Low Volume from NEW Headphones - is it me or them?

[samajm]

Hi,
Just bought a set of Koss Pro4AA Titanium Headphones.
I bought these for my PC. primarily for gaming and music. When I hook them up the volume level was much lower than my previous headphones. I had to crank everything to 100% to get an acceptable sound level, and even then still it's a bit muddy and flat. With my previous phones I could barely take it over 50% and the sound was crisp and clear. I am running these through my Gamesound Fortissimo III 7.1. Very disappointed considering the solid reviews and the fact I was buying higher grade phones. So am I doing something wrong? Does my PC Audio not put out enough power to fill these things? Shouldn't they work just as good if not better than my previous set? I bought these from someone who said they were new in box, but I suspect they may be refurbished. Hence, the excuse for my high level of skepticism.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[samajm]

bump

 

[Algere]

Maybe cause they have a higher impedence than your former 'phones?

If so perhaps you need a headphone amp

 

[samajm]

I would have to agree. It appears I bought too much headphone. I thought I was being smart buying broadcast quality headphones, that way I could use them at home and at work. (Can you say Tax Writeoff?) But after doing some research, these phones need more power than a decent PC Sound card can provide. Anyone have recommendations on a headphone Amp? (Tax Writeoff #2?)
I'm looking at this one>
http://burningblueaudio.com/

and this one
http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=29-999-104&depa=0


But I'm hoping someone can offer a lower cost solution.

Thanks for any input.

 

[Algere]

RU lookin' for a amp for professional use or for the music lover?

EDIT: Is USB powered a must?

 

[0roo0roo]

headphone.com think they are called headroom? i forget. reviews on dansdata.com too

 

[samajm]

not for pro use - just home gamin and music.
USB powered would be a nice option but not required. any drawbacks to that feature?

 

[Algere]

Not really, as said above headphone.com (HeadRoom) sells a USB powered amp i.e. the "Bithead".

Just asking if USB powered was a must or not cause if it was a requirement, it'll limit your choices of available amps to choose from.

NEways I'll take a shot & say that under the $90 or so mark a custom made CMOY (alot of variations of the CMOY out there) w/ a built-in AC adapter plugin (for home use) will have to suffice according to your preference.