Superlux HD681, upgrade or just buy an amp/dac?

[Harue]

Helloz,

 

question is pretty simple, been using these Superlux HD 681's for close to 8 months now, still love them. Listen to everything with them, but have started to get a little bored with them, wondering if an Amp/Dac would liven things up a little bit or if it would make much of a difference at all? 

If not then should I upgrade to something a bit more expensive, say in the $200 - $250 range?

 

I like a mostly neutral EQ with a little bit of punchy bass, I find the HD681's lacking in bass ever so slightly lol

 

Thanks ahead of time for any responses

[Guest Kloaked]

If you're looking for flatness with a bit of bass boost, I can personally vouch for the HD280's.

 

Some amp/dac's come with a bass boost switch, like the Fiio E10k if you want a amp/dac, but it won't make much of a difference to a point.

[BoredErica]

Git new hadfones. Or get nothing new at all. Getting external amp/dacs usually is to solve a problem - Like your onboard is toast or isn't working well, or your headphones don't go loud enough for you, etc. It's not a magic wand that makes your life better.

[Harue]

If you're looking for flatness with a bit of bass boost, I can personally vouch for the HD280's.

 

Some amp/dac's come with a bass boost switch, like the Fiio E10k if you want a amp/dac, but it won't make much of a difference to a point.

 

I've looked into the HD280's a couple times, they seem like a solid pair of headphones. Forgot to mention that I prefer either a semi open or fully open back headphone I think that was what kept me from getting those before lol

[Harue]

Git new hadfones. Or get nothing new at all. Getting external amp/dacs usually is to solve a problem - Like your onboard is toast or isn't working well, or your headphones don't go loud enough for you, etc. It's not a magic wand that makes your life better.

 

I'll more then likely be getting an Amp regardless of whether I get new headphones or not lol My music could always be louder \m/ haha

I was just wondering if it would change the sound signature of my HD681's at all if they were amp'd. 

[BoredErica]

Technically yes, if you get a tube amp or one with high output impedance. It's basically an expensive EQ you can't take off. The "EQ" is actually distortion... or we can try a euphemism: "Coloration". Even if you want one, it's ridiculous to pay for $500+ amp when you headphones aren't even $100.

[Harue]

Technically yes, if you get a tube amp or one with high output impedance. It's basically an expensive EQ you can't take off. The "EQ" is actually distortion... or we can try a euphemism: "Coloration". Even if you want one, it's ridiculous to pay for $500+ amp when you headphones aren't even $100.

 

Yeah I'm not spending anywhere near that for an amp, just gonna get an Objective2 from Mayflower lol unless something better comes along in the same price range.

[creatip123]

Doesn't matter if it's a $50 headphone or $5000 headphone, at some point the user will becomes bored with the sound. It's natural and it's human. If you're looking for that wow factor again, get a better headphone, with a considerable leap in class/level. 

 

Amp/dac's difference in sound won't be enough to be considered as a new wow factor. To most people, louder = better, well, up till they develop tinnitus, which is ear ringing 24/7 for the rest of their life.....

[xukaiteo]

You can try the Objective 2 amp/DAC. That is what I use.