Boosted output headphones?

[Infi-del]

Hi all. Got me a PSP for video purposes and so far I like it. The screen is nice and big and it's pretty darn high def for what it is. Two small problems. The screen doesn't get as bright as my ipod. Which is only a problem if watching a video in daylight. Any fixes for that would be appreciated though I think I'm stuck there. But the other short coming is the volume when maxed out isn't quite as loud as I'd like it to be. I've tried several different headphones but I must admit that all of my headphones are of sub-par quality (Sony, JVC, and the like). Any of you guys know of some headphones that really boost the signal output from a device. Or are extremely efficient in that they produce a lot of clear volume from limited signal output? It'd be nice if they were somewhat water proof as I intend to wear them when running at the gym. And I don't like ear buds as they simply don't work for me. They're uncomfortable and fall out in short order because apparently I have small ear holes LOL. I'd want them to be actual head phones. But I'd also like to avoid any huge things like we had back in the 80's.

 

[Piso Mojado]

Koss KSC-75
Koss SportaPro
Sennheiser PX-100

The two Koss models use the same drivers: the SportaPro mounts them on a headband that goes over or behind your head; the KSC-75 has earclips. Sennheiser has the best case.

 

[orthogonal1]

They also sell mini-amps for headphones.

I've got mini-amps that use 9-volt batteries, but there are ones that are plug-in.

 

[harkamus]

Orthogonal is right on the money. I used to dabble extensively in headphones. They're a niche market. The more powerful headphones as well as earbuds (in-ear monitors, etc) all require a dedicated headphone amp. To give you a scope of how crazy headphones can get, amps can cost under 20 bucks (and can be built DIY if you have the skills) to several thousands. Headphones can cost into the 30,000+ range for a particularly desired electro-static headphone. Anyway, that's just getting a bit off topic. There are a lot of amp schematics online if you want to built on yourself. If you're not so inclined, ask one of the builders to make one for you. In your case, a MINT amp would suffice. They're called MINT because they're built into a mints tin. If you want to get a bit higher end, inquire about a Pimeta, which is basically a souped up version of the MINT.

Inquire in the builders forum over at www.headfi.com

Personally, when I dabbled in it, I built my own headphone amp. I still have it on my desktop powering a pair of cans. Mine was dabbling in the higher end range. 300+ for the amp and about 100 for a dedicated powersupply. The cost depends on the components you put into the amp. The capacitors in particular can cost a lot of money. I have since sold my headphones, but my brother still has a pair of 600 dollar Sonys.

And if you're piqued and want some real headphones without busting too much money, I'd suggest a Beyerdynamic DT 770 (these are made in Germany). Sonically, headphones provide more accurate sound reproduction than any speaker ever could. The frequency response of headphones is incredible. The DT 770s can produce bass that can make your ears bleed, so be careful. They were the headphones I had before selling them.