Are you lucky enough to possess a pair of Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pros? If so, you’re probably eager to find an amplifier that’s capable of unlocking the deep tones and spacious soundstage promised by these revered studio headphones. Not too long ago, we set out to find a few amps that could unleash the DT 990’s rich, three-dimensional audio potential.
Best AMP for Beyerdynamic DT990 PRO (250 ohm Headphone) on the market
Most of the best amps for Beyerdynamic DT 990 come with a DAC (digital to analog converter), which converts digital audio into a voltage signal for your amplifier to intensify. You might hear the sound clearly on some phones, PC, and laptops. For most, however, the quality of the amp and DAC is so poor that you will need a separate amp to get the sound right. If you have a Beyerdynamic DT 990, these are the amps you need:
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
Best Choice  | iFi Hip DAC/AMP
| Check Price |
Great Tube Amp  | Little Bear B4-X
| Check Price |
Best High Quality DAC/AMP  | XDUOO XD-05 Plus
| Check Price |
Best Amp for PC  | Sound BlasterX G6
| Check Price |
Best Amp With Bluetooth  | FiiO K5 Pro
| Check Price |
1. iFi Hip amplifier – Best iFi DAC/AMP for DT990 PRO
iFi’s Hip-DAC Portable Amplifier is a small yet powerful headphone amp that pairs perfectly with DT 990s. First off, we love this little amplifier’s aesthetic. It features a petrol blue exterior with stunning copper details. The entire thing is small enough to fit in the back pocket of a pair of jeans.
The sound of the DT990 with the iFi Amp
Setup is easy with the Hip-DAC. Just connect the amplifier to your Android or iOS device, plug in your DT 990s, and tune in to your favorite tracks. You’ll notice an immediate improvement in the audio quality of music played through popular streaming sites. Best of all, you don’t need to download any drivers to use this amplifier.
A Burr-Brown chip is the epicenter of this audio marvel. The device’s ability to support hi-res PCM up to 384 kilohertz, direct stream digital (DSD256), and MQA playback make it a highly respected amp amongst audiophile circles. It’s also gained momentum with the subscribers of Tidal’s High-Fidelity music streaming service.
The iFi amp has one of the most balanced analog sound stages. The amp boasts a 4.4-millimeter balanced output as well as 3.5-millimeter S-Balanced output. Not to mention, the onboard PowerMatch lets you toggle the gain to match the drive to your DT 990’s load.
IFi Hip-Dac review
Overall, this model features good looks and even better sound. Better yet, this unit is incredibly portable. AS such, you can take your games or music on the go. The iFi DAC/amplifier completely overrides the DAC and amp in your computer or smart device.
It also boasts a proprietary bass adjustment called xBass. This feature helps quench listeners’ thirst for bass that might otherwise be overshadowed by the DT 990s open-back design. The iFi also boasts a rechargeable 2,200 milliamps hour lithium-polymer battery that offers approximately 8 hours of runtime per charge. Moreover, this little amplifier’s balanced circuitry is sure to reduce background noise and crosstalk.
Pros:
- xBass adjustment enables users boost the base on most in-ear monitors and open-back headphones
- High-resolution audio from various streaming sites
- 400 watts of max power from the onboard amplifier
- Connects to any smartphone via USB
- Works with balanced 4.4-millimeter or S-Bal 3.5-millimeter headphone plugs like that on the DT 990 PRo
- Power Match and XBass serve as adjustable analog settings
- Clearer, more customizable listening experience
- Gorgeous petrol blue and copper aesthetic
Cons:
- Battery life is lacking
- Not capable of drawing power from UBS port
- You need an adapter in order to pair this with an Apple device.
2. Little Bear B4-X Portable – Tube Amplifier For Byerdynamic
The Little Bear B4-X is a portable dual-mono vacuum tube amplifier that’s designed to work with headphones like the DT 990. At first glance, we were taken back by its impressive aesthetic. It has a powder-coated gray and black exterior with a window that provides users with a sneak peek of the two internal vacuum amps.
The Little Bear is also capable of creating a stunning soundstage, especially when it is paired with hi-fi headphones like the DT 990s. Users have described its sound as quiet, warm, detailed, and even edgy.
Good Tube Amplifier for headphone
We love that the B4-X’s left and right channels feature independent components, including different power supplies, tubes, and op-amps. They help to isolate the various frequencies for a clear, more detailed audio production.
The Little Bear B4-X is capable of driving headphones with impedances as high as 300 ohms. Naturally, the DT 990s are a perfect pairing. The amp has two output interfaces, including 3.5-millimeter and 2.5-millimeter headphone jacks. As such, it should have no trouble fitting the Beyerdynamic’s 3.5-millimeter mini-jack plug.
If you’re a gearhead, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to hold a tube amp in the palm of your hand. The Little Bear enables users to listen to hi-fi music for virtually any location.
The Little Bear boasts a built-in rechargeable battery that promises long, uninterrupted listening experiences. The built-in battery protection circuitry keeps users from listening to music when the battery is charging. Still, the amp boasts an onboard LED light that turns from red to green when the battery is fully loaded. Nevertheless, you can expect your DT 990 amp to be out of commission for at least a few hours every day.
It is also worth noting that this is one of the more affordable portable amp selections on the market.
Pros
- Durable metal case with viewing window to valves and tubes
- Integrated volume dial
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Small enough to sip into a small pocket or sleeve
- High-quality audio with tube-given warmth and edge
Cons
- Some loose elements
- Custom charging table makes finding replacements nearly impossible (as opposed to USB)
3. XDUOO XD-05 Plus – Portable Amp and Dac for Beyerdynamic DT990 PRO
Next up, we have Apos’s XD-05 Plus Headphone Amplifier. This pocket-sized audio enhancer will have no issue meeting the power requirements of your 250-ohm DT 990 headphones. It has plenty of onboard outputs, including slots for a USB, an AUX, and a coaxial/optical cord. It also has a powerful and long-lasting lithium-polymer battery. Not to mention, its small size makes it one of the most portable and versatile headphone amps on the market.
When we first gave the XDUOO XD-05 Plus a listen, we noticed improvements in our audio’s clarity and detail. You can easily override the subpar speakers in your desktop Windows, Mac, or Android device. Its small size also makes it an excellent on-the-go amplifier.
High Quality Amp for Headphone
The XDUOO XD-05 Plus’s interchangeable Op-amps make it a favorite with DIYers. We welcomed the improvements brought on by the XDUOO ‘s onboard bass toggle. However, users should be careful not to overdrive the gain.
It’s also worth noting that the XD-05 Plus is durable and lightweight. You should have no worries when it comes time to take this indestructible amp on the go. The battery life is more than sufficient.
On the downside, you will need to download drivers to run this on a PC. If you’re not super techy, this part can be confusing. Still, there are plenty of helpful installation videos on YouTube.
We also love that the XDUOO can also be paired with any portable Bluetooth DAC amp. While headphone compatibility is our top consideration, it’s certainly nice to have a second amplification option.
Pros
- Offers ample musical details with less distortion and background noise
- USB, coaxial/optical, and AUX inputs
- Supports DSD signals
- Doubles as a Bluetooth DAC amplifier
- Features a long-lasting and fast-charging 5,000 milliamps hour lithium-polymer battery (You can get as many as 40 hours of runtime per charge!)
Cons
- Unreliable USB C input (lots of background noise when it does work)
- Pricey considering the number of reported issues
4.Mayflower O2 – Best 250 Ohm Headphone Amp
The Mayflower’s Objective2 + ODAC Headphone Amplifier and DAC is a premium piece. This amplifier reduces the total level of harmonic distortion (THD) and noise for a mellow, crystalline listening experience. It produces 600 megawatts of power, which is enough for just about any dynamic set of headphones. You should have no trouble pairing this amp with a pair of DT 990 Pros.
The Objective2 boasts a rugged aluminum housing with plenty of onboard knobs toggles. We love that this unit can be powered directly or via two rechargeable nickel-ion (NiFe) batteries. The device’s extended battery life sets the stage for uninterrupted on-the-go listening.
The interface is simple and easy to use. We love that it amplifies digital sound signals without adding any coloring. The onboard volume adjustment knob and gain toggles (1X-12X) help users customize their listening experiences. It can be paired with any 3.5-millimeter jack or any equivalent adapter. The device also has a USB port on the backside. It enables users to pair the integrated Objective DAC with any PC or MAC. No drivers are required.
Mayflower O2 review
Check out this video to see an Objective 2 unboxing. We’re not the only ones that believe Objective 2 is capable of improving a listening experience. It comes as no surprise that it’s well-received in the audiophile community.
Objective 2 is an improvement from the previous version to deliver better sounds and power different devices from IEMs to HD 800s with so much ease. What makes the O2 unique is the fact that Drop involved the audio community in its creation. It offers a quarter-inch headphone output, a rear-mounter power jack, and RCA inputs.
You can choose between a standard gain and a medium gain for your DT 990. If you are using the amp with IEMs, you can use the medium gain. If you use the DT 990 with more than 300-ohm, opt for the standard gain.
The unit draws power from a 110V AC adapter. Although it will not draw power from your device, you cannot use it on-the-go. It is also a large unit with a length of the 12 inches and a weight of 255g. It is a great unit for use with your desktop and TV.
Mayflower Sound
The medium and standard gain, allow you to balance different tones to get the exact sound you want. The O2 doesn’t make any noise regardless of the song you play. With advanced clarity, the O2 allows you to hear the instruments in songs clearly.
Pros
- Low THD and minimal noise
- Low output impedance for pairing with various headphones
- Capable of generating enough power to drive dynamic headphones
- Easy plug and play operation with front and center 3.5-millimeter output jack
- Comes with all the necessary cables
- Multiple adjustment points for a more customized listening experience
Cons
- Some customer service issues
- Pricey
5. FiiO K5 Pro DAC and Amplifier – Best FiiO DAC And amp
The FiiO K5 Pro is a desktop DAC/ amplifier that’s perfect for DT 990-utilizing gamers and music enthusiasts alike. This tiny device has a simple, easy-to-use interface. Unlike the previously mentioned items, this unit is made to sit on top of a desktop.
The Fiio mini desktop amplifier has a durable aluminum body with a smooth yet sightly textured shell. Its small footprint makes it an easy addition to any desktop. There’s a 3.5-millimeter headphone back, large volume dial, input toggle switch, and gain toggle switch on the front. 
The gain toggle switch boasts three levels, including 0-, +6, and +10 decibels. It features USB DAC, SPDIF IN, and LINE-IN modes. You should have no trouble pairing this amp with a desktop, mobile, or smart device. Fiio’s RCA line-in enables users to expand upon their existing soundstages. You can easily attach an active speaker or external amplifier when you’re not using your DT 900s.
FiiO K5 Pro amp review
We love that the K5 Pro features RGB light indicators. The ring around the volume knob changes color to indicate the current sample rate. When music is coming in at a rate of 48 kilohertz or less, it should display a flashing blue ring. Meanwhile, anything above 48 kilohertz should show as a flashing yellow ring. DSD, or “Direct Stream Digital” files conjure up a flashing green ring.
The K5 Pro will help you optimize the potential of your DT 990 headphones. It offers a total power output of up to 1.5 watts per 32-ohm load and up to 20-watt peak-to-peak voltage for every 300-ohm load.
Installation couldn’t be easier. Your computer should automatically download and install the required plug-ins and drivers. You should notice less notice background noise muddling up your soundstage and much more pronounced details where you want them. With that said, we do wish that the K5 Pro was capable of producing more resounding bass and volume.
Pros
- AK4493 DAC chips for low distortion and a wide dynamic range
- Capable of receiving low out-of-band noise
- Six 32-bit digital filters
- Tunable dials (volume, bass, gain) for a more customized listening experience
- Multiple headphone jacks for pairing with different interfaces
Cons
- Weak bass
- No as much audio improvement as expected
Do i need an amp for Beyerdynamic DT 990 pro?
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 is one of the most popular open-back dynamic headphones. Being an open-back headphone, the DT 990 has no isolation except at the highest frequency. It has sound leakage which means your neighbor can hear them. While the headphones have an integrated small amp, the amp is never powered enough to give you the sound you need. The headphone amp raises the low-voltage audio signal from the source device to a level that your headphone speakers can convert into sound waves. They work the same way as full-size speaker amps but at a lower scale.
Understanding the Beyerdynamic DT 990
DAC and AMP almost all devices have the necessary INPUT and OUTPUT, but all have different hardware inside. Separately note the balanced connector, if you are ready to replace your headphone cable, you will get more gain and better separation.
Low frequency
the low frequencies on the Byerdynamic DT990 pro sound good. There are no distortions, on some tracks it was a little lacking, but in osvnonom BASS shows the desired speed and mass. On classical music in DT990, the instruments are very well recognized, and the character of the piece is transmitted.
Mid frequency
For mid frequencies, there are complaints about the sound. When listening to 250 ohm headphones, sometimes there were no additional emotions. This was especially noticeable on poorly recorded tracks. Of course, audiophile recordings sound great but keep this in mind. In General, excellent detail and authenticity of the sound, the feeling of the scene.
Hi frequency
You will receive as many high frequencies as there were on the recording. Some people don’t like it very much, but the reliability can be attributed to a positive quality. This can be clearly heard when the melodies in the tracks fade out.
A Guide to Finding the Perfect Amp for Your DT 990 Headphones
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 is an open-backed pair of headphones. They provide a unique sound signature, which makes them rather polarizing. You might be having either of two versions; the Edition or the Pro.
The Edition model is ideal for use at home. There are three variants of the Edition – the 32, 250, and 600 Ohm. The DT 990 Pro only comes in a 250ohm variant. Beyerdynamic also produces a limited edition version that features black ear pads and a straight cable. The default version features a coiled cable and gray ear pads. The Pro comes in handy for mixing and critical listening.
To maximize your DT 990 Pro’s performance, you need to understand what these headphones need from an amplifier. The DT 990s are open-back dynamic headphones. This means that they use electromagnetic induction to convert audio signals into sound waves.
If you’re looking for an amp to power your DT 990 headphones, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will discuss some of the best amps out there that are perfect for these headphones. We’ll also provide some tips on what to look for when shopping for an amp, and give you our top picks for the best amps for DT If you’re looking for an amp to power your DT 990 headphones, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will discuss some of the best amps out there that are perfect for these headphones. We’ll also provide some tips on what to look for when shopping for an amp, and give you our top picks for the best amps for DT 990 headphones. Let’s get started!
The Best Audio Equipment for Your Needs
When shopping for an amp to power your DT 980 headphones, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, you’ll need to decide what type of amplifier you want. There are two main types of amplifiers: solid-state and tube. The tube amp has specific sounds and is often considered more “organic” sounding than solid-state amps. However, tube amps can also be more expensive and require more maintenance.
If you’re not sure which type of amp is right for you, or if you want to try out both types before making a decision, we recommend checking out the amps from our blog. This amp offers both solid-state and tube tones, so you can experiment and find what sounds best to you. Plus, it’s perfect for home use.
Once you’ve decided on the type of amplifier you want, there are a few other factors to consider. For example how much “gain” your amp ready execute. The DT 990 headphones are high-impedance headphones, meaning they require more power to drive them than low impedance headphones. So make sure your amp has enough gain to properly power your cans.
Lastly, you’ll want to consider the size and portability of the amplifier. If you plan on taking your amp with you on the go, make sure it’s small and lightweight enough to fit in your backpack or luggage.
Now that we’ve gone over some of the basics, let’s take a look at our top amps for DT 1990 headphones.
Soundstage
The DT 990 Pros are known for having a V-shaped sound signature. In other words, they produce elevated bass, elevated treble, and recessed mid-range. When you connect your DT 990s to a suitable amp, you should be able to improve the dynamic range, clarity, and detail of your audio.
Power/Battery Life
Most DT 990 Pro-compatible amplifiers are at least optionally portable. Most of them run on either rechargeable lithium-ion, AA, or AAA batteries. Some units must be powered up independently. Meanwhile, others have UBS inputs that can draw power and data from an audio source.
Amps with DACs
Some amps come with built-in DACs (“Digital-to-Analog Converter”). These covert digital signals into analog signals. This process is expected to improve the quality of music. Keep in mind that DAC amplifiers are not a requirement for the DT 990 PRos. Still, they do improve the quality of these headphones’ audio.
Keep in mind that computers already have built-in DACs. Since these elements are built-in to already busy circuitry, they tend to generate a lot of background noise and electrical humming. An external DAC can help you eliminate these distracting audio elements while expanding the DT 990’s soundstage.
What is more important DAC or amp for 250 ohm headphones?
Impedance
Impedance is the level of power (as measured in ohms) that a sound source is capable of generating. You must always take the impedances of your audio source, headphones, and amplifier into consideration.
Keep in mind that most cellphones have relatively low impedances. For example, the iPhones 6S has an impedance of just 4 ohms. Meanwhile, the DT 990s have an impedance of 250 ohms. If you want to maximize the audio potential of your dynamic headphones, you’re going to need an amplifier with a suitable power rating. Such an amplifier will enable you to bridge the gap between your audio source and audio output device. A good amp pairing should have roughly eight times less output impedance than your headphones. Since the DT 990s have an output impedance of 250 ohms, they should only ever be paired with amps that have output impedances of 31.25 ohms or less.
Most sound experts recommend that you pair your headphones with an equivalent impedance. Doing so will completely transform your personal listening experience, going so far as to strengthen the details in the audio and widen the soundstage.
Here’s a quick video on the importance of choosing an amplifier with a low output impedance.
DAC – digital-to-analog converter
To answer this question, you need to understand what DAC and AMP are. DAC-digital-to-analog Converter. On hard drives and audio drives, music is stored digitally, and speakers and audio play an analog signal. This conversion occurs in dac for DT990. If it is not available, digital-to-analog conversion occurs in built-in sound cards, mp3 players, and phones. The quality of the output sound depends directly on the chip in the DAC and this is one of the reasons why some devices are better than others.
External DAC are better because it is a specialized device. And its acquisition can significantly improve the sound quality if you use the built-in. note that external DACS are easily used with any audio devices for listening to music.
External Amp
Many music fans ask why you need external amplifiers on Beyerdynamic dt990 if everything plays well without them on any devices? In fact, all of these listening devices have a built-in amplifier. Let’s see what advantages an external amplifier has and why it is needed.
For many people, an amp for headphone is the most important piece of equipment they own
It is generally considered a good amplifier if it amplifies the audio signal without the slightest distortion or change, transmitting the signal from the source. But in reality, there is no such situation and all amplifiers affect the sound in different ways. Different amplifiers with the same DT990 sound completely different. The difference between a cheap amplifier and an expensive one can be clearly heard on any headphones. In amp, the current increases and the sound becomes more detailed and atmospheric. Therefore, buying an external AMP FOR Beyerdynamic headphones will significantly improve the sound. Most music in studios is recorded at a low volume level and cannot be played without an amplifier.
Whichever model you choose, the DT 990 produces a clear sound. You can comfortably listen to music without the amp, but if you need a richer sound, an amplifier comes in handy.
Features of the amplifier with Beyerdynamic DT 990 pro 250 ohm
Amplifier for headphones performs two tasks: adjust the necessary volume and improve the sound quality. First you need to decide what you are missing in your beyerdynamic dt 990: Add volume? improve the sound at frequencies? listen to different music formats, not only mp3, but also wav, flac. Before purchasing an Amp, determine what sound you want to get at the output. In games, the dt 990 does not always transmit sound in its original form, using only the built-in amplifier in the computer. To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the game, choose the appropriate amplifier for this task. I just want to convey to you, do not ask what you are missing, determine it yourself and look for the best amplifier for the dt 990 to solve the problem with sound.
Efficiency
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones have a sensitivity of 99.13 decibels per volt. When you combine this number with the DT 990’s impedance (250 ohms), you should be able to determine what level of power you need to boost your audio source. We used Headphonesty’s Headphone Power Calculator to do just this. According to the calculator, you need around 13 milliwatts of power to produce the DT 990’s full loudness potential. Keep in mind that our first pick, the iFi Hip-DAC Portable DAC Headphone Amp, is capable of generating 400 milliwatts of power.
Built/Design
Don’t forget to consider an amp’s overall design. The device should have a durable exterior that’s constructed of either hard plastic or metal. It may have one or more knobs and toggles for a more customizable listening experience. There should also be multiple inputs and outputs, including at least one 3.5-millimeter headphone jack. Even if you’re looking for a unit that pairs well with headphones, you may also want one that boasts a speaker output.
DAC features
DAC can be used with both a player and a desktop computer. The main characteristics of any DAC are output power (WATTS). But the output power varies depending on the load. For example, in FiiO DAC / AMP 1.65 w at 16 Ohm, and 1.5 w at 32 Ohm. Logically, the higher the resistance, the lower the output power. Therefore, for 250 Ohm headphones, we get a quieter sound, and 80 Ohm is louder. Also, the decoder in the DAC has a characteristic-the Frequency in Khz. Various technologies are used in decoding. The newer the technology, the higher the quality of decoding and, consequently, the sound.
Which amplifier is better to use?
Why is a phone or mp3 player built-in amplifier not enough to listen to music through good headphones like the Byerdynamic dt990? Manufacturers of any equipment go to great lengths to reduce power consumption, and this case is no exception, you will have to resort to an external amplifier
If expressed in numbers, the built-in amplifier has a voltage of 0.15 V – 0.3 V, and accordingly low power, which is naturally not enough for a 250 ohm headset. For headphones with low impedance, this gain will be sufficient, but high-resistance (from 100 Ohm) be not enough. This begs the question, why buy high-impedance headphones when headphones with low impedance can sound just as good? the answer is simple: when the resistance of the headphones is low, a large current flows through your gadget, and there is no problem with this for conventional amplifiers. But compact electronic devices do not like high current, because of high heating and heat dissipation, distortion may appear and directly affects the output sound. Let’s put it in simple terms: you can buy headphones with a small resistance, but you can use the sound quality.
How is the DT 990’s Sound?
Some people are of the opinion that this earphone is a little expensive but others swear by the effectiveness and durability of the Beyerdynami. This is a must have in your earphones collection if you want to listen to music and enjoy your music.
Earphones have many advantages. The Beyerdynami headphone is made of flexible material. They come in different colors so you can choose the color that fits your style.
boosting the headphone’s bass and soundstage. it does what you need to produce high-quality music tracks while recording or mixing. a good amp for DT990 PRO is necessary, otherwise your headphones will not reach its full potential of audio quality. if you are looking for an amp that can match with DT990 PRO, here are some recommended ones
There are many specific features that are important in order to get the best out of the earphones. They should not cause any kind of strain on your ear canal as these can affect the quality of the sound. It should also have a low impedance that is why the Beyerdynami is quite popular.
Make sure that you check for any warranty so that you can return the product if it does not work for you.
Many online stores offer great deals on their products. Be sure to check the customer feedback in order to see what other users have to say about the product. You can also get advice from Artem Ali in the comments
Why Do You Need A Headphone Amplifier?
While cell phones and computers are undeniably convenient audio sources, most fail to generate the power required to produce high-fidelity soundstages. Headphone amplifiers like the selections listed above actually bypass an audio source’s built-in amplifier to give listeners even more dynamic listening experiences.
How Does a Headphone Amp Work?
Headphone amps are essentially small boxes that bridge the connection between a data source and your headphones. In most cases, you’ll be connecting them to a desktop computer or other smart device. Most headphone amplifiers feature a combination of tubes and valves. These elements help convert compressed digital audio files into compound analog audio. The best amplifiers create a clear, more pronounced dynamic range while simultaneously eliminating audio inadequacies and background distortion.
Although it is an open-back headphone, the DT 990 has a great balance between bass and treble. The treble might feel aggressive, but the bass neutralizes it to create a rich sound that users might love. To most users, both the treble and the bass might be too aggressive. If you do not listen to your music so loud, the highs are not as aggressive.
It is easy to see why these are so polarizing on first listen. Their speed and character is almost like the DT770, but they have a bit more push in their bass and treble. The mids are musical and accurate. The bass and treble will determine whether you love the headphones.
By using a headphone amp, you are able to balance the treble and the bass for clear sounds.
The loud treble and the open-backed design collaborate to create an excellent sense of depth, soundstage, and imaging. Granted, the headphones are great for gaming sessions or for listening to any genre of music from your desktop. The soundstage of these headphones is fun when listening to music.
Amplifier for Your DT 990 pro
All headphones need an amplifier. Most, such as the DT 990, have a built-in amplifier which allows you to plug them in without the use of an external amplifier. However, the amplifier and the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) in them are not powerful enough to give you the sound you may need. When the built-in amp is underpowered, you need an external amplifier that will give you the balance of sound that you need.
How Do Headphone Amps Work?
The amps come in the form of a box designed to fit in between your headphones and your music source. You plug in the headphones into the amp and plug the amp into the music source which can be your desktop, phone, turntable, or any other. In some instances, you might need to plug in a DAC along the way, but modern amps come with built-in DAC so you never have to buy an extra device. For many people, an amp for headphone is the most important piece of equipment they own.Another type of amplifier that you can use for your 250 ohm headphones is the tube amplifier. You should choose a tube amp that has a lot of power. So, if you want to get the best sound quality in your dt990, then you need to make sure that you have the right amp for your headset. You should also make sure that the dac and amp that you choose can give you a higher sound quality. that will help you enjoy the best sound that you can get from your headphones.
When the sound passes through the amp before reaching your headphone, the sound that comes out is richer, warmer, and more powerful. The sound is not only louder but it has minimal distortion at high levels. Although you may never play the music at very high levels (to protect your ears), the sound will always have minimal distortion at whichever level you play.
Inside the headphone amps are tubes, valves, and other analog components. These components help to amplify the sound on your headphone speakers. The strengthening is ideal in coloring the sounds and enhancing the performance of certain frequencies. This is why the sound pushed through the amp comes out sounding a lot better.
The DT 990 is a high quality pair of headphones. It is able to expose the deficiencies in the source music such as the compressed MP3 you may have in your phone. If music is already low quality from the source, even the best headphones will have a problem correcting the sound (unless you use noise-canceling headphones).
Does Price Indicate Quality?
In most cases, a more expensive amplifier will give better quality sound or will have more features. However, this is not a hard rule and price should not be the benchmark for buying an amp for your DT 990. Most of the expensive amps you may find on the market are bulky and not portable. Some might even have fragile components and you may be paying for features that you do not need.
Picking Between Types of Amps
There are three types of headphone amps; tubes, solid state, and hybrids. The difference between all these is the inner circuitry, which determines the kind of sound that the amp produces.
Tubes
Also called valves or vacuum tubes, these appear as glowing cylinders that you might see glowing inside the amplifier. There are both driver and power tubes and they all work differently. You can identify a tube by its giant boxy power supply at the back of the unit. Tubes are ideal when you need a rich, warm, and analog sound. However, tubes are susceptible to breakages, short-circuiting, and some do not perform as advertised. With a tube, if you ever want to alter the sound that comes from your amplifier, you can change the tubes.
Solid-State
These models use traditional circuitry instead of tubes. They lack the warmth and character you get from tubes, but they are reliable and their sound is accurate and detailed.
Hybrids
These use both tubes and traditional circuitry. The tubes in them provide color to your sound and also the electronics that power the device. The one you choose among the three is a matter of personal preference, based on the sound you need to create.
Dou You Need a DAC ?
Yes, You need a DAC – Digital-to-Analog Converter. Before the sound goes from the music source to your headphones, it needs to be converted from digital to analog, a form of airwaves you can hear. Most of the players (your phone, tablet, laptop, turntable, and PC), have these converters – which is why you are able to hear music from your computer. However, the quality may not be good when you need richer sounds.
Luckily, some of the modern amps come with built-in DACs – such as the Audioengine D1 24-Bit DAC Headphone Amp and the FiiO Q1 Mark II reviewed above. These ensure that you do not need an external DAC. If the amp you choose does not have a DAC and you need a clear sound, you can purchase an external one to make your sound better.
Portable vs Desktop Amps
While dynamic headphones like the DT 990s offer users more complex listening experiences, these units not as straightforward as your standard plug-and-play earbuds. In most cases, the best way to unlock your headphones’ power is to add a headphone amp to your audio chain. The right amp should be able to generate sufficient volume, ample detail, and dynamic range.
Do you want an amp to use in the house or on-the-go?
Both portable and desktop amps have their advantages and drawbacks. A portable amp, such as the FiiO Q1 Mark II, is advantageous in the fact that you can carry it anywhere. Most of these are only a few ounces heavy so you can carry them anywhere. The drawback is that most of these have less power output. Although your DT 990 will still perform excellently even with reduced power, you might see reduced inputs and outputs and the amp may limit the number of audio formats you play. You also need to worry about the battery life of your portable amp.
A desktop amp, such as the DROP Massdrop Objective-2 Headphone Amp, is more functional and less portable. It has a wealth of inputs, has more power, has a robust frame, and may even have other features such as Bluetooth connectivity. Most desktop amps are tube amp, which means that if you plan to swap tubes, you need to go for desktop amps. These amps are more expensive than the portable amps.
FAQ – 250 Ohm Headphone Amp
How do I know if the signal is quiet or loud when listening through my headphones?
- Depends on the specific devices you are using. Let’s say we want to get a 96 db sound. Let’s use an example: headphones with a resistance of 250 Ohm, the sound source should be 500 mV, and the current is 2 mA. High-resistance headphones require high voltage and correspondingly low current. The output voltage of most conventional mobile devices is 150-200 mV. Accordingly, the signal will be quiet.
Does the resistance and amperage affect the sound ? there is an opinion that low-impedance headphones sound better, right?
- In most cases, Yes, it is true. The resistance is created by the number of turns in the headphone coil, and in low-impedance headphones, an almost short circuit is created, which negatively affects the sound. Yes, the sound will be loud, but not as clear.
Is the sound card or mixing console enough to rock the 250 Ohm headphone signal ?
- Most often, a sound card or mixing console can make the signal loud enough. Do not buy an amplifier if you already have a separate sound card or mixing console in the Studio.
Is there a better universal amplifier that will fit all headphones ?
- No, the preamp for headphones is selected depending on the specific model, and according to the resistance. In our case it is 250 Ohm
Wrapping Up
After careful consideration, we’re happy to name the iFi Hip-DAC Portable DAC Headphone Amp Balanced for Android/iPhone as our top pick for the DT 990 Pros. This stunning little amplifier will elevate your listening experience no matter where you go. It’s small enough to fit in a pant pocket and stylish enough that you won’t want to hide it away. Plus, it offers 8 hours of continuous listening. Don’t even get us started on the audio quality. The iFi presents a distortion- and noise-free soundstage. You can hear rich, pronounced details at even the lowest volume. Of course, the >Little Bear B4-X is a reasonably priced portable tube amp with a nearly flat frequency response.
With that said, the Beyerdynamic DT 990s are some of our favorite headphones for gaming and on-the-go listening. A quality amp is sure to elevate your DT 990’s performance in order to give you the dynamic hi-fi listening experience that you’re craving. Questions? Comments? Drop them below!
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 is already a great pair of headphones when you need to play video games or play music from your devices at home or away. To make your listening experience better, you need to choose a good amp. The best amp from the ones above is dependent on your needs and your budget.
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