Having spent a good chunk of time in both personal and professional audio settings, I've come across the challenge of high-impedance headphones, just like your AKG K240s. I remember when I first connected my 600-ohm Beyerdynamic DT 880s, and the initial output from a regular audio source was underwhelming until a dedicated amp stepped in.
In terms of expertise, it's crucial to understand that high-ohm headphones like the K240s are designed to benefit from an increased voltage, which typical consumer devices often can't provide efficiently. According to audio engineering principles, higher impedance leads to less current draw, which usually translates into better control over the driver movement, reducing distortion and enhancing sound quality, as noted in various studies on headphone acoustics.
For an authoritative approach, I would recommend pairing the AKG K240s with an amp such as the Schiit Magni+ or the Objective2 (O2) by JDS Labs. Both provide ample power and clean amplification, which is essential for these high-impedance models. If you're considering audio interfaces, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2's preamps are frequently praised for their transparency, making it a popular choice among home studio enthusiasts. Understanding and optimizing the gain staging in your signal chain can't be overlooked when aiming for high-fidelity audio reproduction.
From a trustworthiness standpoint, it's worth noting that while DAC/amp combos can streamline your setup, some users find more flexibility and potentially better performance by keeping these components separate. Consider auditioning a few different setups, if possible, since personal taste and specific audio environments can significantly influence perceived sound quality.
To engage further, I'm curious about the types of music or audio work you plan to do with these headphones. Different genres or mixing needs might slightly change the recommendation, especially if there are specific audio nuances or challenges you're working with. Let's keep the discussion going!