[TehJam]

So these are the final headphones on my list. If I was to get the 580s, I will also get a cowon player and an amp like an e11. If I was to get the 900s, I would only get a player or amp, but not both.

What do you guys think would sound better? I like a lot of mid-bass punch as well as some sub-bass presence. Also, what is more important, and amp like the e11 or a cowon player? Right now I'm using my iPhone.

Thanks in advance!

 

[kebbin15]

I use my Pro 900s unamped with my iPad 2 and it sounds amazing. But an amp will give more juice and more punchier bass. FYI, the iPad has high output and it can drive my Pro 900 really loud compared to my nano/walkman which sounded  weak. I'm going to order an amp (PA2V2) tomorrow. Get the Pro 900 you will love them especially if you're a bass head like me.

 

[crinacle]

The HFI-580 really runs well unamped. Amping it, well, does improve its sound, but just BARELY.
 
I've heard that the Pro 900 is also a pretty efficient headphone, so I would pick that over an amped HFI-580.

 

[yhzh]

Pro 900s sound great without a dedicated amp and gain further refinements from more juice. They may be a little quiet on an internal sound card especially if you use replay gain. 
The Hfi series have more sensitivity and less impedance than the Pro series, and they require amping even less. 

 

[fabio-fi]

To my ears the pro 900's need more power to sound at his best. I'd go for the 580's if you want to go unamped. 

 

[Optimus Praim]

After having most of the gear you mention that you want to get i will tell you what i think..
After pairing J3 with E7 and using this combo with my DJ1(aka 580) i noticed no change in SQ.
With bass boost off it only makes DJ1 louder.Now if you want an extra punch on bass you can achieve it with equalising and BBE effects..
So i believe pairing a cowon player with E11 will be more or less the same..
Cowons have plenty of juice to power up 580 so i don't see any point on getting a Fiio if you decide getting 580..
Pro 900 on the other hand is less sensitive and it will require amping if you like to listen to your music at high volume..
But i think you will need a far more expensive amp so as to get some extra performance in SQ and make 900 shine.
As for the bass on these two cans,580 has a clean punchy bass with some sub bass presence and 900 has more mid and sub bass..
Personally i prefer Pro 900 with a good desktop amp but if you like portability then 580 with a cowon is a good combo...
Bare in mind though that Pro 900 is a headphone for bassheads so if you are not one yourself you should check something else..
 

 

[TehJam]

OK, so it seems like I may get a Pro900 as well as an amp. I am a basshead, don't worry guys.
 
What amps would you recommend for the Pro900? Looking in the $200 and below range.


Edit:
I'm getting a little ahead of my self. I'll probably just go with the 580s as my first high quality headphone as well as getting myself a cowon.

 

[Optimus Praim]

580 and j3 will do just fine..
580 is also more on the portable side compared to 900...
This is my portable rig..

 

[TehJam]

What amp are you using?

 

[Optimus Praim]

Fiio E7 but i am planning to get the ZO v.2..
They say ZO is an amazing device especially for bassheads like us and i want to try it out..

 

[TehJam]

Yes that's exactly what I was waiting for too.

 

[HeatFan12]

Nice rig Optimus...

 
 
OP, welcome and you have received some great advice from everyone....
 
Question for Optimus, if you don't mind TehJam...
 
Does the J3 have a line-out or is that the headphone out?
 
Thanks

 

[Optimus Praim]

Quote:

 
Question for Optimus, if you don't mind TehJam...
 
Does the J3 have a line-out or is that the headphone out?
 
Thanks

I am afraid it doesn't have a line out but it is quite good soundwise...

 

 

[TehJam]

What do you guys think the ATH-Pro700 mk2s sound like compared to the two ultrasones?

 

[crinacle]

 
Quote:

What do you guys think the ATH-Pro700 mk2s sound like compared to the two ultrasones?

I have a comparison review of the Pro700 and the HFI-580, in my sig