Grados all the way for me. Especially the newer material is so compressed that the extra dynamics from Grado are very welcome.

Quote: Originally Posted by Ori I like your practical philosophy! That's why I spin vinyl on a Sugden BD-2/A instead of my other TT, an Oracle Delphi with FR64/fxs tonearm. The BD2 is a bit more noisy but it has a lively character and with the right cartridge it just "sings"...

I just received my first pair, #06702. Still haven't heard one though, as they are missing the speaker post adapter cable!

Quote: Originally Posted by milkpowder If that's so, then the H5 would be brilliant for the K701. What the K701 need is a bit of warmth and more mush And this is precisely what some users have been reporting. I would love to hear the combo.

Quote: Originally Posted by milkpowder Is it just the HD580 and HF-1 or is that representative of the rest of the Senn and Grado line as well? Sorry Milkie, I haven't tried the others. But I wouldn't be surprised if HD600 was just as great. HD650 might turn into utter syrup...

HD580 and HF-1 both seem to have great synergy with this amp.

Most of the cans I've had in my possession have been good deals, but the best are the ones I'm stuck with: HF-1 for $200 new and HD580 €80 slightly used. They both are excellent value for money.

Quote: Originally Posted by TheMarsVolta For complementary headphone to grado's, I think Senn HD580's are a great value. HF-1 and HD580 is just the combo I'm left with after going through quite a bunch of phones. I'm not trying to say this is it, the final chapter, end-all-be-all...

It seems our good Dr. Meier at Meier-Audio has a sale at the moment. How about one of these amps to do most of the business? They all from HA-2 Mk II and up can be used as a preamp. Just add a good budget cd-player from the likes of NAD or Cambridge Audio or buy one used and you'll be all set.

I don't think you can find a decent enough headphone output in a cd-player. I would go with a good cdp and a separate headphone amp with preamp functionality. I leave the naming of the possible contenders to the more experienced members...

This is such an excellent review. I've referred back to it whenever I have been considering some closed phones. 1 more vote for STICKY!

MaZa, I used Paypal to pay for mine, but you can also do european bank transfer. Just email Jan so he can send you the payment options and ask your bank about the prosedure.

I too found the Headfive to be a great match for HD580, as well as HF-1. This is from my Chaintech soundcard.

Quote: Originally Posted by Jon L I HATE 96kHz upsampling, and even though I've tried many upsampler programs (Secret Rabbit, PPHS, SRC), I always prefer straight 44.1kHz, which gives you much richer tonality, microdynamics, and natural resolution. I was quite surprised to find...

Quote: Originally Posted by 003 Oh and for an amp I really suggest you get a headfive before they are all gone. You will not regret it. Seconded. The Headfive is a surprisingly good match for both the HD580 and HF-1 (out of my Chaintech AV-710). I don't think I've ever enjoyed...