Best headphones for LEBEN cs 300? - Page 2

As I've understood from impressions of two fellows from a local audio forum - you need headphones with huge soundstage and prominent highs because this amp doesn't have very deep soundstage which is a good match for AKG K701, as well as K701's treble emphasis. So Grado GS1000 should match this amp as well. Also, I believe they are higher grade headphones, as I even prefer Grado Sr325i to AKG K701.

that's cool

I personaly think that W5000 can be quite good compliment for cs300 - never heard cs300 thou

I am very interested in this amp. Did you ever try it with any headphones? How did it go?

Sorry to (re)revive a dead thread, but has anyone heard this amp with the AT-L3000? Grado RS-1 and/or GS-1000? Opinions?

Thanks!

I did. Another pretty good match for the RS1. Expansive soundstage, emphasized lower end of the spectrum and clearer highs. The mids are a bit pushed back compared to my other amps. May I recommend the EAR+ HD for the RS1 if you're looking for a dedicated headphone amp and not a combination amp?

I wouldn't say the Lebens are sibilant with the RS1's. While the leben is great in certain aspects, to my ears, they are a little on the bright side or forward sounding compared to my EAR+ HD. I believe the EAR+ HD tones down the brightness a bit. Again, I'll be happy with either amp.

I've read numerous times that K701 sound great with Lebens (both CS300 and CS600.

That amp is beautiful!

I found the CS3000 to sound quite nice driving the SR-007BL though the SRD-7 Pro.
Perhaps not the "best" match, but quite nice I must say...

I have owned a cs300x, I used it with the AKG K1000's, it was superb! also tried the hd800 and since i didnt like the hd800's from the beginning I also didnt think they were bettered with this amp.

The Leben is a highly musical amp, full bodied, textural and 3dimensional, I think most headphones would benefit from it, I believe its one of the best headphone amps available, at least its possibly the best dynamic hp amp I have heard, and by now I have heard some top ones, however, I still have to listen to the top offers from Woo and R.Samuels. The Leben built quality is as good as it gets, it is a truly superb amp.

I would think that the most suited HP's should be the Audio Technica woodies (w5000, w11, w10, etc) for their musical match (even though they have low impedance), I had the w5000's and it was a great match, lush and 3dimensional. If you want an open hp and have the patience look for a K1000, the soundstage was amazing. The Beyer dt880/600ohm sang their best with this amp, I could imagine that the new Beyers T1 will be heavenly, tube amps tend to be better for higher impedance HP's.

If you are more of an analytical kind of guy, then I would think that the k701/2 or you might like the hd800 (i also owned them).

I Also had the pro900's and I wouldnt think of them as a good match with the leben, specialy due to their emphasis on bass.

So my preference would be:
1. K1000 or just out of pure speculation Beyer T1's
2. W5000
3. DT880/600ohm Manufaktur (JMoney Leather Pads)

Note: IMO, dont waste your time and money with Grado, unless you think of getting the über limited PS series. Just for the sake of quality built they will be a mismatch with the refinement of your Leben.

Good luck!