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Headphones + Amp/DAC for around $500?

post #1 of 27
4/12/09 at 3:40pm
Thread Starter 
Hey guys,

I am looking for a decent pair of cans and an amp/dac for about $500.

FYI: My inputs will be USB, Creative XFi soundcard (FLAC through optical out), iPod (mobile only), Rega P1 turntable/zPhono Pre-amp, and my PODxt (for guitar). I listen to progressive rock and jazz.

In terms of amp/dac, I found the audio-gd Compass and I was really impressed by the features it offered--but at $300 (with shipping), that might skimp out my headphones. Are there any amps/dacs that offer what the Compass has in terms of inputs but on the cheap?

And the big one--what pair should I buy?

I was looking at the Sennheiser 600s--are the 650s really that much better? What about the AKG 701s (I hear they are immensely uncomfortable)? I don't really like Grado's on-the-ear style, but that doesn't mean I'm ruling them out. EDIT: Also, the Denon AH-D2000 seem to be highly favored.

And a little side question: do I really need an amp/dac? I'm pretty new to this business so I have not a clue
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post #2 of 27
4/12/09 at 4:03pm
If you go used, you can snag a pair of HD-600 for $200. Add the Compass back into the equation, and you're spot on your budget.
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post #3 of 27
4/12/09 at 4:34pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by TopPop View Post
If you go used, you can snag a pair of HD-600 for $200. Add the Compass back into the equation, and you're spot on your budget.
I was thinking maybe the Dennon's and the compass? It seems that everyone really loves the Dennons over the 600s. And I could afford them new (put me $50 over budget). Thoughts?
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post #4 of 27
4/12/09 at 4:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Starguard View Post
I was thinking maybe the Dennon's and the compass? It seems that everyone really loves the Dennons over the 600s. And I could afford them new (put me $50 over budget). Thoughts?
I haven't gotten that impression at all. I haven't heard the D2000, but I have heard the D5000 and, while it is an extraordinary headphone, its just not my taste. I prefer my HD-600.

It's all about what you're looking for in a headphone.
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post #5 of 27
4/12/09 at 4:48pm
I've never found the K701s uncomfortable, and I know others who feel the same way, so take K701 discomfort issues with a grain of salt - I think it is pretty dependent on the shape of your head, although I'm not sure what the offending characteristics would be.

Re: budget, though, I just bought a Compass, and with paypal fees and shipping it ended up around $385 (which wouldn't leave you much to work with for headphones, although there are a few nice pairs which are regarded as great values in the ~100 range). On the other hand, having heard the Compass recently, I think it is totally worth it and will easily outshine any separate amp + dac that totals something close to that.

If you can push your budget to $600 or so, there are a number of great headphones in the sub-$250 range that, when paired with the Compass, will probably give you an excellent system.


**EDIT sorry, I misquoted the price, the reason mine ended up $385 is because I also threw in a $60 power cable, sorry!**
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post #6 of 27
4/12/09 at 4:50pm
My Denon D5000 sounded great out of the Compass when I heard it recently, I'd imagine the D2000 would be a strong match as well. Also, the guy who had the Compass had it paired with a Sennheiser HD580 w/ 600 grills and 650 cable (I think) and it was a very pleasant combo. I don't think any of these combinations could serve you badly.
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post #7 of 27
4/12/09 at 5:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by AmanGeorge View Post
My Denon D5000 sounded great out of the Compass when I heard it recently, I'd imagine the D2000 would be a strong match as well. Also, the guy who had the Compass had it paired with a Sennheiser HD580 w/ 600 grills and 650 cable (I think) and it was a very pleasant combo. I don't think any of these combinations could serve you badly.
I have to say I found this same combo (at the VA meetup) to be quite harsh and fatiguing! It was so incredibly bright... I'd have to hear it with some other headphones.
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post #8 of 27
4/12/09 at 6:15pm
Thread Starter 
Well, I'm about to purchase the Dennon D2000s. I'll be buying the amp later (I'll just have to use my receiver for now) so I'm still up for recommendations.

What amp would you recommend Telix?

ACTUALLY, QUICK SECOND THOUGHT.

Now I am kind of torn between the D2000 and the HD600.

Thoughts?
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post #9 of 27
4/12/09 at 6:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by AmanGeorge View Post
I've never found the K701s uncomfortable, and I know others who feel the same way, so take K701 discomfort issues with a grain of salt - I think it is pretty dependent on the shape of your head, although I'm not sure what the offending characteristics would be.

Re: budget, though, I just bought a Compass, and with paypal fees and shipping it ended up around $385 (which wouldn't leave you much to work with for headphones, although there are a few nice pairs which are regarded as great values in the ~100 range). On the other hand, having heard the Compass recently, I think it is totally worth it and will easily outshine any separate amp + dac that totals something close to that.

If you can push your budget to $600 or so, there are a number of great headphones in the sub-$250 range that, when paired with the Compass, will probably give you an excellent system.
How the K701 with the Compass work for you as a DAC??
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post #10 of 27
4/12/09 at 7:50pm
I have a blog on amp/dac combos. Price ranges from 50-1,600. I listed 28. Click my link if interested.
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post #11 of 27
4/12/09 at 7:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Acix View Post
How the K701 with the Compass work for you as a DAC??
Unfortunately, I didn't get to spend any time with the Compass and my K701s at the aforementioned meet, but I'll let you know after mine gets in. If I have time, I'll try and post some substantive comparisons of the Compass vs. my EF1
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post #12 of 27
4/12/09 at 8:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by AmanGeorge View Post
Unfortunately, I didn't get to spend any time with the Compass and my K701s at the aforementioned meet, but I'll let you know after mine gets in. If I have time, I'll try and post some substantive comparisons of the Compass vs. my EF1
Yes, please let us know about your impression ...
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post #13 of 27
4/12/09 at 8:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Starguard View Post
Well, I'm about to purchase the Dennon D2000s. I'll be buying the amp later (I'll just have to use my receiver for now) so I'm still up for recommendations.

What amp would you recommend Telix?

ACTUALLY, QUICK SECOND THOUGHT.

Now I am kind of torn between the D2000 and the HD600.

Thoughts?
Hah! I have given my thoughts on the D2000 vs. HD600 so I won't repeat myself. Know you will certainly need an amp for the HD600's and it won't be quite as desperate a need for the D2000's.

I currently am running a Ray Samuels Hornet which seems to match up nicely with the D2000's but I can't say I comparison shopped for it. There are many many many choices.
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post #14 of 27
4/12/09 at 9:12pm
HD-600s are "can't go wrong" cans, and are good all-rounders, being fairly neutral-sounding. Denons tend to be fun, possibly too fun, with lots of bass, both lower and upper, that gives the music a lot of body. When you play classical or jazz, since there isn't much bass, the sweet mids and treble come out, and they become an enjoyable listen. The HD-600s will make it clear to you when you upgrade gear just what you get that's better. Denons will give you a good time whether from a portable amp or a full-sized one, if with a lack of tightness in the bass from the portable.
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post #15 of 27
4/12/09 at 9:37pm
Thread Starter 
Well folks, I decided to go with the D2000s. I'm pretty excited about these and I really can't wait to hear them.

But now I really need an amp. Kool bubba, I checked out your blog and it was pretty helpful. My question is--what one should I shoot for? Let's say $200 is our budget.

Also--how does the USB stuff work? Is there some kind of interface used for playing music? Do I just run one of these guys



from my computer to the DAC/AMP?

Help/recommendations are appreciated.

EDIT: Looks like the Zero is pretty decent but hard as hell to find a decent one. Where should I shop (if you recommend one of these)?
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