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Spare some help for a noob?

post #1 of 12
12/6/11 at 11:14pm
Thread Starter 

Good evening.

 

 

I've finally decided that it's time to spend some cash on something I really enjoy: music. I've been reading around to figure out the best way to get the best sound for the buck. At the end, I came out more confused that I was before.

 

I now know what DAC, DAP, AMP, and so on are, but I still haven't been able to find the appropriate combination for me.

 

 

I mostly use my iPhone as the source of my music. I read that the headphone jack outputs digital audio, and that the 30-pin connector offers a base-line (can't actually remember the term) which is much better for amplification. Cutting the extra details, my question is what set up would best suit my needs? Do I need a DAC or an amplifier will do? Here are some further details:

 

Looking for: Headphones and Amp/DAC if necessary. Basically, the complete set starting from scratch.

Kind of music: I listen to literally all kinds of music, but I prefer electronic and some other bass-rich genre.

Budget: ~ $ 300.

Most important outcome: Great bass and loud music without sacrificing crispness and comfort.

Media Player: iPhone 4 and (very) occasionally laptop.

Previous Experience: I was given a pair of Studio Beats by Dr. Dre a year ago(I know). The sound is not bad at all, but for what I have read, I should be able to find much more quality for a lower price.

 

Any suggestions?

 

Thanks,

Victor A.

 

 

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post #2 of 12
12/7/11 at 3:03pm
Thread Starter 

After further reading the forums, I think I should specify the following:

 

Style: Over Ear Closed

A bit more on the outcome: After reading around, I figure that what I am looking for is a good sub bass. A headphone that's able to go down and therefore take the most from bass-rich music.

 

Thanks,

 

Victor A.

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post #3 of 12
12/7/11 at 3:20pm

In the $150 range Ultrasone HFi-580 are a great value

$200 range you can find some used Denon D2000 and probably more what you're looking for.

 

Amp is not necessary for either but both benefit

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post #4 of 12
12/7/11 at 3:40pm

While I havent heard the Denon D2000 it does come highly recommended for electronica, likewise more of the Ultrasone range.  If you are goind for full size can maybe also conside Beyer DT770, very comfortable and a variety of impedence choices may help avoid the need for an extra amp.

 

With regards amplification I personally have been very happy using a Fiio E7 and their range of products is expanding all the time, so you may find this could be something to invest in at a later date if you feel you need it.

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post #5 of 12
12/7/11 at 3:44pm

If you can find a pair of used Denon D2000, buy them... caress them... love them... they will treat you well with everything you have described.

 

 

Other than that, I can echo the post above and say the DT770.

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post #6 of 12
12/7/11 at 4:10pm
Thread Starter 

I actually don't mind carrying an amp around. I was looking into the E11 from fiiO. Any experience with that?

 

Regarding the headphones, the Denon are on the high end of my price range. I rather get something a little cheaper for now (this is just my first incursion into audiophile headphones). Between the DT770 and the HFi-580S, which one would deliver more based on what I specified? 

 

I also heard a lot about the Audio-Technica m50. Are those any good based on what I'm looking for?

 

Greatly appreciate your responses!

 

Victor A.

 

 

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post #7 of 12
12/7/11 at 5:55pm
Thread Starter 

     

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post #8 of 12
12/7/11 at 6:22pm

The Beyer DT770 Pro has a great reputation for deliver loads of bass. I heard them and wasn't personally impressed but they're certainly not bad headphones for their price tag. A little bit to wear in public though but that's a completely subjective thing.

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post #9 of 12
12/7/11 at 6:50pm

Haven't owned both but from reading various comparisons, 770's have more and slightly deeper bass, 580 cleaner sounding with tighter bass. Can't honestly say though, never owned the 770's.  There are a few comparisons here, just search for em.
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by VicAnd View Post

I actually don't mind carrying an amp around. I was looking into the E11 from fiiO. Any experience with that?

 

Regarding the headphones, the Denon are on the high end of my price range. I rather get something a little cheaper for now (this is just my first incursion into audiophile headphones). Between the DT770 and the HFi-580S, which one would deliver more based on what I specified? 

 

I also heard a lot about the Audio-Technica m50. Are those any good based on what I'm looking for?

 

Greatly appreciate your responses!

 

Victor A.

 

 



 

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post #10 of 12
12/7/11 at 7:24pm
Thread Starter 

Ok, will do my homework on those two headphones.

 

What about the amp? Will the E11 go well by any of these two?

 

Also, any thoughts on the Audio-Technica m50?

 

Thanks for bearing with my "noobness"!

 

Victor A.

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post #11 of 12
12/8/11 at 6:43am
Thread Starter 

        

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post #12 of 12
12/8/11 at 7:21am

I have not had exeprience of the M50 personally but they were a very popular recommendation here for a long time due to the lack of amp requirement and th cost.  I dont like to advise on cans I havent heard hence only recommending the DT770.  I have listened to the HFI-580's prior to purchasing my DT's but found the top end a little harsh/shrill for me, but the bass was certainly impressive. 

 

I have the Fiio E7/E9 combo and have read that the E11 is an improvement over the older E7 unit, so I would believe the hype and buy this on others recomendations as its not the most expensive investment and would also retain most of its value if you wanted to upgrade later.

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