After a fairly long wait and a fair few phonecalls, I got a pair of DT250s and a pair of DT831s to play with, I'm also getting a pair of 770pros to compare (I like closed headphones).

I've got a question though - what kind of non-headphone amp would people recommend I hook them up to?
I have access to Parasound at wholesale prices, but I don't -really- want to spend more than $400AU (around $200US) on an amp at this time, and it's hard to find good headphone amps around here anyway.

Currently I'm just running them through a rolls splitter/amp which lets me switch between different sets of 'phones without unplugging things, but the response is only 20-20 so I get the feeling it's not doing the headphones justice.

Initial thoughts - I'm impressed at how different the 250s sound compared to the 831s, it's hard to choose a 'better' pair although I'm leaning toward the 831s as this point in time simply because they're a little more... nice(?)
The 250s are definately more comfortable though, I find the 831s to be a little heavy and they apply pressure around my ears in odd places that are a tad uncomfy - I might get used to them though I guess.

Let me just say that I like Dead Can Dance as it is, but I never got goosebumps as much as I do with these headphones!

I think this smiley sums it up:

wow another australian


where did you gety your Beyer's from ?
I jsut ordered a pair of 770's from soundcorp in melbourne. They should reach me here in sydney in the next few days

I got mine direct from the distributor seeing as I deal with them for other audio products.
Basically I'd looked at Sennheiser 580s and decided that the retail price of around $500 was a little too much to pay as far as I was concerned, so I asked around - heard about the Beyers and now I've got some to compare before I choose which set I want

All I need now is the amp as mentioned!

Well, those three have relatively different requirements as far as amps go. what works for all three?

Get the Creek OBH-11SE or the Corda. Both should be available to you in OZ.

Can any Aussies point me in the right direction for the aforementioned amps?

The Corda is available directly from Meier Audio on the Web.

Meier Audio

Synergy Audio is the OZ distributor for Creek

I was kind of trying to get away with spending less than $500 if possible!
I may be better off getting a standard amp with headphone out like a Marantz or equivalent - which I can do for around $400, plus later I can use it for more than headphones.

One option would be Headroom's TA.
Its a good starting point and quite cheap.
another option would be to see if JMT will build you one
or
build your self a CMOY.

The sound out of most Preamp's is kinda crap. But the one out of my NAD sound ok.
It didn't have the seperation of my MG head tho.

One place to go in sydney to get an idea is to goto Len Wallis down in Lane Cove. they have a good range of preamps and headphones.
Try the X-Can V2 down there while your at it.

BTW they also handle a reasonable amount of second hand gear.

FYI, I'm actually in Perth, so Sydney is a bit of a drive for me, I don't think I have the petrol to make it right now...

hmm bummer

well at least places like HEADROOM ship to Oz


i love my MG head and my 580's - got the 580's on special for $400

hm.. I just rang a local place that someone recommended to me and they have an ex-demo valve amp for $350, marked down from $550 so I might have a listen to that tomorrow and see how I go!

awesome !!
Whats the amp ?? details boy details

I didn't get the full details, I'm at work so I can't spend too much time on the phone, plus the guy I spoke to sounded very busy - but I'll find out tomorrow when I go and have a listen!

G'day Snufkin,
Down at the local hifi shop enquiring about available phones today and was offered a set of akg k501 for $300... hmmn very tempted...but id also have to factor in the price of an amp...good luck with your search!