[kendun]

Morning folks,
I need some advice/help re whether I need a headphone amplifier for a pair of AKG K271.these are the older version not the new MK2 version.I bought it second hand recently and have been listening through a Cambridge audio 340A stereo amp connected to a cheap Sony CD player.When I listen to music through the speakers(MS902i) it seems alright and doesnt fatigue when I listen for a while.On the other hand listening through the headphone socket of the CA340 A doesnt provide any difference in quality(atleast to my ears) or isn't exciting enough and hasnt made the difference I thought it would provide.
I've read through older posts by various members and I think pbirkett had mentioned that headphones with lower ohms(I'm not technical at all) will benefir from amps and had mentioned the AKG271.My headphones are 55 ohms.
I was wondering whether the project headbox amp which retails for around £80 will have a significant difference when listening through the headphones? I'm not too keen on the headphone amps from china since it works out more expensive with postage etc plus I've never listened to valave amps.Looked at reviews for the Graham Slee amp at £230 but its nearly 5 times of what I paid for these headphones.
Would appreciate any suggestions/advice from fellow members
Regards
K

[kendun]

any suggestions folks?

[Steven]

What does "cheap Sony CD player" mean?

I am a firm believer in component matching and trying to obtain synergy. Headphones only give out as good as what is going in. The source is just as important, if not more so. If you are spending money then I am one for proportionate spending across your whole audio chain (except for cables which should come dead last and when you have exhausted everything else )

Your Sony separate may well be *decent*, as old does not necessarily mean it is not good.

I wouldn't worry about the technical side. My ESW9 do not technically need an amp, but are they improved by one? Hell my Sennheiser PX100 are improved by amping - which only serves to underline how much of a bargain they are. I firmly believe the PX100 is a headphone everybody should own. Budget goodness

For the time being I would spend time listening through the headphone output on the Sony to become accustomed to it. Then listen through the amp and see if you hear any differences. Don't bother with the speaker comparison

[kendun]

Thank you LFC_SL,
I have a Sony CDP-M26 which doesnt have a headphone out or optical out for connecting into a DAC to see if that makes a difference.Will try listening through something else maybe the pc or walkman and then try the stereo amp