These are non-powered and have no built-in amplifier at all.
37076
I would say yes. My stereo is not Pioneer i dont have a amp or equalizer and they sound good...
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