Amps & DACs

I purchased the 'Airhead' at the same time as the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro's to make up for the loss in volume (with 64 ohm impedance) compared to my existing Koss UR-20's (wthh 32 ohm impedance). They accomplished that mission. What does that mean exactly? Well, the HD 280s and UR-20s are different animals. The HD 280s are quiet and tight, the UR-20's are loud and flabby (but still good). The airhead actually even's the playing field a bit. Frankly it's a bit of a judgement call. If you're powering a pair of decent headphones WITH AN IPOD, you really should get an amp. Having said that, I usually use my ipod's stock earbuds. At home; however, I use the airhead and the big boy headphones need the boost when used via my PC. But, when I connect either to an (old) receiver I really don't need the 'Airhead' for volume. The receiver has plenty of power needed to drive the (tiny) speakers in the full-ear head phones. So....I usually keep the 'air head' delegated to my PC. Is that worth $100? After 1 year I'm frankly still on the fence. I certainly DO NOT need the 'air head' to power EITHER headphone via a receiver. Via ipod? It may be handy but compared to an ipod the 'airhead' is @#$@ huge. I like the flexibility to move the 'airhead' where I need (want) it.

Cleaner sound? That is really subjective. In other words: I have no idea. Yes, it pumps up the volume a few dB which *IS* insignificant but the added distortion may be overwhelmining. Will more investment in a higher powered amp result in better sound? Probably. But what is it worth to you. I say, work your way up.

In the end I would recommend this to inexperienced amp/headhphone users willing to spend (and sacrifice) the cash. Otherwise, stick with your solo UR-20's and enjoy the (cheap) (boomy) blissful sound (noise).

BONUS:
Since an amp isn't normally something you will be handling often, I don't think this should influence you (much), but I have to comment on the build feel of this mini-amp. Nowadays good build feel for any electronic device is typically decided by a bean counter (team) and focus groups to hack out what might be the least amount of material that can be used to extract the most dollars from MISS (or MRS) consumer. Headroom must have kicked out the bean counters when designing the cover to the 'airhead.' A NICE BIG CHUNK OF FLEXIBLE RUBBER (yum) that fits the plastic body with the expected force and moves 'deliberately'when forced. It tops the cicruit board and can be totally removed from the body. Why? To expose the single switch to boost the amp's signal. No, it doesn't *SEEM* to make sense, but I love it damn it. This thing exudes quality if not practicality. Only you can decide. Ask about their return policy and give it a go. It's only money. Yours.

Just got mine in and just love it. Great little amp. A must for music lovers on the GO and a simple steal for the $$$. Drives good ear speakers to unheard levels of musical bliss. Good work guys.

Quite frankly, it sounds like a lot of the reviews must come from headroom employees, because the truth is I barely appreciate the difference. I'm using a classic Ipod last generation and two hi-quality Klipsch and also Shure hi-end earphones. The only thing you can notice is a slight accent on the bass tone and a general compressor effect in the overall signal. If anything, the amp dulls the sound a bit. Other than that, you can just get a higher volume, yes, but I see none of the "clarity" or wonderful qualities other reviewers are raving about. I find this quite puzzling. I also tried this on a sennheiser hd800, the best earphone in the world to my knowledge, and in that case there's a clear downgrading in sound quality. I would suggest that before you spend a hundred bucks or more on this product, you try it first and don't buy it blindy based on the hype posted on this webpage. Judge for yourself and decide if the barely noticeable difference in sound is worth that money. The way I see it you're better off investing those 100 dollars towards the purchase of better earphones.