Amp to drive DROP Hifiman HE-X4s

Smilesy on 18/05/2021 - 09:13

I've made a bit of an impulse purchase and ordered the Drop Hifiman HE-X4s headphonses. I currently have an LG V40 and from what people have told me the DAC in it is good enough that I won't get a big jump moving to a stand along DAC. My concern is that the phone won't have enough oomph to drive the headphones properly. This is my first toe dip in the audiophile world and I'm pretty overwhelmed by all the intricacies in this rabbit hole.

Firstly I guess, does anyone with the V40 have any experience driving similar planar magnetic headphones without an amp?

Secondly what do people recommend as a budget amp for Hifiman planar magnetic headphones, bonus marks if you know of any current deals.

Cheers

Electrical & Electronics Headphones HiFiMAN

Comments

  • iDroid on 18/05/2021 - 09:48

    Checkout the Aune range of headphone amplifiers - many have a built in DAC.

    IMO most DACs are very good these days. Do a double blind test and I bet you'll not hear any difference between DACs.

    The AMP usually has a much more dramatic effect on the output sound.

    I use an Aune headphone amp with my AKG 702's which are notoriously difficult to drive - the combo sounds great IMO.

  • pharkurnell on 18/05/2021 - 10:15

    My concern is that the phone won't have enough oomph to drive the headphones properly

    Bit late to worry :) Just get em and try em.

    • Smilesy on 18/05/2021 - 11:48

      Yep, I'm a classic buy now then worry about it later kind of guy

  • psyren89 on 18/05/2021 - 10:49

    What's your budget? I'm using a Creative G6 to drive HE-4XXs. Currently on sale (not the cheapest it's been) for $190 delivered.

  • frondono on 18/05/2021 - 10:58

    Should be good.

    https://www.androidauthority.com/lg-quad-dac-1115577/

    • Smilesy on 18/05/2021 - 11:49

      sweet!

  • pjetson on 18/05/2021 - 11:07
    +1

    What source material will you be playing into the headphones?

    • iDroid on 18/05/2021 - 11:09

      ^^ this.

      Unless you're using a lossless format (flac?) you're somewhat wasting your time being concerned about the DAC.

    • Smilesy on 18/05/2021 - 11:46

      I'm intending to use Tidal or flac (I already have decent amount of albums in flac format).

  • lycos on 19/05/2021 - 11:20
    +1

    For budget options:
    - Schiit Modi + Magni
    - Topping E30 + L30

    Also, there is an ongoing controversy about Tidal recently esp their MQA format.
    From my exp, Qobuz sounds better than Tidal.
    Apple just announced they’ll release lossless musics next month. It can be a better/cheaper option

  • Raj09 on 21/05/2021 - 16:30

    Ifi zen dac

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