Headphones

[Submariner]

I'm still looking for headphones because my AMT speakers are pounding the local population. I'm looking for wired, full ear not open air, headphones that have a good freq response. I'm currently uning some $100 Sony ear buds and the bass response is weak. I owned Koss Pro 4A headphones back in the day and they seemed to be good on the albums I like to play. Kind of a mix between Jazz and rock albums. Any recomendations in the $200-$300 range?

[roggom]

I am sure there will be many opinions, but I love my Grado SR-60's. I too searched and listened to many TOL headphones. These fit my budget at the time and sound awesome. There are many nicer versions of course. My 2c.

[gearhound]

Grado SR-225 & SR-325
Beyerdynamic DT-880 & DT-990
Sennheisser HD-580 & HD-600
AKG 701

[goraman]

He did say enclosed not open ear,Haveing said that I would look at Audio Technica.

[mulveling]

For closed, full-sized, and $200-300, the ONLY headphone I've ever liked that meets those specs is the AKG K340. Fortunately this is a vintage audio site, since the K340 is a vintage piece that's no longer manufactured. I've tried AKG's newer K271s and thought they were incredibly mediocre. I also like the K340 better than their current flagship (open-air) K701.

The K340's are 400 ohms, which requires a stout headphone amp, but among the best I've heard them was with was an inexpensive Earmax clone tube amp with 0 feedback.

They should pop up used from time to time in that price range (headphone forums, ebay). Only issue is there is some talk of many different sounding "versions" of these headphones (their production run was fairly long), one with substantially less bass.

[Submariner]

I wore Sennheisser headphones on the submarine I was on for 6 years and loved them but they were semi open. I am not in a noisy enviorementso maybe I'm open to semi openfor better freq response. What sub $300 new Sennheisser,AKG or Grados are out there that are decent? I realize that my equipment in my sig file is a recent vintage collection but I was hoping headphone technolgy got better than my 1976 Koss pro 4As.

[mulveling]

I realize that my equipment in my sig file is a recent vintage collection but I was hoping headphone technolgy got better than my 1976 Koss pro 4As.
Well, things are fairly bleak in the current high-end headphone scene. Most of the very best headphones were made in the late 80's and early 90's (of course common consumers likely never heard of them as they were $$$$). The K340 started in the 70's IIRC and can still beat most modern headphones. They were discontinued because they cost too much to make, being an elecrostatic/dynamic hybrid, complete with passive radiators (very complex). I still find the Koss PortaPro to be my favorite small-size headphone, and that came out in 1984.

The modern Grados are all very colored, and not to my preferences either - though you can change the balance of their coloration by changing pads. Modern AKG's I find rather bland and boring. Sennheiser's HD580/600/650 series (especially the 650) is very much to my liking, though they're full size open-air and sound their best with vinyl (like they were voiced for it).

[RWFE]

I have some Grado SR-60s that I like.

[Sir.Byrd]

I really recommend Panasonic RP-HTX7 headphones for strong bass at $60.
But if you really want something in the $200 range pick up some Grado.
=D

[Fisherdude]

Well, you might find this interesting.

Recently I bought the phones pictured off eBay. They looked gorgeous, came complete with the cool case, "worked perfectly", and I got them for $50.

I absolutely love them. Beautiful sound, not at all fatiguing, and extremely comfortable to wear. I wanted a complete over-the-ear set, and that's what these are.

I went on the web trying to find out anything I could about these, and found out that not only is the company still in business, but in fact they're the company that makes almost all of the aviation industry's headphones and headphone/boom mike combos.

So, I started searching through their site looking for any history on my pair, and zip. What I did find out is that they still make one pair of "audio" headphones, at an amazing price! They're only $221.

http://www.davidclark.com/StereoHeadset.html

I'm thinking of giving them a try, if only to see how they sound. If anybody decides to take the plunge, let us know what you think!

[dmusgrave]

If I were buying headphones today they would be Grado SR-225's or SR-325i's.

Unfortunately I haven't heard the 325i's... and might not like them as well as the 225's as the 325i's are supposed to sound more like the top of the line Grado's, which are great, but to my ear not as good as the SR-225's. I could have had the 700.00 Grado RS-1's and I preferred the 200.00 SR-225's.

God I wish I still had money to spend on toys!

I guess I don't have a golden ear, but the SR-225's just turned my crank. A lot of headphone lovers consider them the ultimate "rock" headphone, but to me they did ANY music justice and then some.

Unfortunately, some sub-human decided they wanted my SUV more than I did, and all my headphone gear was in the back at that time returning from a listening party, along with two binders full of CDs, etc. etc. Oh well...

If you HAVE to have closed headphones, take a look at AKG :)

[dwalker46]

A good value are the Sennheiser PRO-280's they list for 200 and are available on line from several places for 99. you can only hear a difference if you have several sets handy. I've seen the 28o's used to master tapes and discs. Spend additional $'s on the music!!!

[SpruceMoose]

so whats wrong with the 4AA? too heavy? too cheap? i just put a new set of earpads on mine (5 bux from Koss) and they still sound great, even after 30 or so years!

[goraman]

I just got a pair of Grado SR325i's The most articulate pair of head phones I Have have heard but mabey not for everyone,they are the flatest of the Grado line but there is still a focus on midrange and the highs don't roll of sharply like some others in his line up. They are not bright but they don't lack anything in the high end either unlike most,If you like electrostats you will like the sound of this grado offering.

[brucered]

i love my Sennheiser HD555's and considered the 280's as well. I can only imagine what the higher end line would sound like. oh to dream.

[Citizen Gain]

If you're looking for something closed or sealed, I HIGHLY recommend the AKG 271. It's totally sealed, and it sounds phenomenal, unlike most sealed cans I've heard. It has a great bass response, and that standard clarity that accompanies AKG headphones. The cable is detachable via mini-XLR, which makes it a cinch to swap out different cable upgrades (I like to use a DIY Cardas cable with it). It's really comfortable, also. It has the AKG suspension system, which just automatically adjusts to your head, and stays that way.

It most definitely needs a headphone amp to reach it's full potential, but a decent amp can be had for $100 or under (HeadRoom's "Total AirHead" amp is what I like to use when I'm out and about with the K271. It's small and sturdy like the headphones, sounds great and has a 40-something hour battery life on three AAAs)

If you're not after a sealed can, then all of the above recommendations are certainly worthwhile. I love Grado headphones. They're the warmest and most musical I've ever heard. SR-60s are great without an amp, SR-80s are better than the SR-60s, IMHO, but only when used with an amp, because the low end opens way up when amped. The unsealed, open AKG 'phones I've heard have only really blown me away with the 601 and 701. They're pricey, but certainly worth it. Like the 271, I find them to be very "clear" sounding and uncolored.

Sennheiser HD650 takes the cake, I think. It's just ASTOUNDINGLY accurate, and images like crazy. I don't own 'em, but I loaned a pair from a friend for a few months, and had the chance to really absorb them. They seem to earn their keep for the pricetag, which is considerable.

The HD595 is great also, and considerably less expensive. I find it to be a great "movie" headphone, which sounds especially good when used while watching movies.

Well, there's my take on it.

[phaxda]

Another Grado fan (SR-80), though I am currently testing my thrift find of $1 Realistic 33-195s which are closed ear and actually don't sound terrible. They have a little inflatable pouch in the headband, which is something I'd never seen before. A thorough swabbing with all kinds of disinfectant/soaps before I blew into them, but pretty comfy now. I think I'll keep'em.

[oicdn]

If you're looking for LARGE bass, you won't find it with anything sennheiser or Grado. Granted, it's great articulate, accurate, organic bass, it's just not LARGE.

Coming from speakers, Beyerdynamic DT770's are the only thing that come close to subwoofer level bass. The Denon line also has some good bass.

But the Grado line has GREAT, fast bass (it's just lean by basshead standards), and for Jazz they're good. The midrange is what makes Grado's shine. Acoustics, guitars and everything SHINE on them. Like alot of Grado fanboys say, "why settle for a couple rows back, when you can be ON STAGE?" referring to thier upfront, aggressive presentation.

[Citizen Gain]

I agree with oicdn. DT770s really do have that intense bass feeling.

[dmusgrave]

I just got a pair of Grado SR325i's The most articulate pair of head phones I Have have heard but mabey not for everyone,they are the flatest of the Grado line but there is still a focus on midrange and the highs don't roll of sharply like some others in his line up. They are not bright but they don't lack anything in the high end either unlike most,If you like electrostats you will like the sound of this grado offering.

Yeah your review in another thread is why I want to hear some 325i's before I buy another set of SR-225's :thmbsp:

[Submariner]

so whats wrong with the 4AA? too heavy? too cheap? i just put a new set of earpads on mine (5 bux from Koss) and they still sound great, even after 30 or so years!


Nothing was wrong with My Koss 4AA's I just lost them back in the 70s

[SpruceMoose]

they gottem on the 'bay! :)

[Submariner]

I just bought some Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro/80s wow impedannce is kicking my ass I need a headphone amp? Great tbass response but every little static, tick an pop is very pronounced,

[dmusgrave]

By /80s do you mean 80 ohm? If so, they can probably be driven by anything you plug them in to, iPod or whatever. They would likely sound BETTER with an amp though, any headphone I've heard does.

[gearhound]

My old Beyerdynamic DT-990 Pro's are 600 ohms.
I heard (but might be wrong) that newer Beyerdynamics are 250 ohms?
With 600 ohm headphones, a dedicated headphone amp is almost mandatory.

Steve

[Clarence]

Another vote for the hd595

A great sub $200 headphone.

http://www.megafoto.cz/images/sennheiser_hd595.jpg

[jjohnson]

Another vote for the hd595

A great sub $200 headphone.

http://www.megafoto.cz/images/sennheiser_hd595.jpg

I also have a pair of HD-595. I found them to be much more "real world" and easier to drive than most "audiophile headphones". I couldn't recommend them more highly. They are, however, not to be considered closed. They can be heard from outside and they don't close out the world by any stretch. That being said, I wouldn't trade them for anything priced in the same range.

[Submariner]

I ended up getting some Beyerdynamic Dt 770. Review to follow. Thanks for all the input.

[Submariner]

Yes they are 80 Ohm and I lstened to 5 albums last night. My tuner was to noisey for some reason. So looking at my equipment in my sig file I have two issues. One I need a good headphone amp hopefully with bass/mid/trble settings so I don't keep messing with the ESS AMT settings. Second a reaally good FM Antennae. I am using a T ant laying behind the equipment.

Oh Albums were:
Foghat Live
Bostons First album
Steve Miller bands greatest hit
Jean Luc Ponty
John Climer Hush (I fell asleep on the third song it sounded so good):boring:

[goraman]

head phone amps don't have tone controles,at least no good ones.
Try a Fan Fair FM dipole antena C. Crain company sells them,I'm not sure who else.No magic mumbo jumbo or amp they just work.

[socioloco]

Got a pair of HD 650 for $ 329 and they are so sweet. They are not closed but I just use them in a quiet place :music:

[dmusgrave]

Yes they are 80 Ohm and I lstened to 5 albums last night. My tuner was to noisey for some reason. So looking at my equipment in my sig file I have two issues. One I need a good headphone amp hopefully with bass/mid/trble settings so I don't keep messing with the ESS AMT settings. Second a reaally good FM Antennae. I am using a T ant laying behind the equipment.

Oh Albums were:
Foghat Live
Bostons First album
Steve Miller bands greatest hit
Jean Luc Ponty
John Climer Hush (I fell asleep on the third song it sounded so good):boring:

Lot's of good amp info to be had at www.headfi.org :thmbsp:

I'd venture that you'll get more out of those headphones with a good headphone amp... and you don't even have to pay a small fortune to get one. There are a lot of guys out there building the DIY designs and selling them fairly inexpensively, and the better ones hang in there with much more expensive commercial designs :yes:

[goraman]

I really didn't care much for head fi at all,they are not very warm to new members at all in fact I'd say down right rude.And don't dare ask a question that has been discused in a preaviose thread. First no one will respond and if you post it agein your shure to get your head bit off.

[mulveling]

Got a pair of HD 650 for $ 329 and they are so sweet. They are not closed but I just use them in a quiet place :music:
The HD650 is awesome. In the right system, it will beat or compete with any headphone up to around $2000.

[socioloco]

The HD650 is awesome. In the right system, it will beat or compete with any headphone up to around $2000.

Wich amp would you prefer for them...?

I tried with non-headphone amps:

Pioneer SX-203

Nakamichi TA-1

Fatman Itube


With the Pioneer they sound great but they got lack of definition...

With the Nakamichi the bass is too deep for my taste and the definition it's grat, but I have to turn down the bass.

The fatman reveals lack of power, at least at the headphone out jack. The sound it's sweet and low... LOL

Tried them directly from the source, Onkyo DX-7555 and were the sweeter taste...


Would like to buy an headphone amp for theese babies, wich one would you recommend???? :scratch2:

Thanks.

[Panotaker]

I have the HD-650 headphones hooked up to a SR-71 headphone amp from Ray Samuels http://www.stereophile.com/headphones/905ray/ It don't get much better than that, well it does, but it cost more money.

[Cantabury Guy]

I really didn't care much for head fi at all,they are not very warm to new members at all in fact I'd say down right rude.And don't dare ask a question that has been discused in a preaviose thread. First no one will respond and if you post it agein your shure to get your head bit off.

I find that an "interesting" site. It is populated by kids. I mean 15 to 20 year olds and their attitudes. There is a lot of good info but you have to sift through it. Take a look at the portable rigs these kids put together .They don't have home set ups like we did but put together multi component systems that are portable and expensive. They are looking for good sound but are going on a new path.

BTW Senns HD580 (new) which are vitually HD600 can be gotten on the bay for $170 from a good seller. Not me

[mulveling]

Wich amp would you prefer for them...?

I tried with non-headphone amps:

Pioneer SX-203

Nakamichi TA-1

Fatman Itube


With the Pioneer they sound great but they got lack of definition...

With the Nakamichi the bass is too deep for my taste and the definition it's grat, but I have to turn down the bass.

The fatman reveals lack of power, at least at the headphone out jack. The sound it's sweet and low... LOL

Tried them directly from the source, Onkyo DX-7555 and were the sweeter taste...


Would like to buy an headphone amp for theese babies, wich one would you recommend???? :scratch2:

Thanks.
Hey,
For me the beauty of the HD650 is how readily it scales up with ridiculously good amplification. Right now I'm driving them with some very expensive amplification (Singlepower Supra @ $3K), with a good turntable, and in that configuration they won't be handily beaten by anything in the headphone world - and I've pretty much heard 'em all (Orpheus, R10, etc).

Unfortunately, I haven't gone through the more affordable amps in a while, though I did in the past. I did own the Ray Samuels sr-71 and HR-2 at one point actually. They did make a nice sounding combination with the 650, especially out of a G08 CD player (Ray voices his stuff on Meridian), but in the end they're not my bag - I found the mids to be a bit too dry and grainy for my liking. The problem with the sub $1K amps is that often a receiver headphone jack can sound quite good musically, not quite as detailed as the headphone amps as you noticed, however sometimes more musically "whole". The technical reason is that the receivers usually have very high 120 ohm output impedances, while dedicated amps (at least the SS ones) usually have very low impedance. The hard thing is getting that elusive combo of detail and musicality.

I'm not yet privy to any tube amps under $1K I'd strongly recommend, other than perhaps the occasional used entry level Singlepower amp. Though I've not heard it yet, the Eddie-Current Lunch Box is a tube amp that looks very interesting for the 650, and costs only $260 new IIRC. A used Melos SHA-1 or (better yet) SHA-Gold might be decent. I had a Gold and it was a good amp. I typically stay away from the Chinese built stuff for various reasons and personal biases, I'll leave it at that.

For Solid State: There are a number of excellent options under $400-500 here if you're willing to stray off the beaten path. They will have fantastic detail & control, not world class musicality, but still very good there. An upgraded PPA (look for "diamond buffer", STEPS power supply, and good opamps) or an M^3 are both killer values. VERY smooth and powerful sounding withe HD650. Good PPAs can be had on the used market (check head-fi sales forum) under $300. These are both DIYFSE designs, so it can be hard to find a builder to do a new one, though I believe "Rockhopper Audio" may be back in business building the M^3. The older of Headamp's Gilmore Dynamic designs are a great value used; V1 goes for under $200, V2 should be under $300. I've heard both; they're excellent. If you need a great USB DAC and amp combo, Headmp's new Pico goes for $500 new and is probably the best value going on the current market (had one on loan the other day). The Headroom & Ray Samuels amps can't compete with the value of these other amps, in my experience.

[Submariner]

Two things wow Melviling just blew me away audio wise and I actually am an audio engineer. Second thing I followed the Headphone amp links and I am looking for a 110 not a DC device. The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro are a bit bass heavy (and I'm okay on that because old vinly is bass light) I'm just think one or two headphone amps could improve what I have.

[socioloco]

Dear Mulveling:

Do you think that a Antique Soundlab MG HEAD DT OTL MKIII HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER could do the job???

Here it is the link that I found:

http://www.divertech.com/aslmgheaddt.html

[mulveling]

Dear Mulveling:

Do you think that a Antique Soundlab MG HEAD DT OTL MKIII HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER could do the job???

Here it is the link that I found:

http://www.divertech.com/aslmgheaddt.html
Hi,
I've not personally heard any ASL amps, so my opinions on this matter may be worth less than face value :)
I do remember a few years back when the ASL gear, specifically that model, was "flavor of the month" on head-fi. The earlier versions had many users complaining about reliability issues, but these seem to have settled down with the MkIII. Of course, the enthusiasm for this amp has also long since died down and there has been little discussion for quite a while.

Since you're looking at tube amps, are you interested in a lush, seductive, tubey sound? I just spotted a used Audio Value RKV MkII on the head-fi FS forums (warning: I have no association to or knowledge of the seller, caveat emptor), for $575. I've previously owned the RKV, and lush/romantic describes its sound with the HD650 to a T. I really enjoyed this pairing; it's also great with the HD600. Probably the best lush & romantic sound you're going to get in this price range without throwing detail, accuracy, and dynamics totally out the window (RKV has super macro-dynamics; but micro-dynamics are average). Do note that you shouldn't use low impedance headphones with the RKV, but the HD650/HD600 are a perfect match. The RKV is actually a somewhat odd hybrid; op-amp voltage gain stage and OTL tube output stage (4x PLC85 tubes, typically used in TV sets IIRC). I wouldn't get caught up in the SET topology of the ASL; I've heard a very expensive SET headphone amp that wasn't impressive.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f42/icp-rkv-ii-amp-w-extra-tubes-301645/

Going on my biases and experiences, I would look hard at that RKV. Next in line for less money would be the PPA, M^3, and Gilmore I mentioned previously. All of these over the ASL. None of the battery powered portables are optimal with the HD650; solid AC power supplies are what's needed IMO. Good deals on NEW amps may not even exist these days, when compared to the value the used market offers :( Always avoid the current "flavor of the month" amps as the undeserved hype pushes prices and demand up artificially :) The amps I've recommended are all old dogs, but GOOD ones that are under-valued in the market.

[John L]

Sorry to be late on this, but I just have to recommend the older Sony MDR V6. I've owned mine for over 20 years. They are not the kind you would want if you are into masking imperfections, such as with the Sennheiser. Every detail is highlighted, totally uncoloured, and they are not called studio monitors for nothing.

In the early 90s they were discontinued, but were so popular that they were brought back, and are still sold on the market, but not open market. In other words, you have to be either a professional, or in a group such as this to know about them.

The MDR-V6 (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-V6-Monitor-Headphones-Voice/dp/B00001WRSJ) is brutally honest, and will not be liked by everyone, but if you are into Exact reproduction, these are the ones for you. Plus, the price is hard to beat.

I challenge anyone to find a better studio monitor for the money. :thmbsp:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/415BVED4YNL._SS500_.jpg

[mulveling]

Here's another good deal on a used headphone amp. Eddie Current is run by a former engineer at Moth Audio, now specializing in headphone amps. I haven't heard this one, but I own their Zana Deux, which kicks ass. In my eyes they're one of the few manufacturers currently offering good engineering AND great sound for a reasonable price. This amp is SS, powered from a wall AC brick/wart and should drive any headphones, low or high impedance, with no problem:

http://www.head-case.org/audio_gear_for_sale/fs_ecss-t3337.0.html;msg104493;topicseen#new

Additionally I see that the RKV deal I listed earlier has dropped to $525. Great deal for beautiful lush sound with Sennheiser HD580/600/650 or AKG K1000 (again, the RKV will NOT drive low impedance phones without the optional impedanzer).

Both of these amps are currently not over-inflated from temporary hype, and represent great value :yes:

[socioloco]

Here's another good deal on a used headphone amp. Eddie Current is run by a former engineer at Moth Audio, now specializing in headphone amps. I haven't heard this one, but I own their Zana Deux, which kicks ass. In my eyes they're one of the few manufacturers currently offering good engineering AND great sound for a reasonable price. This amp is SS, powered from a wall AC brick/wart and should drive any headphones, low or high impedance, with no problem:

http://www.head-case.org/audio_gear_for_sale/fs_ecss-t3337.0.html;msg104493;topicseen#new

Additionally I see that the RKV deal I listed earlier has dropped to $525. Great deal for beautiful lush sound with Sennheiser HD580/600/650 or AKG K1000 (again, the RKV will NOT drive low impedance phones without the optional impedanzer).

Both of these amps are currently not over-inflated from temporary hype, and represent great value :yes:


That looks intresting.... :scratch2:

[brucered]

The MDR-V6 (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-V6-Monitor-Headphones-Voice/dp/B00001WRSJ) is brutally honest, and will not be liked by everyone, but if you are into Exact reproduction, these are the ones for you. Plus, the price is hard to beat.


doesn't have a 1/4" plug in though, i prefer not to use the adapter.

[John L]

doesn't have a 1/4" plug in though, i prefer not to use the adapter.

Well, if you are going to have to find something wrong with a set of headphones, I can't think of anything more important.

[Chrisssssssss]

Hey all,

I have a pair of Sony V900's and I have abused them for many years of nightclub DJ'ing and I still abuse them regularly with my home gear. I wouldn't trade them for anything else.

One side note, I hear a bit of talk about older Koss style headphones and I heard somewhere that they had a lifetime warranty and if you send them back to Koss, they honor the warranty and will fully rebuild your units and send them back to you. I have not verified this claim but some food for thought, FYI.

[oicdn]

I find that an "interesting" site. It is populated by kids. I mean 15 to 20 year olds and their attitudes. There is a lot of good info but you have to sift through it. Take a look at the portable rigs these kids put together .They don't have home set ups like we did but put together multi component systems that are portable and expensive. They are looking for good sound but are going on a new path.

BTW Senns HD580 (new) which are vitually HD600 can be gotten on the bay for $170 from a good seller. Not me

Actually you're wrong, but right at the same time. Most of the crowd on there is older. By older I mean, more mature like 30-40 range. It's just that they ACT like kids on there. Which is funny, because it shows as the ones that do post like thier age suggests they should be posting, they're well respected. Funny how that works out huh? Most of the people on that site are bandwagon FOTM (Flavor of the month) bandwagoners who find any and any reason at all to flame or lynch people.

There are alot of kids on there, but like you said, it's hard to sift through all the garbage, because there are many older people posting like those kids....

[solarmusick]

I only have Sennheiser 202 HDs. I've had Grado SR60s and Sennheiser HD280 Pros but I ended up selling them on eBay for some cash. Grados were probably the best of the three, but the open design made listening on my iPod impossible. I liked the HD280 Pros, but they were too tight on my head, so I'm sticking with the $15 202s. I'd like a better pair, the 202s have a bit too much bass emphasis for my taste, although depending on the situation it can be beneficial, generally I'd rather it be a bit toned down. The Grados were by far the most detailed and crisp, but maybe too "bright" sometimes, still not a big deal. And the retro look of them is cool, but most 18 year olds don't think turntables are cool looking so there you go.

[Tinyelvis]

I just picked up an old pair. Pioneer SE-50. Perfect shape.

I love the sound and look. The big coil cable rocks also. Big white cups!

[cason]

Another Grado fan, SR-225. But, like their cartridges, pick which you can afford and you won't be disappointed.

[NicoR]

doesn't have a 1/4" plug in though, i prefer not to use the adapter.

I don't know if this matters, but the 1/4" adaptor is a screw on type and could be attached practically permanently (although I managed to lose my original adaptor during the minidisc years)

[harry33]

Hello
I bought DT880Pro-250ohms. I'll use them with C45. Do y think I'll need a headphone amp

[Mr. Lin]

Hello
I bought DT880Pro-250ohms. I'll use them with C45. Do y think I'll need a headphone amp

It's a good idea to get one, if you can.