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Best package/deal under $650?

post #1 of 14
8/19/10 at 11:26pm
Thread Starter 

Hey guys;

 

I haven't been here in a while. But, I feel a need of an advancement in audio bliss. So, this is where you guys can help.

 

I am looking for something under $650 (MAX) for strictly home use. It can be amps, DAC's, headphones, or anything in between. I am saving up for this, so it could be used equipment, but that's kinda "iffy".

 

I am looking for an open, circumaural, and comfortable headphone. The DT880 and K701/2 really caught my eyes. Wide soundstage is preferable, and I will listen to alternative, rock, acoustic, electronica, and bits of rap/hip-hop. However, they don't need to be bass heavy, but I like more forward mids and treble.

 

Amp/DAC: Anything people here recommend is probably fine, but I am running music off of iTunes 320kbps songs on a MacBook OSX (the white polycarbonate version). So whatever is a better idea (or both) seems fine to me. I am thinking about setting up FooBar on a Vista machine (while I am saving up for this stuff!). It will be quite a while before I buy.

 

Any questions, just ask. Thanks for clearing my wallet! :D

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Gear mentioned in this thread:

AKG K701 Studio Headphones
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AKG K 702 Headphones
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post #2 of 14
8/20/10 at 9:53am
Thread Starter 

1. Bump

 

2. I have a somewhat small head (and ears); just to help you guys.

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post #3 of 14
8/20/10 at 10:03am

If you like bass-light headphones, the DT880 will probably be about your best choice.  I'd recommend a DT880/600, then get maybe a Maverick D1 to get some tube sounds while also doing the DAC thing out of your Macbook.  That should do it.

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post #4 of 14
8/20/10 at 10:18am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by joelpearce View Post

If you like bass-light headphones, the DT880 will probably be about your best choice.  I'd recommend a DT880/600, then get maybe a Maverick D1 to get some tube sounds while also doing the DAC thing out of your Macbook.  That should do it.


Seems good. I just want to make sure that I'm getting a very good deal. I just have to start saving! :/

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post #5 of 14
8/20/10 at 11:26am
Thread Starter 

Bump... I researched around about the Maverick D1 and it was very mixed. I don't mind to spend up to $300 for an amp (and/or DAC), as long as the headphones still keep it under budget. I just want to make sure that the product I get is strong enough to amp the DT880 (or anything else), somewhat quiet, and gives great sound quality (and value). Thanks.

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post #6 of 14
8/20/10 at 12:14pm

If you can build it yourself, you can get the Bottlehead Crack OTL (for high impedance 'phones only) for $219 or other DIY prjects or kits. Otherwise, I'm affraid I don't know much about commercial amps, but I know the Schiit Asgard has been gathering some buzz for $249, so I can recommend that you read its thread ;). DACs are even worse: I decided to build myself my Gamma2, and never looked at any other. You should check headfonia.com, they reviewed several entry-level DACs recently.

 

Beyers are affordable this summer, thanks to bhphotovideo.com, but the DT880/600 is still $249 (and out of stock). Since you're also interested in the k 701, you could also look at the k 601, its little brother, for $149 at ttvj.com (the k701 is $100 more at the best price I could find). I can't comment on either, since they are waiting at my home for me to come back (though I got the 770 instead of the 880).

 

Hope this inane rambling was useful for you.

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post #7 of 14
8/20/10 at 1:31pm
Thread Starter 

I'm not really able to DIY stuff, so that's out of the running. I also looked at the Audiotailor Jade and EF1. Options?

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post #8 of 14
8/20/10 at 7:14pm
Thread Starter 

BUMP!! Anyone else?!

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post #9 of 14
8/20/10 at 7:56pm

The Headamp Pico DAC/Amp would be a good choice.  It has a built in USB dac and a pretty good amp.  They come up on the for sale forums often and you should consider buying headphones used as well.  This will allow you to try different things without breaking the bank on buying and selling new items.

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post #10 of 14
8/21/10 at 9:13am
Thread Starter 

The Pico seems small though.

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post #11 of 14
8/22/10 at 4:29pm

You should be able to get a K702, a Audinst HUD-mx1 DAC and a Matrix m-stage amp all for under 650, a package hard to beat in that price range. You could also save some coin in the short run by omitting the m-stage and using the audinst's built-in amp and then upgrading it later.

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post #12 of 14
8/22/10 at 4:46pm

Sennheiser HD650 + Nuforce HDP if you get them used, about $800 new maybe less

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post #13 of 14
8/22/10 at 5:08pm

Hmmm, since you are going out of a computer, with your budget I'd probably go with a 701/2, Schiit Asgard and HRT Streamer II.

 

702s do best with a lot of power, which the Schiit can provide.

 

And going with these new, you should be able to try out the HRT and Schiit for 30 days (buying from Music Direct) and 15 days (from Schiit) respectively. I imagine you'd be able to find a headphones seller that has a return policy as well.

 

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post #14 of 14
8/29/10 at 10:03am
Thread Starter 

Wow, too many options.

 

So, K702 or DT880?

 

For amps, I am looking at the MP-301, LIttle Dot mkii, Schiit Asgard, and a Matrix m-stage amp. I need a conclusion!

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Gear mentioned in this thread:

AKG K701 Studio Headphones
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AKG K 702 Headphones
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