Why buying amp for the M50's? they sound good unamped. 

Just curious. 

fiio e7 for now,  Add a e9 when you start to adventure into mid-fi and at that point, you should have enough experience to get into the more exotic and know which direction in term of sound signature you want to go with etc.

Also interested in this. I agree they sound great unamped, but another option might be something from audio gd? Perhaps the nfb-12 or FUN?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heatley 

I was just looking at the e7. I think I'll go with that. Thanks. How should I become more experienced with headphones, amps, DAC's, and all the other stuff? I'm thinking just troll around the forums... I just have that one last question: Where do I download lossless music? I'm so frustrated trying to find it online. I really don't feel like buying the CD's then burning them, as I usually only like 1 song off each album. 

Well, you still have the best selection if you buy the CD and rip the files you like. 

But I hear what you're saying -- lot's of releases may only have a couple of tracks that you like. It is possible that you could resell the CD, also.

HDTracks is currently offers one of the best selections, so I'd start there. 

I believe Rhino also has an online store.  There are a number of online shops that specialize in classical -- e.g. DGG.

On the question of amping the M50s, you can get clearer sound, including a slightly tighter bass, with an amp.  But as others mention, don't expect a large improvement, but rather

a subtle one.

I often use a portable amp with the M50 since it allows me to use an LOD from my iPod -- and that is also a worthwhile

improvement.

Doesn't Apple sell Apple Lossless in the itunes store?

Not that I've heard of

Although I'm not against buying a cheap DAC/AMP, I'm not sure how much of a difference it's going to be for the M50. If there is one, it'd be minimal. I'd save that money towards a even better DAC/AMP combo down the line when you plan to get even better headphones.

If the OP can tell the difference between a 256 kbs mps and a flac file with the M50s I'll be very impressed, actually I'll be shocked. I have trouble doing that with e7/e9 powered D5000 (can't tell the difference between 320 kbps mp3 and flac) and with my M50 anything past 198kbs sounds the same. Just saying that I don't think its worth you time or money to be re-buying music you already own so you can rip it to flac. 
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heatley 

Quote:

Originally Posted by sphinxvc 

Doesn't Apple sell Apple Lossless in the itunes store?

Nope you can only buy in AAC 256 kbps. However, as iPods do not play all lossless file types, you can convert a FLAC file to Apple Lossless when importing into your music library. Thats what I have gathered after some research.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heatley 
 Also, whats the difference between 

http://www.headphone.com/selection-guide/top-picks/sendstation-ipod-pocket-dock-line-out-mini-usb.php

and 

http://cgi.ebay.ca/IPOD-IPHONE-LINE-OUT-DOCK-LOD-Silver-Plated-Copper-/260556032128?pt=Other_MP3_Player_Accessories&hash=item3caa598880#ht_3373wt_1139

 

Are they both LOD's? The first has an audio jack, but the second doesn't. 

The first item, the Sendstation, comes with mini to mini and mini to rca cables that you plug in.  They have a picture of this, just below the main picture.  This gives a bit more flexibility with the 2 cable options.

The eBay item comes with a single dock-to-mini connector hardwired   For myself I like the hardwired option, since there is less individual items to carry around, get lost, etc.  I can't say if the silver coated copper will give you a different sound or not.

Either should get you where you want to go.  Being able to use LOD is one of the main reasons to have a portable amp for the M50s IMO. 

But you know.... you can just buy the headphones and try them out directly from the sources you'll be using it with.  If you like the way it sounds, then you have less stuff to worry about.  :-)