Question Total novice to Headphone Amps HELP🎧

[Shrek]

I find my self listening to my headphones a lot more in the late evening so i dont disturb others. I've noticed i have the volume over half way i do like my music loud.
first question is do i need a headphone Amp will it improve the sound? i have never owned one or heard one ,the only experience i have is a old DAC magic from years ago and still have it, used it on my MacBook .

Budget depends on how much difference the budget will make to the sound but not OTT.

connection/output what's the best way to connect one to my Amp Marantz 70s ive noticed they have RCA optical and HDMI will this be a game changer?

thanks in advance . Sorry just realised in the wrong section i thought i had clicked headphones section !

 

[Rodolfo]

The only discrete DACs I've owned are in portable digital audio players. There are broad ranges of brands, power, price, and features available in a now-quite-mature and growing audio segment. I have two HiBy players that I use in the house, mostly in the evening. and for travel in the same discreet-listening ways. I connect wired and wireless/LDAC-enabled ear- and headphones. If this is of interest, I can elaborate or answer questions. Enjoy your quest, in any event!

(I would have copied and pasted and deleted this, but maybe another well-known or hero member can do some editing.)

 

[Gray]

first question is do i need a headphone Amp

No

will it improve the sound?

I think you'll find it does.
I've still got a DACMagic XS...not over impressed (hardly used it).
Bought a Topping A50S....was somewhat impressed
Borrowed a Topping A90D....was very impressed - can't imagine anyone needing much better.

A pure headphone amp requires a fixed analogue line level output from your Marantz.
If your headphones have the ability to be used 'balanced', then you could make use of the appropriate output on any amp you buy (4.4mm socket or 4-pole XLR).

Just as with speakers, the right music can't be loud enough, I know.
But you need to be more careful not to damage your hearing with headphones.