Thanks maltronics, that helped me quite a bit! I might still go back to the store where I bought the DFB to compare it to another unit. To check if this is just the way the DFB is designed, or that it is my unit specifically that is very loud.

Thanks for the reference! It's weird, because I would expect the DragonFly Black to approximate the volume controls on my Mac, but instead it feels like I can only switch from mute to full power in the space of just 1 press on volume up (even in Audirvana Plus). Could it be that I am missing a...

I just picked up the Black and have plugged it into my MacBook Pro. While I like the sound, it is ridiculously loud through all my headphones and IEMs. Does anyone else have this problem? It's too loud even at the lowest regular volume setting in Mac OS. Is there a way to use the Dragonfly's...

To be honest I can't remember if the Olives change the isolation quality of the HF5's, because I have been using them for about two years now. But they block out enough sound for me to get lost in music in e.g. a busy train. And colleagues still have to either be in my line of sight or tap me on...

As an alternative to the Shure SE215, I can recommend the Etymotic HF5's. I bought them about three years ago when I started working on my master thesis. I chose the Ety's mostly because they isolate me very well from outside sounds, but also to make sure I wouldn't bother anyone around me with...

Sennheiser HD202: was looking for just a simple computer headphone, but all that comes out is bass. No mids, no treble.

Trying is knowing. ;) Pulling the velours back to behind the plastic holder ring and fixating it again with glue and/or a couple of stitches may indeed be the solution. Do pull off the ear pads before you start glueing of course.

You can replace the earpads easily yourself, although you will need a set of new earpads.   I'm not sure where you're located, but you can look on for example Amazon for a set of new...

Great to see the DT880s pair well with the Maverick A1! I'm still greatly enjoying them with my FiiO E10. :)

The 24/88 version of Daft Punk's new Get Lucky.   YouTube version of the song: http://youtu.be/5NV6Rdv1a3I

I've got some new additions as well, and I would rank my current headphones:   1. Beyerdynamic DT880 250Ω 2. Sennheiser HD598 3. Etymotic HF5 4. Astrotec AM-90 5. Koss PortaPro 6. Sennheiser HD202

On the one hand, you can extrapolate your thoughts on hi-fi to virtually everything in life, to seemingly depressing extremes even. Why would people drive a Jaguar if a Dacia will just as well get them from A to B? Does caviar really fill your stomach more than a slice of bread? Why buy a €200...

The Porta Pro's were my start too!

I don't think they're that different in power. The E10 can power my DT880s on most songs at about 75% volume, on low gain. Sometimes I use 100%, but never had the need for high gain. The E10 is 150 mW, the E6 100 mW.

Hi Trunks, I have both the HD598 and the 250 ohm DT880, and although I have owned the DT880s for only two weeks now I find them to be more engaging, and slightly more comfortable. I'm using both relatively unamped/underamped as well, with a FiiO E10.

Quote:   HD650s not high-end? 

Thanks for your comments Gilly87! The Microstreamer sounds like a wonderful little DAC/amp! I have the HD598s too, and I feel my FiiO E10 sometimes sounds a bit congested, so I'm looking at the MS as a bit of an upgrade without having to go desktop DAC and amp (for now). 

Oops, double post.

Great to hear that you find that it sounds better than the E10 jaywillin! I find the E10 a bit congested sometimes, and I hope to try the Microstreamer some day, hopefully, soon. :)

Ludovico Einaudi - I Giorni. http://youtu.be/__Fh3vRIq2Q

I'm looking forward to more reviews of this little device, and especially more comparisons! Seems like it could be a nice step up from my FiiO E10 without having to get into desktop DACs and amps. 

The Microstreamer seems really interesting: the reviews so far seem overwhelmingly positive, and I'm curious to read more comparisons and reviews (especially here at head-fi).

Quote: Thanks so much for the suggestion! The Beyers pretty much offer everything you described in the thread, and overall they just seem to be much more engaging.   Waiting for new gear is indeed hard (first world problems are still problems  )! Do post your experiences with the...

I've received the 250 ohms today in the mail: I just can't stop listening to my music collection. With practically no burn in (to which I have a neutral stance) they already have me headbanging.    I'm listening to music now, rather than to headphones. Love it.

Thanks takato! Very interesting to read all the history behind those companies that we sometimes take for granted now! Liquid-filled earpads seems so ridiculously comfortable!   I hope this thread grows out to the go-to thread on headphone history.