How does the S9 sound with paired with an amp? Any hiss or distortion?

[robojack]

Definitely looking forward to getting an S9. However, being an avid D2 user, I would expect to be able to use my RSA Predator amp with the S9, with equally, if not, greater results.

Has anyone had the chance to try out their S9 with any kind of headphone amp? If so, were there any hiss or distortion issues?

[waxer]

Ive only tried it with my non portable little dot mkiii. No noticable issues.
Actually it sounded amazing with my hd595 senns and now Im going to need a portable amp. :( I kinda wish (wallet wise)I had stayed ignorant as to how underpowered my senns were.

[Walt]

Ive only tried it with my non portable little dot mkiii. No noticable issues.
Actually it sounded amazing with my hd595 senns and now Im going to need a portable amp. :( I kinda wish (wallet wise)I had stayed ignorant as to how underpowered my senns were.

please explain to me this bit more? why will yu need the amp? are u saying S9 does not have enough power for HD 595 headphone? thnks

[toomanyollys]

Yeah, I'm slightly confused too - I can see how an amp would be beneficial if the 'phones you're trying to drive need more power than the S9 can output, or if the S9 distorts at higher volumes you may require. However, if the 'phones you're using are quite happily driven by the S9 at the required volume, what use is an amp? It can't re-introduce quality that's not there in the first place...

Having said that, I have no experience of headphone amps, so feel free to educate me... :)

[gorgi]

I think it can expand battery-lifetime

[waxer]

The senn hd595 sound great with the s9 but when hooked up to an amp sound even better. The high and low end especially. Im no good with my audio terms but the bass sounds more precise and more powerful. Same goes for the rest but the 595 being known for a lack of bass compared to alot of headphones its the most obvious change you would notice straight away.
Its not just a volume thing. I tend to listen to it at a set volume. Ive already learnt the pitfalls of slowing raising the volume and not realising how loud it is because its still clear.

[Nirvana1000]

I am powering my M Audio Q40's with the S9 and the ALO Mini^3 and to say the least it sounds very satisfying!Way better than my iPod classic!:jamming:

[Headcased]

yes complatley agree sound good with amp