Steve Cole's album Pulse has to be one of the most gorgeous albums I've heard of late. I'd call it smooth jazz, but not sure what others would call it. Jazz is fickle enough as it is when it comes to what subgenre each artist lies in, so meh. 1 and 3 are something special, in my opinion...

MalVeuaX hits the definitions of the HE-500 with the a-100 "One, is sound stage, it is very nicely separated, no blurred lines, very nicely distinct. Two, the low frequency range is more pronounced than some other amps I've used, so this amp is warm, though it's not over the top or anything."...

I posted this before I read the reply on the other one. It's okay. I'll edit this post to reflect this new knowledge, and also to focus on my second question.

I stand corrected. Thanks! Precisely what I was looking for.

Edit: Do I need a different DAC than the Schiit Modi? This might seem like a silly question, but I don't want to assume.

I have read through quite a bit of the ESP-950's thread, and the second link I've also seen. The only opinion inside of that thread is that of someone who said "It's been too long since I've had an ESP950 here so it's hard to comment on the difference." I was hoping that other people inside...

I have been browsing this thread (read about twenty pages) and didn't find too many recent posts regarding the Koss ESP-950 vs. the SRS-2170. If there are some posts, I apologize!   I am debating about getting the Koss currently, but someone recommended the SRS-2170 to me. Here is what I...

I found the HE-500 extremely muddy and rather dull. The HD800's pinpoint accuracy on the imaging (I think that's the term) is extremely impressive, and it was quite the fun headphone! I highly recommend it honestly.

After hearing the PS500, I can definitely say that I enjoy its sound. Grado-like sound, while still not being piercing on brightly-mixed tracks. I will be directly comparing it to the RS1 (non i) in the next week - I'll give my impressions then. Thanks for the advice! All of you were...

I don't expect a change in sound signature - I WANT the sound signature of the SR80i. I just want it to be much more refined (separation between the notes i.e. black space) and a tad bit more bass. Portability isn't an issue with me, and thanks for the information about the glasses. If I were...

I am merely posting this thread to get opinions about these three headphones - the RS1i, the PS500, and the MS Pro. All of them are within the same price range, and all are Grado-like in some form or another. Yet, all of them have different sounds. Some background about myself - I currently...

The HE-5LE on the Emotiva mini-X a-100 is quite something to hear. I'm sorry that you're missing out!

Due to reading this thread and the desire to upgrade from my Magni, I decided to go with the Emotiva mini-X a-100. It sounds glorious. For this comment, I have been using the HE-5LE using the Modi as my DAC. From my impressions, it adds black space that the Magni just never showed...

If we can only have one headphone, I'd go with my SR80i. I love its intimacy, and it never fails to engage me into listening to the music. If I could have two, I'd include the HE-5LE. Its smoothness and stronger bass contrasts against the Grado insanely well. They're a perfect duo.

After listening to the Beats, I can safely say that they have WAY too much bass. Not good bass either. However, the $400 ones sound relatively good, with the bass about 5 dB too high. With an EQ on the $400 pair, I'm sure they'd sound relatively decent.

Thanks everyone for the awesome equipment - it was awesome! Also, thanks for anyone who helped run the meet - it was well organized and pretty kick-ass, I'll admit. Looking forward to more! Hopefully next time have a few more goodies to share with all of you! Tim

Quote: I have always wanted to try the LCD-2 rev2, but I guess I can live with trying an LCD-3.  ;) Very awesome.

Honestly, DAC's (until you go WAY into hardcore money) offer very little upgrades between each other. The two main things that they offer is input options and higher-priced ones are able to be upgraded. You won't see much bang-for-your-buck with DACs, and unless you want to go beyond USB input...

Not to be 'that guy', but the Schiit Bifrost and Asgard 2 are overkill for these headphones. Rather than spend $600 on equipment, buy a Magni/Modi and buy a few other test headphones to find your signature sound. Then worry about your equipment for those. The Magni/Modi are excellent in their...

If you're getting Grados, I'd expect some level of 'fatigue' due to the nature of the Grados themselves. To 'tame' them seems counter-productive. That's just my two cents. If you want a pair of headphones that are smooth and fluid, don't get Grados. That's like ordering a Big Mac meal with a...

I would like to change what I'm bringing, though I can now confirm the 11-1:30/2 time frame that I had planned. It's been a chaotic week, so want to clarify a few things so people don't get disappointed. I'm also pumped, so am typing to express my excitement. I cancelled my order of the...

Mmmm, Magni/Modi combination. I'm telling you - it's a steal.

Quote: Smash Mouth

Quote: If you're talking about inside listening without portability, I absolutely love my Schiit Modi DAC. You don't need much more than that, in my opinion. As for amping the RS1, I have absolutely no idea about that. Typically Grados are very efficient headphones, so not sure how much...

Quote: That sound card does provide an amp - how strong, I'm not sure. I'd go with the DT880 IMO, as they are amazing at an all-around type of cans. However, not sure if you can get the 600 ohm version with that amp. Perhaps investigate further. If you can't use the 600 ohm version, the...