I'd like to say that I know that an amp will improve just about ANY pair of cans out there, it's just that reddit and other places have so many varying answers about this particular question.
Knowing this, here is me:
I am not an audiophile, though I like detailed sound. I don't like harsh treble or "light" sounding headphones like the 990 Pro..
I'd rather not have to spend more money on an amp. That's why I'm considering the 80 ohms version.

So my question is, is the sound really that bad without an amp? I know it is desirable to have, but is it a necessity?

I have the B550 steel legend motherboard, if it is useful information.

Comments

A_Reddit_Browser t1_ixnjrzn wrote on November 24, 2022 at 8:31 PM

The only reason you would need an amp is if whatever you are using as your audio playback device, weather that is just your pc or phone, doesn’t get loud enough for comfortable listening

Mesocorticolimbico t1_ixnl838 wrote on November 24, 2022 at 8:42 PM

No... Or yes... It depends...

Gofa_Kirselph t1_ixor79l wrote on November 25, 2022 at 2:40 AM

I agree

Vannexe t1_ixpaqyt wrote on November 25, 2022 at 5:52 AM

Or maybe I don't...it depends.

SupOrSalad t1_ixnj1v7 wrote on November 24, 2022 at 8:26 PM

No you don't NEED an external amp. Unless the headphones are really low sensitivity, you can drive higher impedance headphones from a wide variety of sources. I ran 300ohm headphones from just a little mp3 player or my Nintendo switch. I've also done that with my 250ohm beyerdynamics fine

AnotherMax2021 t1_ixoeblq wrote on November 25, 2022 at 12:42 AM

I have the DT770 Pro 80 ohm and drive it all the time using my iPhone. Works great.

nanomerce t1_ixogx0r wrote on November 25, 2022 at 1:06 AM

Amps, in general, do not affect sound other than allowing higher volume. The only times you really need an amp is if you either want higher volumes or if you are hearing noise/interference from your onboard audio.

Nanomange t1_ixnj950 wrote on November 24, 2022 at 8:27 PM

You'll be fine. Although the dt700 pro X is even easier to drive.

ShroomX_tv t1_ixpdu78 wrote on November 25, 2022 at 6:29 AM

Listen I run 1500$ headphones on a creative g6. Run them hoes on your motherboard

lr_science t1_ixpsyqx wrote on November 25, 2022 at 10:05 AM

I have a small Fiio usb-powered amp that compared to a macbook headphone out does not really make a difference on 770 Pro/80s, other than for volume. The 990Pro/250s on the other hand do benefit a little as far as I can tell.

16F4 t1_ixov6yp wrote on November 25, 2022 at 3:17 AM

I have a pair of DT 770 pro 80 ohm headphones plugged into my PowerNode 2i. They sound fine

Nolife16 t1_ixp59bi wrote on November 25, 2022 at 4:51 AM

you could buy a dongle

Tanachip t1_ixp7sx1 wrote on November 25, 2022 at 5:18 AM

No.

KarstDeViz t1_ixnk659 wrote on November 24, 2022 at 8:34 PM

no definitely not, i would recommend getting an apple dongle dac for your pc though.

Impressive_Bread_150 t1_ixnlqqd wrote on November 24, 2022 at 8:46 PM

I have a dedicated usb mic with a audio pass through. The 770 80hms are fine that way. Out of phone it might be meh but a dongle would work just fine. Also technically yeah anything works, but they might potentially sound better with a dac/amp Your b550 should be fine for 80 ohms anyway

endrenovak t1_ixnothr wrote on November 24, 2022 at 9:08 PM

There are many phones out there under 80ohm... and those will definitely not need an amp, though.