External headphone amplifier

[Rumblee1]

Anyone using an external amp? I know I've already got the dac built into the V30, but was Winifred I could use an external amp for a bit more punch. I was considering the fiio A3. Very highly rated, and amp only, no dac.

 

[tardus]

With respect...there's no need for a headphone amp if you're using a V30.

 

[Rumblee1]

With respect...there's no need for a headphone amp if you're using a V30.

I'm using audio technica headphones at home, and there is a substantial difference in volume between those and my klipsch xr8i earbuds. I realize that the earbuds require a whole lot less to drive them, so I'm hoping to pick up a unit that will boost volume a little bit more. I'm looking at an amp only unit and not one with a dac since the ESS Sabre quad dac in the V30 is a great one. I'm looking at the fiio A3. Very highly rated in multiple articles.

 

[Rumblee1]

With respect...there's no need for a headphone amp if you're using a V30.

Well I got my amp. And must tell you that it makes a huge difference when listening to the V30 at home on my audio technica ath m50x headphones. You are correct that with earbuds, like the klipsch xr8i, no amp is necessary. I bought the SMSL T2 from Amazon. It's outstanding. Very quiet.

 

[Mike Dee]

Well I got my amp. And must tell you that it makes a huge difference when listening to the V30 at home on my audio technica ath m50x headphones. You are correct that with earbuds, like the klipsch xr8i, no amp is necessary. I bought the SMSL T2 from Amazon. It's outstanding. Very quiet.

That's probably because the m50s need a bit more than the normal output mode of the quad DAC.

 

[mlknez]

Well I got my amp. And must tell you that it makes a huge difference when listening to the V30 at home on my audio technica ath m50x headphones. You are correct that with earbuds, like the klipsch xr8i, no amp is necessary. I bought the SMSL T2 from Amazon. It's outstanding. Very quiet.

Try this with just the phone and no amp...

1.unplug the cord from the left ear cup
2. plug the normal cable end into the phone. (it should trigger aux mode)
3. plug the left ear cup back in

you will get a 150mw boost in power. That may be enough to drive your headphones without the amp.