Should I Get a Dedicated Headphone Amp for Audeze MM-500 with Apollo Twin X?

[mixedbykrx]

Hi everyone,

I'm a new user of Audeze MM-500 headphones and currently have them EQ'd in Peace software following the Harman Curve with some slight gain adjustments. Because of significant bass boosts, my preamp gain is set to around -8.6dB.

I’m using an Apollo Twin X USB interface, which still has two free DAC outputs (if I’m getting the terminology right). I’ve been considering buying the Topping L30 II headphone amplifier, as I don’t want to spend a fortune on this upgrade.

I have two main questions:

1. Is it worth getting a separate headphone amp like the Topping L30 II in this case, or is the Apollo Twin X sufficient? I mainly mix music, and at times, I push the signal on the interface almost to 100% (before the limiter), partly due to the aforementioned -8.6dB preamp adjustment.
2. What kind of difference in sound can I realistically expect? Will it be noticeable, or is this more of a marginal improvement?

The Topping L30 II isn’t the most expensive option, but it seems highly regarded based on reviews and tests.

Lastly, would I need anything else besides the amp and cables to set it up? I’m pretty new to this topic, so I’d really appreciate any advice!

Thanks a lot in advance!

 

[DVDdoug]

I push the signal on the interface almost to 100% (before the limiter), partly due to the aforementioned -8.6dB preamp adjustment.

The digital levels?

If it's going loud enough without clipping the analog amplifier, more analog headroom doesn't gain you anything.

 

[mixedbykrx]

I mean, I'm not even talking strictly about the power reserve itself, but more about the overall effect - does it make sense to change to Topping L 30 II?

The digital levels?

If it's going loud enough without clipping the analog amplifier, more analog headroom doesn't gain you anything.

 

[kemmler3D]

the overall effect - does it make sense to change to Topping L 30 II?

It won't sound any different in all likelihood, maybe louder, possibly lower noise floor.