SoundGuys Weekly: Do you need an amp?

Our weekly dive into the best mobile audio gear - 10/03/2020 [SoundGuys]( SoundGuys Weekly - published Saturday, October 3, 2020 [Do you need an amp?]( The answer is almost assuredly: "no." However, it's useful to know when you'd need an amp in the first place—we're here to clear things up. Betteridge’s law of headlines aside, if you’re just dipping your toes into the world of high-end audio, you’ve probably asked yourself this question before. Getting a straight answer is tough: some people will tell you that an amp will always help, and that maybe you need what’s called a DAC (digital to analog converter) as well... [Read all about it]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Expand your audio knowledge: - [Free Spotify vs Spotify Premium]( - [Apple AirPods Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Buds Live]( - [Apple AirPods vs Powerbeats Pro: which should you buy?]( - [AirPods Pro vs. Beats Powerbeats Pro]( - [How to fix problems with AirPods]( --------------------------------------------------------------- New and updated reviews: [Shure SM57 review]( A durable mic with a high loudness tolerance. Shure sets the industry standard when it comes to professional recording equipment. From the famed Elvis mic to the beloved SE215 in-ear monitors, the company understands that audio quality and durability are top priorities. The Shure SM57 is no different. This tapered capsular microphone is favored by musicians of all genres for capturing midrange instruments. It’s not a question of “if you should get the SM57,” but rather a question of “when.” [Read the full review]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Bose QuietComfort 35 II review]( Some regions get these for free when pre-ordering the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a (5G). Bose's top-tier ANC headphones keep up with the newest options. Bose has been at the top of the active noise cancelling for years, and it was in no small part due to the QuietComfort series of headphones. Now the company has the new Noise Cancelling 700 Headphones (terrible name, I know), but before those came out the noise cancelling cans to beat were the QC35 Series II . So how do they hold up now that some time has passed? Are they worth your money over the newer models or even the competition? [Read the full review]( --------------------------------------------------------------- From around our network: - [Android Authority:]([007 shut down again; No Time To Die has a new coronavirus movie delay (Update)]( - [Drone Rush:]([Best indoor drones – fly in the living room without wrecking the place]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Amazon Music HD review]( This hi-res streaming service is a prime choice for Prime members. Just a decade ago, I would spend my weekends sitting between library aisles, thumbing through cracked CD cases to find new music. With the advent of streaming services, however, the process has been streamlined. While I miss the days of camping out at the library, I revel in the convenience of a virtually endless music library in my pocket. Amazon Music HD takes this a step further by offering more than 50 million CD-quality songs at a hard-to-resist price. Whether you’re an audio purist or casual listener, Amazon Music HD will serve you well . [Read the full review]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Anker SoundCore Liberty Air 2 review]( If I had to pick a single budget headset, the SoundCore Liberty Air 2 would be it. We’ve all heard of the sophomore slump—well, all of us except Anker. The Anker SoundCore Liberty Air 2 exceeds our expectations for how a cheap pair of true wireless earbuds should perform, making it one of my personal favorites. The Qi-compatible charging case feels premium and the call quality is superb. Let’s jump right in and explore the strengths and weaknesses of this generally great headset. [Read the full review]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Only the best headphones: - [Best gaming headsets with good microphones]( - [Best headphone amps]( - [Best earbuds of 2020]( - [Most durable earbuds]( - [Best headphones of 2020]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Staff picks [Adam Molina]( - [Bose QuietComfort 35 II review]( - [Apple AirPods vs Powerbeats Pro: which should you buy?]( [Chris Thomas]( - [Do you need an amp?]( - [Best Shure microphones]( [Lily Katz]( - [Shure SM57 review]( - [Best headphone amps]( [Sam Moore]( - [Best gaming headsets with good microphones]( - [Logitech G Pro X Wireless review]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Free audio gear! We give away popular mobile audio gear every month, enter for your chance to win. 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