Headphone amps necessary for better sound??

[Vanan]

Hey guys! Really keen on getting a pair of Grado 125, 225 or 325 sometime soon but the manufacturer recommends an amp for "improved" listening. I'm the only one using them so I don't need an amp to split signals to others.

Does an amp boost a signal so that headphones can work "better"? Do higher end reference headphones benefit from having them amped? Or is this all just a marketing ploy for gullible consumers?

Not keen on forking over double the amount just to get the most out of an already fairly expensive pair of headphones.

[garageband]

Or is this all just a marketing ploy for gullible consumers?

I was unaware of this marketing ploy for gullible consumers.

[venuestudio]

If you are referring to the headphone amps by Grado, Creek, Rega, etc. I would say no you do not need to spend a grand on a headphone amp. You will see people hear talking about headphone amps (the Behringer HA series) with respect to monitoring. Mostly that refers to multiple feeds for recording. They do boost the signal which can be helpful if you are say a drummer and can not get enough volume out of you present system. Other than that any output that is clean will do.

[tacman7]

I was looking at something like this, the benchmark DAC. It's got a somewhat upscale headphone amp but the main thing is converting your audio from digital to analog.

Lots of good reviews so I don't think it's hype there.

[Vanan]

Originally Posted by garageband

I was unaware of this marketing ploy for gullible consumers.

Grado claims that using their headphone amp provides you with better quality sound from the phones. :P

Thanks for the clearing that up Kent. Kinda figured that, but wanted to be sure. Thanks.