Portable set up to open up my old crooners.... | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org

thelastjoker · Jul 3, 2014 at 4:56 PM

Currently using an ipod classic with etymotic er4 or ATH M40's.

I find it sounds good with modern music but my Sinatra, matt munro and elvis stuff sounds a bit constrained. The same stuff played through my hifi sounds amazing.

So, what combination should i try ? Can a portable set up ever sound as good as my hi fi?
Happy to save up for the right gear, i just need direction. Feeling a bit disappointed at the moment.
Please advise

KG Jag · Jul 3, 2014 at 5:46 PM

What's your budget?

What are you willing to replace?

What is the format of your music?

What is the vintage(s) of your tracks?

The early Elvis tracks are not very well recorded by even semi-modern standards. By the late 50's that began to change.

thelastjoker · Jul 4, 2014 at 1:51 AM

Thanks for replying.
Budget very flexible - i am willing to spend as much as i need to.
Happy to replace all equipment if necessary and start again.
Music is apple lossless, but also stored on my pc as flac files and can convert them to any format recommended.

My tracks for elvis are mainly his 70's stuff. Sinatra i have some of the mobile fidelity produced cd's. All sound amazing on my hi fi.

thelastjoker · Jul 4, 2014 at 1:56 AM

Oh, and should have said headphones need to be closed back so as not to annoy the family or passengers when commuting

KG Jag · Jul 4, 2014 at 2:08 AM

Others will be of more help with IEM options. For headphones to be used on the go, I recommend the PSB M4U 1, NAD VISO HP50, Focal Spirit Pro or Sony MDR 7520. See:

http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/two-strike-zone-focal-spirit-professional-and-spirit-classic

http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/i-love-these-headphonesthe-nad-viso-hp50

The 7520 is a great studio can with a detachable cable that has compatibility with a standard 1/8" male to 1/8" male cable.

You might also want to upgrade you player to something like the iBasso DX50.

thelastjoker · Jul 4, 2014 at 3:29 AM

thank you. I will check them out.
What do you think of the fiio x3? Is it in the same league as the ibasso?

KG Jag · Jul 4, 2014 at 3:33 AM

thelastjoker said:
thank you. I will check them out.
What do you think of the fiio x3? Is it in the same league as the ibasso?

I do only limited on the go listening these days. So can't help you much comparing the various options from Cowan, Fiio and others.

thelastjoker · Jul 4, 2014 at 3:39 AM

ok. thank you. Am reading up on the headphones now.
Hopefully someone else will come along and advise re the player.

thelastjoker · Jul 4, 2014 at 6:30 AM

read the reviews of the headphones. Very impressive. Can't seem to see anyone selling the Sony MDR7520 in uk, I like the look of the NAD HP50

KG Jag · Jul 5, 2014 at 4:49 PM

thelastjoker said:
ok. thank you. Am reading up on the headphones now.
Hopefully someone else will come along and advise re the player.

You should join the discussion in the Portable Source Gear sub-forum under the Equipment Forums here for information and advise on your player.

thelastjoker

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KG Jag

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thelastjoker

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thelastjoker

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thelastjoker

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