After writing this out, I realize I'm all over the place.
I'm asking if:
a. my iPhone 4 is ruining my listening experience. What are the mainstream (eg. affordable) answers to portable audio sources?
b. an LOD would help
c. I simply don't like headphones (or just closed cans)
d. an amplifier (CMOY or a Fiio 7/10/11 if I can get a deal) would make a difference
e. you have any suggestions for a more suitable pair for me
Ok, quick notes so we have the same information:
Headphones
Current headphones - Sennheiser 280HD's: my only 'real' pair so far.
Most common source - iPhone 4 with 320kb/s files. Computer is a close second.
Important - clarity, refinement, warmth, accurate-but-not-overly-heavy-bass. I'd like them to be less giant on my head than the HD280's. I should upload a picture. Giant.
Mildly important - isolation, but contradictorily, not sounding like I have cups over my ears. Durability: I see a lot of complaints of headphones irreparably breaking very early on, even with careful use.
Not so important - fit/comfort: haven't had an uncomfortable pair. Ever. Aesthetics, eh.
Price range - ideally the low-$100 price point a lot of phones seem to hover around; I'm wary of diminishing returns until I have a better ear.
Preferences
Most common characteristics - vocally-oriented, soulful, warm, expressive, usually brighter ranges (female vocalist-heavy library).
I know when I try to understand someone's taste, I don't know the majority of artists mentioned so it's not helpful. Here's a random list!
Florence + the Machine,
Celia Cruz,
Erykah Badu,
The xx,
Joss Stone,
Frank Ocean,
J. Cole,
Jamie Woon,
M83,
Elle Varner,
Marsha Ambrosius,
Whitney Houston :(,
St. Vincent,
Robin Thicke,
tUnE-yArDs,
Pretty Lights,
Janelle Monae,
Grace Potter,
Melanie Fiona,
Jill Scott,
John Legend,
Clams Casino,
Anthony Hamilton,
Menomena,
Miguel,
Amy Winehouse,
Chrisette Michele,
Jhene Aiko.
Also, reasonable amounts of jazz and classical, but I wouldn't consider them when thinking about the perfect signature. I really enjoy acapella so if I could enjoy it even more.. well, I'd enjoy it even more.
Questions
Should I try an amp? I did a lot of reading and I didn't see the need for an amp. For reference, HD280's have 64 ohms resistance. edit: Should I try a line out dock for my iPhone? Significant difference for the untrained ear?
Maybe I need more of a suitable signature for my preferences/genres? Maybe I need open cans.
These would be for general use and maybe for my commute. The HD280's do work pretty well there. Noisy but empty train. Leakage isn't a concern. I think part of my disappointment is due to the unreasonable expectation of a truly enjoyable listening experience during a commute via decrepit (Boston) public transportation. If nothing else, I can fall back on the HD280's for that.
I know I need to get to a store and try some different styles/brands/models - just point me in the right direction!
edit 2: I know the source is the weakest, and unfortunately, the most important point. What are some affordable options for portable audio sources, or is that an oxymoron?
--
Side note:
The HD280's made me realize my ears might be different. I think they're tuned to a different optimal frequency. Maybe I like higher notes because they resonate better. Historically I've had trouble hearing lyrics when they're not clearly delivered, but I actually have sensitive hearing. I hear high pitched noises no one else notices, I can tell when the bus is coming from maybe 400 yards. Is that far? It's a few decent sized blocks. High volume is actually pretty uncomfortable for me; my devices all hover around the 25% volume mark. Does this sound atypical? Does this sound like it might be complicating my situation?
Edited by bstnvers - 2/12/12 at 11:34am
