If you had a $300.00 budget and you are just starting out, what headphone/dac/amp combination would you buy?
I currently use a pair of Shure SRH440 and primarily listen to music on my desktop (FLAC files + FOOBAR + headphones plugged into my M-Audo AV30 speakers headphone jack). I have been using this combo for about a year now but want to step up and improve my experience. I spend quite a bit of time on my computer (I work from home) and I look at this as a bit of an investment so I am not afraid to spend a bit of money. However, I see this as turning into a very expensive hobby as well!
Anyways, I was wondering if you guys had any suggestions regarding my budget and listening habits/tastes? I have outlined my information below...
- 90% of the time I listen to music on my desktop computer.
- The headphones will be used for music only (I don't care about movies or gaming).
- I listen to everything...alternative rock, rock, blues (The Shins, Black Keys, Foo Fighters, Death Cab for Cutie, Brendan Benson...too many to list!)
- I have a dedicated office that allows me privacy so open or closed headphones doesn't really matter. I am more or less looking for the best sound and want to get the most out of what I listen to.
- I would love to find something comfortable. That is my only complaint about the SRH440's...they are a little fatiguing after long listening sessions.
- Reliabilty. I want something that will last.
- As far as a DAC/amp goes...I just want something that will be an upgrade from my cheap onboard computer audio and that will pair nicely with whatever headphones you recommend.
- My overall budget is $300.
Considering all these factors, what do you guys recommend?
Thanks for all your help and I look forward to your replies.
If you're happy with your 440's, get the much better 840 ear pads and put them on the 440. It's a cheap fix that might meet your needs.