I snagged HD448's for $50 here...I feel they really benefit from the amp IMHO, but I really like them even unamped.  Worth looking into.   the AKG240 would be a great alternative if your not looking for hte Senn sound.   You might find HD555's used for a great deal.

Quote: Thanks!   Although if I can get the HD650's for $350, its seems the way to go...      

Quote: That man has a place in my bookmarks...when I get the cash...   I'd love for him to get HD600s so I can snag one with the $50 card!  

Not sure if anyone is looking, but the egg has the HD449 for 89.95 with code  EMCNHJC78 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106572&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL021712&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL021712-_-EMC-021712-Index-_-HeadphonesAccessories-_-26106572-L019B

Quote: Hey!  We were in the times!   The world now knows!

Quote: This is headfi...define "budget" :)   Never knew the 501's were the hardest to drive...interesting.

As someone building a company himself I will say this;   It is easier to retain clients then get new ones. It goes the saying "shower them in service" and they will tell their friends, no matter the product, if the service is not there...all it takes is one bad apple.   I do think...

I cannot speak to the K501, but it sounds like the K701 unamped.  Something simple should do the trick, I thought the AKG's scaled well with simple headphone amps.     Look at Fiio, they have some stuff for cheap...

I've been all around the spectrum (grado, AKG, Sennheiser) I never got a chance to hear these cans.  Definitely on my wishlist to listen to.

Quote: Same here, I've never owned a closed headset, but I've listened to the HD280's YEARS ago, and figured I'd pick them up again on sale...   Newegg is really starting to lose their edge on ALOT of things.

Found   pioneer SE A1000 for $69.00 (via Beachcamera) http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290665001467+   Looking around Headfi I couldn't find much on them, except they retailed for $150 a couple years ago.   EDIT: also at the egg...

Quote: ouch.  Sorry man!  did they refund you?

Quote: get the sound cord it will look like this: plug that into your PC and then your amp.     I have the UCA202.  It does okay for $30.  better than onboard sound.    

Quote: I found it funny the guy with 99 posts says to search.   Really need to know sources/music taste.

Quote: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00018MSNI/ref=dp_olp_refurbished?ie=UTF8&qid=1328291075&sr=8-1&condition=refurbished   Amazon has it too...even from Dakmart...