Stuck with Sony MDR-F1's and Heed Canamp. What now?

Heya,

I would probably keep the amp, and get rid of the headphones. Sell which ever is more likely to actually get sold basically.

As for which headphones to go with later... well, that's up to you. You just listed two groups of headphones that are pretty opposite, some that are neutral and some that are very bassy. What kind of sound are you looking for?

Very best,

Heya,

You're talking about a probably +10db of bass on the Ultrasone PRO 900 compared to the K701. That's why I'm asking. That's a massive, massive difference. The K701 sounds anemic and thin. The PRO900 sounds like mid-bass cannons with shards of glass trinkling around it.

What kind of sound are you looking for? Neutral anemic? Neutral warm? Bassy? Bassy Bright? Do you want an open or closed headphone? What are you going to be listening to? Home use only?

Very best,

Heya,

The PRO2900 is a little less bassy than the PRO900 (expected; it's open air, versus closed). But the PRO2900 sounds way more balanced, easier treble, much better sound stage, and the mids are less distant so it's a nice listen.

But since you listen to metal, I'm going to go ahead and say the Hifiman HE-400 is probably a good direction for you. Warm, super fast, a little sparkle, great for metal. Great for everything. And it would love that Canamp.

Very best,

Heya,

Yes, they are. But they also start requiring beastly amounts of power (well, not *require* but they scale better with loads of current). I use a speaker amp on my Hifimans.

Very best,

Heya,

They are similar. The HE-400 has little more bass presentation and punch. The HE-500 has better overall refinement, resolution, and soupy mids and better treble (not dark, not overly bright, just enough sparkle). The HE-400 is a great headphone. The HE-500 is the direction you go if you want something that focuses really on being a relaxed, flat treat. The HE-400 might be considered a little more "fun" and less refined. I don't really call it an upgrade, I call it more of a flavor thing. And yes, they are relatively easy to drive, the Canamp will drive them. Per Dr Fang, they need about 1 watt to be fully dynamic at 38ohms. I am putting about 7 watts into mine at that ohm rating. I like it better with more current. And my amp was cheaper than my headphone amps by half. Oddly enough. A lot more information here. I would start with the HE-400. It's excellent. And it's a lot easier to sell later if you find you don't like it. Selling a flagship is much more difficult and you lose more in the process. Don't buy a flagship headphone unless you've listened to it or have a good return policy from where you buy it.

Very best,

Heya,

They are similar. The HE-400 has little more bass presentation and punch. The HE-500 has better overall refinement, resolution, and soupy mids and better treble (not dark, not overly bright, just enough sparkle). The HE-400 is a great headphone. The HE-500 is the direction you go if you want something that focuses really on being a relaxed, flat treat. The HE-400 might be considered a little more "fun" and less refined. I don't really call it an upgrade, I call it more of a flavor thing. And yes, they are relatively easy to drive, the Canamp will drive them. Per Dr Fang, they need about 1 watt to be fully dynamic at 38ohms. I am putting about 7 watts into mine at that ohm rating. I like it better with more current. And my amp was cheaper than my headphone amps by half. Oddly enough. A lot more information here. I would start with the HE-400. It's excellent. And it's a lot easier to sell later if you find you don't like it. Selling a flagship is much more difficult and you lose more in the process. Don't buy a flagship headphone unless you've listened to it or have a good return policy from where you buy it.

Very best,