569euro is way overpriced for the Annies.  I am not sure what competing headphones there are at that price, but I feel the Annies are fairly priced at $375.  I would also look into the DT 990 Premium if they are quite a bit cheaper then the Annies.  I was thinking about getting those before...

Quote: I don't care what comes in the box as long as the headphones are well built and do not come damaged.  That is what is important.

No, the HD 800 is better, but I can't justify spending that much money on headphones.  If the sound improvement scaled along with the price, then maybe.  However, they really aren't that much better.  I paid $375 for the Annie and I think they sound very good for that price range.  Obviously, if...

Well, I am relatively new to owning high quality headphones and have not been able to compare the sound of the Annie to many other HP.   I have demoed the HD 800 and do not notice any big difference in sound to justify the ridiculous price tag.  I have always enjoyed good audio, especially in my...

Gotta love the throat rips!  Anybody hungry for some Celery?  ;)  

So... I adjusted the EQ:    31 Hz = +4dB 62 Hz = +3dB 125 Hz = +1dB   The rest of the EQ bands are flat.   This gives the Annie a needed bass boost (IMO) without having it interfere with the mids and highs.   I think the amp from the ZxR is powering the Annie just fine.  I am...

Would the Magni power them to their full potential?  

The amp is the same as the Asus Xonar Essence STX.  It is rated for 80mW @ 600 ohms.  The STX produces the full 80 mW. However, the ZxR has been tested to produce only 48.6mW @ 600ohm.  Would this power be enough at the lower impedance of the Annie?

Quote: Yeah... I was hoping that the amp on the soundcard would do the trick, but I am willing to buy a Magni if needed.  I just don't want to spend money if it is not going to make a difference.

Quote: No improvement to the sound stage after burn-in?  I think I remember reading from somebody else that it improved.  As for the bass, I guess I will have to fine tune my EQ settings.

I am definitely looking for a balanced sound.  I do love bass of course, but not at the expense of the mids and highs.  So far my initial impression for the Annie is great mids and highs and lacking mid bass.  I felt the HD 650 had good bass and mids, but lacking highs.  

Well, I demoed the HD 650 and thought the bass was just right with those.  The bass is not as satisfying here.  The sub bass of the ANnies sounds good, but when you start approaching the mid bass it does not sound very rich.  

OK, I have had my Annies for a day now.  I listened to them all evening yesterday.  I am finding the bass somewhat lacking and the soundstage not quite as good as I was expecting.  What is a good burn-in for these?   Will a proper burn-in improve the bass and soundstage?  Also, if I am burning...

Yeah, there is concern over the actual power output of Headphone amp on the ZxR.  It is rated for 80mW @ 600 ohms and it has been tested to only be putting out 48mW.  So, I dunno what the power rating is at the 62 ohms of the Annies.  I know that the Annies have a max power of 200mW.  I just...

Sweet!  I think I am sold on the Annies.  Good soundstage, positioning, and balanced sound with good bass.  Sound like a winner to me.   BTW, thanks for making this great guide. I find it very helpful.  Your time and effort is much appreciated. :)   Also, I am going to using the Annies...

How are the Annies compared to the HD 650 in terms of Bass?  

Yeah, I don't really like to lose out on bass.  I am the guy that you hear 2-3 blocks away before you even see my car.  Hehe :)  I am in need of a good set of headphones.  I just recently bought the Creative ZxR and I am waiting for it to arrive.  So, I will be using that to drive my...

Quote: Where did you see the HD 650 for $400?   I tried out the HD 650 yesterday at a music store and they sounded good.  The bass and mids were good, but the treble was somewhat lacking.  I am definitely interested in the DT990 as well, but have not heard them.  Is the treble that...