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I'm begging you

post #1 of 8
2/3/11 at 8:32pm
Thread Starter 

 

ight

i have tried so many tactics at getting some recommendations out of some of you experienced users

it's been a real trip.

six attempts deep, i'm giving it another go, and i'd really appreciate some help :)

 

recommend me a amp/dac/headphone combo!!

 

Budget: $500

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Main Use: To listen to my electro-acoustic music productions in Logic Pro 9.  The frequency emphasis really varied between compositions, so I don't want like "lots of bass" or "great highs" I want balance, but great, sparkling balance.  I want the headphones to sing, to sparkle, and to rock.  

Listening Use: incredibly eclectic, from 60's hard-bop to chugging metal-core to sparkling main-stream hip-hip to textured experimental indie. Again emphasis on a headphone that can handle variety.

Happily married with the dac and amp 

 

also: if any of you think that external dac's at this level are bullcrap, and that they do not affect the audio quality, let me know!

 

 

give me some real combo recs please!

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post #2 of 8
2/3/11 at 8:46pm
Quote:

Originally Posted by swappler View Post
 

The frequency emphasis really varied between compositions, so I don't want like "lots of bass" or "great highs" I want balance, but great, sparkling balance.  I want the headphones to sing, to sparkle, and to rock.  

Listening Use: incredibly eclectic, from 60's hard-bop to chugging metal-core to sparkling main-stream hip-hip to textured experimental indie. Again emphasis on a headphone that can handle variety.

 

While my tastes might be a little heavier than yours, I can recommend this combination:

 

Music Streamer II -> iBasso D4 -> ATH-AD900

 

Not sure if you will get all that for $500, but you wanted recommendations. If you want to save on the dedicated DAC, try the iBasso D6 as a budget DAC/amp. I cant recommend a whole lot else as I havent heard the other amps etc - many swear by the Audinst HUD dac/amp, for example, but I havent heard it.

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post #3 of 8
2/4/11 at 12:34am

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by estreeter View Post


While my tastes might be a little heavier than yours, I can recommend this combination:

 

Music Streamer II -> iBasso D4 -> ATH-AD900

 

Not sure if you will get all that for $500, but you wanted recommendations. If you want to save on the dedicated DAC, try the iBasso D6 as a budget DAC/amp. I cant recommend a whole lot else as I havent heard the other amps etc - many swear by the Audinst HUD dac/amp, for example, but I havent heard it.


x2

 

ATH-AD900 + your choice of amp/DAC

 

 

If you don't mind doing some modding, grab a Fostex T50RP + mod materials then spend the rest on the best amp/DAC you can get.

You can find out more on the Fostex here.

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post #4 of 8
2/4/11 at 9:55am
Thread Starter 

Hey all, thanks again

 

So after some more research, the Senn HD600's seem really to be the headphones for me...they're detailed as hell, balanced, and good for everything. 

 

I found a new pair for $308...which means i'll have $192 left to get a dac/amp combo that can drive them

 

any recommendations that will be killer?

 

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post #5 of 8
2/4/11 at 10:14am

An Audio-GD Sparrow, probably.

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post #6 of 8
2/4/11 at 10:20am

E7 + E9 combo has been getting some good reviews around here, it's 8 bucks over budget tho' :)

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post #7 of 8
2/4/11 at 2:30pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by swappler View Post

Hey all, thanks again

 

So after some more research, the Senn HD600's seem really to be the headphones for me...they're detailed as hell, balanced, and good for everything. 

 

I found a new pair for $308...which means i'll have $192 left to get a dac/amp combo that can drive them

 

any recommendations that will be killer?

 

 

Add 'polite' with the rest of your descriptors for the 600s.  No part of the frequency is forward.  This may or may not be your cup of tea. Now for being subjective: I would say go with the 600s, but unless you specifically want or need something new, go with a mint used pair or scour for a better sale.  Having bought the 650s brand new for $320 shipped from an auhorized retailer (Sonic Sense Pro Audio), I wouldn't spend $308 on the 600s.  They usually go for as low as $230 on the FS forum.  I saw your other thread and: don't be skeptical about a dac, I once had the lowly Nuforce udac for about a day which I picked up for $30 off craigslist, it blew my Macbook Pro's HP out away to put it lightly.  I'll second the E7/E9, the NFB-12 over the Sparrow (although anything from Audio GD is costly to ship they do make value-effective gear.)  Again, consider used options, there's a Little Dot MKIII on the FS forum right now for about $150, there was a Sparrow not too long ago for $135!  An M-stage sells for about $230 every once in a while.  

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post #8 of 8
2/4/11 at 11:51pm

I'd recommend going to a meet to listen to stuff before you buy anything. Check the Meets forum and hopefully there's one coming up near you.

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