Will i need an amp for my Senn HD 439's?

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Svensander

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Jun 29, 2013
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they will be arriving soon :)
i'm just worried that my PC speakers won't have enough power to drive them?
the headphones' impedance is 32 ohm and sound pressure level is 112 dB but i haven't done much research on that stuff, so i don't know if lower impedance is better, or worse, and i'm not sure what sound pressure level means. i'm just worried they might be too quiet.
could anyone give me some insight about this?
thanks.
 
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Lower impedance isn't necessarily better or worse, it's use based. Generally lower impedance is used for consumer level devices while higher impedance are made to match professional/enthusiast gear.

I'm currently using a set of Beyerdynamic DT660's (also 32Ohm) that I really like for their comfort since it's the first pair of over ear phones I've ever had that don't pinch my massive ears, but I find them kind of lacking when plugged in to my on board (Which use the VIA VT2021... supposedly 110dB signal-to-noise). Also, because I plug my headphones in to my front audio out and it's a cheap case I get power noise interference, which is incredibly annoying. I've been seriously considering switching up to a dedicated sound card with a...
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Traciatim

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Lower impedance isn't necessarily better or worse, it's use based. Generally lower impedance is used for consumer level devices while higher impedance are made to match professional/enthusiast gear.

I'm currently using a set of Beyerdynamic DT660's (also 32Ohm) that I really like for their comfort since it's the first pair of over ear phones I've ever had that don't pinch my massive ears, but I find them kind of lacking when plugged in to my on board (Which use the VIA VT2021... supposedly 110dB signal-to-noise). Also, because I plug my headphones in to my front audio out and it's a cheap case I get power noise interference, which is incredibly annoying. I've been seriously considering switching up to a dedicated sound card with a headphone amp like the Xonar's or the Creative Labs Z series.

I doubt they will be too quiet though, mine are only rated at 97dB and they are so loud I feel like my brain is bleeding if I turn them way up. There is no way I would listen to it for any length of time over about 60-70% volume. I think a better option is to try it and see how they sound in different devices. Only if you notice it lacking something or having problems in your PC would you need to change anything.
 
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Svensander

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thanks...
but the reason i'm worried because of the volume, is that my last pair of (very cheap) headphones - the Trust Urban Revolt evening cool (and revolting they were indeed...) sounded quiet even with ALL the volume sliders that i could find, turned all the way to max. a slightly more expensive (about 60 bucks) Trust USB headset sounded fine tho - so i know my hearing is good and that's not the problem.
now all i can do is wait for my 439's to arrive and hope for the best :p
 
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