I placed my order for my Rio Karma already, which it was between the HFI 650 Trackmasters + Corda HA-1 vs Rio Karma and other things, for Christmas.

So, now I have about $100-$150 to spend on headphones and just miss out on the Trackmasters.

I'm also thinking perhaps they're not the best thing to compliment a portable with.

Perhaps something open would go better?


I use Vorbis files (and intend to use them on the Karma) with quality 8 VBR's.

I listen to largely rock-based music but also listen to other styles which include horns and occasionally piano.

I'm not a bass head but would enjoy good frequency extension.

Ideally something that's driven efficiently without an amp and is relatively neutral.

Once again, an early thanks. this forum has provided me with a plethora of information.

edit: ideally a good soundstage too.

I've a hard time with the concept of using open phones in a portable environment...often you'll have to turn your music up to ear bleeding levels just to contend with the outside noise...not a good thing. Are you open to closed designs in your price range?

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I certainly am. The reason I said "now I'm thinking open" is due to the fact that most have told me in past threads that I should go for the HFI 650s, which are now $170 at meier (which doesn't fit in my budget).

The 250-80's look nice but some research has brought up people criticizing their soundstage and volume with portables. Another I'm thinking of is the HFI-500 DJ1's. I'm not sure of their neutrality though.

bump.

If you don't mind canal phones, the ER-6 is good.

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that's the thing though. i'd rather not have something in my ear itself. =/

maybe I'll see if I can get the presents in cash and add some of my own money to it. thanks for the suggestion anyhow though.

Just picked up a karma and I'm liking it much more than the xtra, so have fun with it! ...back to topic... I also had to send back my e2's as they gave me headaches and generally pain in the lobes. Listening to my earbuds now that I've had those makes me cry For shame, they were wonderful. I can't even imagine the etys I'm probably going to end up with either some senn mx500's, px200's, or I'll replace my puppy-ravaged portapros since they did make pretty good gym phones.

Edit: My karma just ate 3 gigs in 7 minutes, that's 7mb a sec off usb 2.0!!

Maybe it's just me, but the thread title left me wondering what the heck a "HD-DAP" was until I read the first post. Perhaps "Good cans for a Rio Karma" would have been more effective?

Anyway, the standard cheap, closed, easily driven, rock headphone recommendation is the Sony V6. You could also go for an AT A500 or A700, but they're a little on the big/loose side, so maybe not so good for portable use.

I noticed that after I posted it, Iron, thanks for heads up on the cans though. I think I may try to spring for the Trackmasters, even if I have to add money.

One thing that gets me though is that I've heard they're weak on bass. It seems it's difficult to find a closed phone that is good throughout the spectrum.

I want something analytical enough to reveal details in the recording but something that's smooth enough that I won't get a headache from listening to and will be able to relax while listening to for long periods of time.

As a bassist myself, I do enjoy having the bottom end being present but would not enjoy sacrificing treble extension.

Are the Trackmasters a good bet for this or would something else be better suited?

You should try the Sennheiser HD-251 from etronics.com
they are relatively cheap, easy to drive, very good sound and they block the noise well . It is Jan Meier's favorite portable headphone and I bought it upon his recommendation .

from Jan's website:
The Sennheiser HD 25-1 is a true insider-tip. Intended for professional use this small-sized headphone is very durable.
A warm and dynamic sound and adequate damping of background noise make this closed headphone a fine travel-companion in train, airplane, and noisy hotel.
Due to its high efficiency this can is easily driven to high volumes by any portable.
he's selling them for 230$