I'm sure they can all be driven fine without an amp. I would like to start using an amp though. 

...so I figure I might as well look at amps. Both my Senns came with plugs to step up / down (555's came with a 1/4" to 1/8" and the 280's came with a 1/8" to 1/4") so I put off buying an amp. I decided that I shouldn't wait.    What would you recommend for a desktop amp? Current budget is...

Quote: What this smart guy said.   

Quote: You didn't miss anything. Just idiots not paying attention to the product they are buying.

:facebrick: is right.

Quote: Did the foam mod two nights ago, good difference.   What about the HD228? Besides being a much more attainable price what's the general opinion?

Quote: Those look nice.   Quote:   I know, I know. I am fully aware of what happens once you get a taste of quality products and the forums that drive the obsession.

Quote: I can't drive a 250 ohm set of cans. It's gonna have to be within the drive capabilities of an iPod Touch. I also wouldn't consider a portable amp, (a) cost and (b) it makes everything a little too complicated having wires running everywhere.

Quote: I just can't get used to them. My ears start getting itchy and I have this plugged up feeling when wearing them.

Quote: What would you recommend for closed?

Quote:   <?php echo (IEM's = http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In-ear_monitor)?"Okay, got it":"Nope, I'm lost"; ?>

Quote: In which case I will probably pick up one of them, thanks for the recommendation.

Quote: That foam mod was what tipped the scales towards the 555's. I will be trying that out at some point.   I'm driving them out of a laptop's audio for now. Considering the modest impedance of 50 ohms I figured it was a non-issue, at least until my ears warm up to them. I will...

I recently picked up my first "decent" pair of headphones and shopping around I snagged a pair of HD555's for about $120 including next day delivery. Because I commute daily I also picked up a cheap pair of Sony MDR-XD100's (which don't sound bad but they definitely don't sound great).  ...

I believe I'll grab the HD555's for home use and the maybe something else (cheaper) for on the go / office. Probably sealed.

Quote:   I don't understand, where are you "giving up your masculinity?" Brush it off and move on. It's not worth getting your ass kicked over.  

Quote: HD515? I must be missing a joke. :)   I listen to everything except rap. You have a lot of emphasis on classical / instrumental music, but a healthy dose of everything else from Country to Metal.   What's the noise leakage from open headphones? For example if I'm on a train...

Quote: How does the AD700 compare to the HD555? Can they both comfortably be driven an iPod / Laptop without an amp? How does the HD555 compare to the lesser HD515 other then price?

Quote: I figured as much. However on <a href="http://headphones.com">Headphones.com</a> there does seem to be a few that meet my price range. Any opinions on the <a href="http://www.headphone.com/headphones/shure-srh440.php">Shure 440</a>?

I'm sure, absolutely sure, you get lots of people with one post asking for a recommendation on headphones. :)   I'm looking for a nice pair of headphones to replace my stock Apple earbuds. Some thing like the HD555 Main points: Replaceable / detachable headphone cord. Not one...