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Do I need an Amp?

MTROB
By MTROB
in Audio
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I am looking at getting some AKG K702 headphones, mostly for listening to music, video editing, and some gaming. I was looking at a Asus Xonar Essence STX as a sound card, which has an amp in it, but I was wondering if it was powerful enough to drive the headphones? The headphones are 62ohms of impedance. If they are not what Amp should I get or is there a better sound card for these headphones?

 

Thanks

Asus Sabertooth Z77, Intel 3770K 4.6GHz @ 1.33V, EVGA GTX670, Corsair Vengeance 16GB RAM, and Corsair 800D

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If you are looking for an amp get the Objective 2 by Mayflower electronics. 

https://www.mayflowerelectronics.com

But in saying that the STX should do just fine. The STX can power up to 600 ohm headphones. 

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A soundcard's high output impedance would likely wreak havoc on the AKG's bass response, but a good amp is recommended for those headphones.

PC Build in LTT Gallery - JBL J88 - Fostex T50RP (Modded) - Pioneer SE-A1000 vs audio-technica ATH-AD500X - Skullcandy Aviator  
audio-technica ATH-T400 - CHC Silverado and Laredo - Clip-On Headphone Roundup - Sony LinkBuds

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A soundcard's high output impedance would likely wreak havoc on the AKG's bass response, but a good amp is recommended for those headphones.

This man is truly a Disciple of the great audio God's Theile and Small.  Harken to his word for he speaks the truth of impedance and the path to true sonic enlightenment.  

Grammar and spelling is not indicative of intelligence/knowledge.  Not having the same opinion does not always mean lack of understanding.  

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This man is truly a Disciple of the great audio God's Theile and Small. Harken to his word for he speaks the truth of impedance and the path to true sonic enlightenment.

Amen Brother

Never trust a hug. Its just a way to hide your face - The Doctor (Sounds something like the grumpy cat would say)

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A soundcard's high output impedance would likely wreak havoc on the AKG's bass response, but a good amp is recommended for those headphones.

 

The Essence STX is a poor match for a detailed, low impedance, low sensitivity headphone like that one.  In my personal experience I've found the difference is very audible.

"Pardon my French but this is just about the most ignorant blanket statement I've ever read. And though this is the internet, I'm not even exaggerating."

 

 

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So because the amps output impedance is 10ohms I would need a 80ohm headphones for the amp to work properly? So If I was to get the ST (Only has DAC or amp) which is 10ohms and them buy the mayflower amp shown above which has a 0.54ohm output impedance, would that work? 

Asus Sabertooth Z77, Intel 3770K 4.6GHz @ 1.33V, EVGA GTX670, Corsair Vengeance 16GB RAM, and Corsair 800D

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So because the amps output impedance is 10ohms I would need a 80ohm headphones for the amp to work properly? So If I was to get the ST (Only has DAC or amp) which is 10ohms and them buy the mayflower amp shown above which has a 0.54ohm output impedance, would that work?

Why not just run the O2 off your onboard and save money?

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So because the amps output impedance is 10ohms I would need a 80ohm headphones for the amp to work properly? So If I was to get the ST (Only has DAC or amp) which is 10ohms and them buy the mayflower amp shown above which has a 0.54ohm output impedance, would that work? 

 

Minus the soundcard and you've got a good solution.

PC Build in LTT Gallery - JBL J88 - Fostex T50RP (Modded) - Pioneer SE-A1000 vs audio-technica ATH-AD500X - Skullcandy Aviator  
audio-technica ATH-T400 - CHC Silverado and Laredo - Clip-On Headphone Roundup - Sony LinkBuds

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