Will an audio interface be sufficient for the HE4XX?

[JeffCasual]

Hi, I'm new to headphones and was wondering whether the Audient Evo 4 is sufficient in driving the HE4XX. I planned on getting the Fiio K5 Pro dac/amp for the HE4XX but realized that I could save a little more money on an xlr microphone being plugged into the Evo 4. If the Evo 4 could power the headphones, would I be missing out when it comes to audio quality if I opt for the audio interface instead of the dac/amp combo?

[Tigerleon]

1 hour ago, JeffCasual said:

Hi, I'm new to headphones and was wondering whether the Audient Evo 4 is sufficient in driving the HE4XX. I planned on getting the Fiio K5 Pro dac/amp for the HE4XX but realized that I could save a little more money on an xlr microphone being plugged into the Evo 4. If the Evo 4 could power the headphones, would I be missing out when it comes to audio quality if I opt for the audio interface instead of the dac/amp combo?

Yes, for now. But do invest in an amp/DAC for headphones.

[The Torrent]

On 12/28/2020 at 9:19 AM, JeffCasual said:

Hi, I'm new to headphones and was wondering whether the Audient Evo 4 is sufficient in driving the HE4XX. I planned on getting the Fiio K5 Pro dac/amp for the HE4XX but realized that I could save a little more money on an xlr microphone being plugged into the Evo 4. If the Evo 4 could power the headphones, would I be missing out when it comes to audio quality if I opt for the audio interface instead of the dac/amp combo?

Nah ur fine, i run HD800S off onboard ALC1220A and find it only about 0.05% worse than my RME Fireface 800.

[Ahoy Hoy]

On 12/28/2020 at 9:19 AM, JeffCasual said:

Hi, I'm new to headphones and was wondering whether the Audient Evo 4 is sufficient in driving the HE4XX. I planned on getting the Fiio K5 Pro dac/amp for the HE4XX but realized that I could save a little more money on an xlr microphone being plugged into the Evo 4. If the Evo 4 could power the headphones, would I be missing out when it comes to audio quality if I opt for the audio interface instead of the dac/amp combo?

The Evo 4 is easily powerful enough to run those headphones and has a decent DAC built in so buying any other equipment will probably have no noticeable difference in quality.

headphones- 35Ohms 93dB at 1mw                  EVO4 - at 30Ohms produces 45mW
The slight ohm difference on specs is so small that the EVO4 will easily push these headphones into hearing damage loudness which means its powerful enough.

Anyone who suggests that the Evo isnt good enough are idiots.

[Tigerleon]

On 12/29/2020 at 11:29 AM, The Torrent said:

Nah ur fine, i run HD800S off onboard ALC1220A and find it only about 0.05% worse than my RME Fireface 800.

This statement makes no sense compared a pair of planar magnetic headphones. You can't just say, "I run my HD800 S's off of my mobo amp. The HD800 S's are pretty easy-medium "hard" to drive. Planar magnetic is a whole different story. But yeah. These should be fine driven off of the interface he has now. 

[The Torrent]

1 hour ago, Tigerleon said:

This statement makes no sense compared a pair of planar magnetic headphones. You can't just say, "I run my HD800 S's off of my mobo amp. The HD800 S's are pretty easy-medium "hard" to drive. Planar magnetic is a whole different story. But yeah. These should be fine driven off of the interface he has now. 

I didn't check sensitivity but I meant sound wise difference is small because.people say amp its amp picky (it's not).

 

Also I wouldn't merge all planars together many are very easy to drive.

[rice guru]

1 hour ago, The Torrent said:

I didn't check sensitivity but I meant sound wise difference is small because.people say amp its amp picky (it's not).

 

Also I wouldn't merge all planars together many are very easy to drive.

When people say amp picky it doesn't mean by how loud it is but by amp to make the thing sound good imo very few amps make the HD 800s pleasant for music for me Ive only ever enjoyed listening to them through tubes I've never quite enjoyed them through solid state. It's about amp pairings and and gear synergy

[The Torrent]

1 hour ago, rice guru said:

When people say amp picky it doesn't mean by how loud it is but by amp to make the thing sound good imo very few amps make the HD 800s pleasant for music for me Ive only ever enjoyed listening to them through tubes I've never quite enjoyed them through solid state. It's about amp pairings and and gear synergy

I know that and there exactly what I'm debating.

 

I disagree it's amp picky at all I think it's rubbish idk where the rumour came from.

 

Just use eq sounds amazing through everything then.

[Tigerleon]

12 minutes ago, The Torrent said:

I know that and there exactly what I'm debating.

 

I disagree it's amp picky at all I think it's rubbish idk where the rumour came from.

 

Just use eq sounds amazing through everything then.

Hey, you do you I guess.

[kaixax555]

Should be fine, the HE4xx are relatively efficient compared to the more expensive counterparts