FWIW mine with Mulllard M8083's runs AKG 601's with great sound. I do wish I had just a little more gusto though.

I will never part with mine. Can not give comparisons since my only other phones are several states away (HD-595). Last night I listened to Slacker radio with BlackBerry instead of my usual iPod/LOD as source. The 601's were still very enjoyable, but I find they need a lot of  juice to...

Quote:   Depending on which iPod, a simple amp like PA2V2 and a LOD to connect amp to bottom of iPod (bypasses internal amp) may yield nice improvements. My old 20GB w/Koss PortaPro phones sounds better configured this way. Impedance on the is 60 ohms.     

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Sorry, did not specify. Open or closed would do. Closed may be a better option since lately I have been listening a lot on campus. Generally thought the compact closed offerings paled in comparison to the performance of open phones.

Not familiar with iPhone. If it has same ole connector on bottom like iPods you may be able to gain sound quality by going out of it with use of a LOD. I easily noticed an improvement with my ancient 20GB iPod, PA2V2, and iBasso CB05.

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Anyone ???

So how do the 550's compare when put directly up against 750's, 840's, M50's, and V6?

I'm still waiting for the M50 / 840 / V6 shootout someone promised 

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Amp wise this is all you need; http://www.electric-avenues.com/amplifiers.html   I have one and it has impressed all that have seen and heard it. Current cost is around $60.   You may also need a long stereo RCA to 3.5 mini to connect TV to amp.    Then just connect headphones to amp.

  I have a Little Dot I+ that has M8083 / OPA2107 installed from day one. I like the sound, but find the volume often set at around 80% during my sessions.   Thinking about adding a MkIII or another similarly priced amp.    If MkIII is right choice what readily available tubes...

I never thought I would say such a thing  . My Porta-Pro cans still sound good to me and can be driven nicely directly from my BlackBerry. But, I now desire a pair with a more natural presentation. Requirements are:   A) Not more than $80   B) Not more than 4ft cord and terminating in...

Mine came from here; http://cgi.ebay.com/OPA2107-dual-Low-Noise-Difet-Precision-OpAmp-DIP-8-x2-/170632916927?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27ba83afbf#ht_2510wt_967   Noticed sound improvement immediately.

I used mine for about three years with a X-Fi Fatality card in my game machine. Great high to low fidelity and not a whiff of fatigue often at high extended levels. Only tried music a few times directly out of a decent Denon stereo amp and no complaints there either. Currently using AKG 601's...

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  Dire Straits; Ride Across The River     Goes from very subtle/soft to full tilt and really reveals. Try it.

Senn HD 518. Their E.A.R. technology works very well for gaming. I have the 595's which are an earlier generation of this series. All smiles IMHO.   Add a decent desk-top mic and you may be about $20 over.  

Tried mine with PA2V2 mini amp today and it was not enough to properly run the 601's. No biggie, will just stick to LD I+ as I never had intentions to use AKG's out of home anyway.

OK, 60 delivers most bass.   baka1969, what do you feel 80 brings to the table that elevates it? $20 added expense is reasonable.

Finally think it's time I found out what the Grado sound is like. I've been using a little PA2V2 amp that has given good results with Koss Porta-Pro's and my old iPod. Have also been satisfied with the Koss's directly into a BlackBerry playing Slacker.    Don't know to go with the 60i that...

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Thanks. Those look promising. Had B &W 804 floor standers a few years back. Top notch all the way. Gonna keep an eye on pricing on the P5's in hopes it dips noticeably from MSRP. Budget is about half of their cost, but want all suggestions as I may just wait and save to get the ideal pair.