Looking for ~$200-$250 headphones, also will it need an DAC+AMP?

Echodamus · October 21, 2014

So I am looking to get a nice pair of headphones, something preferably around $200 but up to $250 is fine. It really don't care how they look, its about the sound, I would prefer them to be over-ear if possible. I just want something without harsh highs and lows that are noticeable but balanced, nothing too fancy. Also if I could drive it without an amp, that would be great, so nothing with crazy high impedance.

That being said, would headphones in this price range benefit from having an amp that I can place on my desk at home. I've been told they generally just make things loud, but I just want to make sure. I want to be able to drive the headphones on the go from my phone without an external power source, so it seems like a amp wouldn't be necissary, but I just want to make sure that I am correct in thinking that.

Thanks for your time!

ZetZet · October 21, 2014

Depends what mobo you have.

ShearMe · October 21, 2014

Amps are only designed to make things louder. The only reason to get one is if you're getting a DAC. Most DACs are the same, so the only reason to get one of those is if there's something wrong with your mobo.

Hard to pick out a headphone for that budget at the moment unless you're willing to consider something cheaper like the HD558. Normally I'd push for the Philips Fidelio X1, as it used to be $200ish, but recently the price leaped up to $270.