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Amp/DAC confusion - Page 3

post #31 of 45
5/1/12 at 2:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by crzycuyler View Post

I've been recommended time and time again recently the AKG K550. I think I may pull the trigger. I am looking to see if someone thinks they can talk me out of it. 

I've been wanting to get the K550 even thou I already own ten other headphone, so I'm jealous of you.

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post #32 of 45
5/1/12 at 2:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by crzycuyler View Post

I've been recommended time and time again recently the AKG K550. I think I may pull the trigger. I am looking to see if someone thinks they can talk me out of it. 

 

Tyll over at inner fidelity seems to think very highly of them.  At the employee pricing you previously posted (yes, I saved a copy ;) ), I'd say they're definitely worth trying!!!

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post #33 of 45
5/1/12 at 2:34pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by PurpleAngel View Post

I've been wanting to get the K550 even thou I already own ten other headphone, so I'm jealous of you.

Wish I could share. haha

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mutnat View Post

 

Tyll over at inner fidelity seems to think very highly of them.  At the employee pricing you previously posted (yes, I saved a copy ;) ), I'd say they're definitely worth trying!!!

 

I would have to if I were you. I may just head over to the store right now. We've got them in stock.

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post #34 of 45
5/2/12 at 6:12am
Thread Starter 

I just realized we are selling several different models of amp/DACs for headphones and the sort from NuForce. If I am getting into the headphone game, what is the best value NuForce product that I should get for the long haul(considering I may get nearly half off)? I plan to purchase the AKG K550, and although I've heard it is easy to power, a good amp and especially a good DAC cannot hurt. Maybe I'll be in this game for a while and need a better amp down the road? I'm not sure, just trying to consider the best potential value.

 

Thanks for the advice!

 

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/searchpage.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=-5377697758397282023&id=pcat17071&type=page&ks=960&st=nuforce&sc=Global&cp=1&sp=-currentprice+skuid&qp=&list=n&usc=All+Categories&nrp=21&iht=n

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post #35 of 45
5/2/12 at 8:42am

at least a HD or HDPpopcorn.gif

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post #36 of 45
5/2/12 at 9:46am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lorspeaker View Post

at least a HD or HDPpopcorn.gif

Thanks. I've read some good stuff about the DAC in the HDP. I haven't read anything fantastic about the amp, but the K550s are easy to drive, and the amp can't be worse than my 2009 MacBook Pro's, so if I can get a steal, this seems like a reasonable piece of equipment. Is there any flaw to my thinking? I could even use this DAC to improve my PS3 to Denon AVR to B&W 685, don't you think?

 

Thanks!

 

One more question. The HDP has a 1/4" output... is it bad to use the adapter that comes with the AKG K550 (standard 3.5mm hookup) to connect the K550 to the HDP? This is a question I am very concerned with.


Edited by crzycuyler - 5/2/12 at 9:52am
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post #37 of 45
5/2/12 at 2:50pm
Thread Starter 

Also, what do you think the value of the Audioengine D1 is compared to the NuForce Icon HDP?

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post #38 of 45
5/3/12 at 2:20pm
Thread Starter 

 

Does anyone know how the ATH-A900X compare to the AKG K550s? I've read so many great things about the K550s but when I listened to them next to the A900X, I felt that the K550s highs were not smooth and harsh (relatively), the A900X mids (acoustic instruments and vocals) were much fuller and detailed, the bass was certainly deeper on the A900X. The soundstage seemed ever so slightly bigger on the A900X. Overall detail and separation seemed better on the A900X as well. Before experiencing the sound of many headphones, I thought I would need a balanced, analytical sound. I like to study the music in detail. I don't know what is thought of these headphones, but I thought they gave superior detail for the analytical. They were both more fun, musical, and giving for those who want to follow distant harmonies and other elements of the music. These are my first two headphones compared, I have listened to many speakers, but no serious headphones till now. Am I missing something? The K550s are said to be well worth the 300 bucks... How could I find these to be better in every aspect? What did I miss?!!?

 

Oh yea... comfort isn't great imo. Upset me a bit. I wanted to like the K550s

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post #39 of 45
5/5/12 at 9:10am

sound quality can vary between different 1/4 in adaptors, i think AKG adaptor should be fine.

( i had a bad shock one day when i was swapping headfones and amps, suddenly my then favorite can didnt sound "right" ...i switched adaptors and it was day n night...threw that "bad" adaptor away immediately..tongue_smile.gif)

 

if u outright prefer ATs, go for it....dun beat yourself, trust your ears.

That said, when u finally assembled your system...that might be different from what u heard during the A/B between the AT and AKG, i presumed u heard them not on your own rig...:P

It took me awhile to decide what i really enjoy..i started off wanting transparency...then i realised i do like bassss...like those of d7000, pro900. 

wink.gif


Edited by Lorspeaker - 5/5/12 at 9:29am
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post #40 of 45
5/5/12 at 9:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by crzycuyler View Post
Does anyone know how the ATH-A900X compare to the AKG K550s? I've read so many great things about the K550s but when I listened to them next to the A900X, I felt that the K550s highs were not smooth and harsh (relatively), the A900X mids (acoustic instruments and vocals) were much fuller and detailed, the bass was certainly deeper on the A900X. The soundstage seemed ever so slightly bigger on the A900X. Overall detail and separation seemed better on the A900X as well. Before experiencing the sound of many headphones, I thought I would need a balanced, analytical sound. I like to study the music in detail. I don't know what is thought of these headphones, but I thought they gave superior detail for the analytical. They were both more fun, musical, and giving for those who want to follow distant harmonies and other elements of the music. These are my first two headphones compared, I have listened to many speakers, but no serious headphones till now. Am I missing something? The K550s are said to be well worth the 300 bucks... How could I find these to be better in every aspect? What did I miss?!!?

Oh yea... comfort isn't great imo. Upset me a bit. I wanted to like the K550s

Sounds like you should just buy the A900Xs.

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post #41 of 45
5/5/12 at 8:44pm
Thread Starter 

this may sound crazy, but i think im gonna try to grab the K550s to get some of what AKG has to offer. down the road i plan to buy the ATH-W1000X, and later the D7000. This should get me a variety of different signature sounds at a variety of levels. does anyone else think like this?

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post #42 of 45
5/6/12 at 12:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by crzycuyler View Post

this may sound crazy, but i think im gonna try to grab the K550s to get some of what AKG has to offer. down the road i plan to buy the ATH-W1000X, and later the D7000. This should get me a variety of different signature sounds at a variety of levels. does anyone else think like this?

 

i did.....cant understand/stand the w1000x...but loveeeeeeeeeee d7k. biggrin.gif

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post #43 of 45
5/6/12 at 10:29am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lorspeaker View Post

 

i did.....cant understand/stand the w1000x...but loveeeeeeeeeee d7k. biggrin.gif

from what I've read, the w1000x may suit me... at half price... 

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post #44 of 45
5/14/12 at 2:58pm
Quote:

Originally Posted by Mutnat View Post

 

Oh don't get me wrong, I absolutely ADORE my HD25-1 II's!!!!!  I was merely pointing out that they aren't dark.  What I love about them is that they are quite forward (not laid-back), and very energetic.  They are great for rock, hard rock, metal, pop, some hip hop and rap, etc.  They are slightly warm and just very pleasant to listen to.

 

The P5's I only ever sampled in a store and only for a short time, but they didn't appeal to me, because they were more laid back (which some people prefer!).  I found them a bit dry or boring to my ears personally but lots of reviews speak very highly of them.  I think if you are able to, you should listen to both.  They are very different sounding headphones and likely one will appeal to your tastes more than the other.

 

It also might depend what styles of music you are into.  The P5's might be better for acoustic music, maybe jazz, vocal pop, etc., whereas the HD25's are best on more electric energetic music.

 

I stopped by my local Future Shop (Canadian electronics store) on Friday and listened to the P5's again and liked them a lot better this time.  They were more forward and engaging than I recalled from my previous encounter.  They were a bit bright, perhaps a bit brighter than the HD25's, and had a definite mid-centric coloration, but it's not unpleasant.  They are quite comfortable on the head and ears, too.  I think if I were buying today, I might have a tougher decision but would probably still wind up with the HD25's.  But the P5's are definitely worthy of consideration!

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post #45 of 45
5/15/12 at 2:08am

 I just have a lookpopcorn.gif

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