krakow
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Dec 6, 2004
- Posts
- 11
- Likes
- 0
I'm getting my first pair of 'proper' 'phones (i.e. not free with a portable device).
This is for use with a 4G iPod, without a dedicated headphone amp.
I listen to rock, electronica, avant-garde, modern classical; my particular obsession is post-rock of the mogwai, godspeed, rachels type variety, with a developing taste in the more avant-garde realms of music.
At home my hi-fi system is:
Nad C541i/Terratec DMX 6fire 24/96 --> Nad C370 --> Dynaudio Audience 42
I very much like the way this sounds, though not being very conversant in the language of audiophiles I won't embarress myself by trying to describe the sound.
I tried a few headphones very briefly locally at the weekend, and found the results uninspiring from full headphones, presumably since the iPod was unable to drive them properly unamped (I had to push the volume up beyond 3/4 even in the shop). A very brief try with some Shure e2's was much improved however (with a much better result needing less than 1/2 volume), and settled me on the idea of canalphones as being most suitable.
I was originally considering the full range of canalphones, up to the Etymotic er4p's or westone um2's (both £160+, probably closer to £200 with postage etc).
However I think it makes sense to be a little more conservative money-wise for what will be my first pair of headphones.
Given that the stock apple earbuds are about the best headphones I've used (purely because I've not used anything that didn't come free), I get the impression that almost anything will be a vast step up.
Hence, I'm now considering the Etymotic er6i's and the Shure e3c's. I am unable to try either of these locally, so will have to buy sound unheard, based on advice and reviews.
Both the er6i and the e3c can be purchased from UK sellers on ebay, apparently brand new with full warranties, for £80.
Given this information, are there any further last minute suggestions or pieces of advice?
I've been reading as much information as I can, but the amount is overwhelming and confusing. For this reason please forgive another newbie thread on what may be a very tired subject for you regulars.
This is for use with a 4G iPod, without a dedicated headphone amp.
I listen to rock, electronica, avant-garde, modern classical; my particular obsession is post-rock of the mogwai, godspeed, rachels type variety, with a developing taste in the more avant-garde realms of music.
At home my hi-fi system is:
Nad C541i/Terratec DMX 6fire 24/96 --> Nad C370 --> Dynaudio Audience 42
I very much like the way this sounds, though not being very conversant in the language of audiophiles I won't embarress myself by trying to describe the sound.
I tried a few headphones very briefly locally at the weekend, and found the results uninspiring from full headphones, presumably since the iPod was unable to drive them properly unamped (I had to push the volume up beyond 3/4 even in the shop). A very brief try with some Shure e2's was much improved however (with a much better result needing less than 1/2 volume), and settled me on the idea of canalphones as being most suitable.
I was originally considering the full range of canalphones, up to the Etymotic er4p's or westone um2's (both £160+, probably closer to £200 with postage etc).
However I think it makes sense to be a little more conservative money-wise for what will be my first pair of headphones.
Given that the stock apple earbuds are about the best headphones I've used (purely because I've not used anything that didn't come free), I get the impression that almost anything will be a vast step up.
Hence, I'm now considering the Etymotic er6i's and the Shure e3c's. I am unable to try either of these locally, so will have to buy sound unheard, based on advice and reviews.
Both the er6i and the e3c can be purchased from UK sellers on ebay, apparently brand new with full warranties, for £80.
Given this information, are there any further last minute suggestions or pieces of advice?
I've been reading as much information as I can, but the amount is overwhelming and confusing. For this reason please forgive another newbie thread on what may be a very tired subject for you regulars.
