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Looking for new Circumaural Headphones ~$1000-$1200 - Page 2

post #16 of 17
6/29/11 at 12:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Acesi7 View Post

Thanks for your comments Graphicism,

You have indeed got me thinking, I was under the impression that the CLAS + SR-71b combination was quite competitive with desktop setups of the same value?

As a idead for something in the middle, getting a balanced source > SR-71B > HE500 (balanced cable). Would you think this to be a good idea? Given the HE500 come in at around $900, I would be able to stretch my budget if adding a source to maybe $400-$500? Would this be a good option? Or not really worth the investment? I've heard that goes balanced the whole way from source to phones is Audio Nirvana.

 

What I'm trying to avoid is purchasing something for home use that is outperformed by my portable gear, I know the how much stuff costs isn't a accurate representation of an items quality or signature, but I just figured if I aimed at the high end of the scale I would be pretty safe in getting something that was going to fit the bill.

 

While I haven't heard the SR-71B I always find full size desktop counterparts trump portable setups and usually for a lot less. As with a lot of portable gear quality parts are replaced with compact ones, smaller transformers and so on. Also as seen in a lot of cheap amps and DACs you have entire output stages built around $10 op-amps. I can suggest the DL III which has a fully discrete output stage and is generally considered a good bang-for-buck at around $550 used.
 
I've auditioned a few amps but can only really comment on the ones I've owned for a period of time, namely a Singlepower PPX3 SLAM ($700) and a Darkvoice 336i ($200). I found the 336i tone much more to my liking and pairing with the DT880 was spot on, this goes to show it's not all about spending but hearing for yourself.
 
I can't say anything regarding the HE500 as I haven't heard it, I've read a lot on it and the HE6 which could possibly be my next phone. If you can't make it to a meet or spend enough time with a particular headphone at one you sometimes have to bite the bullet and go for it. From the pattern of reviews it seems the LCD2 is more for the bass lover while the HE orthos are more for detail and transparency, but you can't really know what you prefer until you hear them.
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post #17 of 17
6/29/11 at 4:20pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by WillHughes View Post

There is most likely going to be a head-fi meet up in Melbourne sometime in late-July or August. If you could hold out, you'd most likely get to listen to a few headphones that you have been considering. Check the meet-up forum for updates or an official thread in the next few days...

 

As for places in Melbourne, there aren't any that hold onto the high-end models in store. The sales of such items are very low annually, approximately 1-3 a year and hence keeping an item in store is just not an option. There is Audiophile which is a Grado merchant, they unfortunately don't offer listening's anymore because of hygiene. There is also Encel stereo which is actually more a speaker place but they have a few headphones there too, nothing all that high end but might be worth going and talking to them, they are open to in store trials.

 

headphones.com.au is a company in Perth, they stock a lot of high-end stuff and offer a trial period of like 20-30 days... If it comes down to it, you might want to look at their site.

 

 



Thanks for the Info Will! A really great help! I will definitely be going to any meets we may have. The opportunity to audition these is exactly what I'm after, and I'm in no hurry. Would prefer to do it right than quickly. My UM Miracles will be able to tide me over until August I'm sure. I did see the Perth Store. And this maybe where I purchase them from once I've decided after the meet. I've got a lot to look forward to and read about now.


 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Graphicism View Post

 

While I haven't heard the SR-71B I always find full size desktop counterparts trump portable setups and usually for a lot less. As with a lot of portable gear quality parts are replaced with compact ones, smaller transformers and so on. Also as seen in a lot of cheap amps and DACs you have entire output stages built around $10 op-amps. I can suggest the DL III which has a fully discrete output stage and is generally considered a good bang-for-buck at around $550 used.
 
I've auditioned a few amps but can only really comment on the ones I've owned for a period of time, namely a Singlepower PPX3 SLAM ($700) and a Darkvoice 336i ($200). I found the 336i tone much more to my liking and pairing with the DT880 was spot on, this goes to show it's not all about spending but hearing for yourself.
 
I can't say anything regarding the HE500 as I haven't heard it, I've read a lot on it and the HE6 which could possibly be my next phone. If you can't make it to a meet or spend enough time with a particular headphone at one you sometimes have to bite the bullet and go for it. From the pattern of reviews it seems the LCD2 is more for the bass lover while the HE orthos are more for detail and transparency, but you can't really know what you prefer until you hear them.


Once again, cheers for the detailed advice. It's very appreciated, helps me understand all this. :)

The sounds of this Melb Head-Fier's meet might be exactly what I'm after, a chance to audition some wears and find out what I like in person. I've got a number of phones I'd like to try out, and with my current rig being portable, I'll take it all with me and see how they go together compared to a few desktop setups of the same value.

 

Cheers

 

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