@bdb wrote:
If your problem is with inconsistently-encoded MP3s, you’d be better off fixing the gain on those files witih mp3gain. Its software to set all your music at a standard gain. I suggest you target them at 92dB rather than the default 89 (which is rather quiet).
Absolutely agree. This is exactly what I do. Even if you ultimately decide to get an amp anyway, it’s still worth using mp3gain to get an even level across all your mp3’s.