[Hunted Charlie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by facelvega /img/forum/go_quote.gif Aha, just as I suspected. Here's what I would do in your position: get a home system and a portable headphone to go straight out of the ipod. This is how it would stay under budget: Emu 0202 usb for computer-based dac/amp ($94 shipped). It might suit you better than the 0404 anyway. Look here. JVC M1000 ($184) or Denon D2000 ($218) for home headphone, assuming you need closed. These are easily driven, and the 0202 should handle them fine. Audio Technica ES7 for portable ($109), or if you wanted IEMS, with your music I'd go for a dynamic and not an armature driver, either a JVC FX300 ($62) or Denon C551 ($66) The most expensive combination there is $421, the cheapest, $340. Like I say, it's how I would spend my own money if I were in your shoes. Enjoy.

I think I've decided to go for this configuration, since this sounds really nice. Just two final questions:

1) I'm actually fine with an open headphone for home use, I don't need closed ones. Are the Denon D2000s still the ones to go for, or should I be looking for Sennheiser HD650s or something different altogether?

2) Where did you find the Emu 0202 USB for $94 shipped?

 

[Scottyyy]

I can confirm the D2000s sound very good straight out of the EMU 0202. Can't give many details because I don't have anything to compare it to at the minute, but I'm pleased with the combination.

 

[Hunted Charlie]

Wait so the Denon AHD2000s are better than the Sennheiser HD650s right? I don't want to spend $220 on the Denons only to find that for $30 more I could be enjoying the Sennheisers.

 

[natural_nut]

Better is subjective. There are some here that may regard the Denons as better-sounding, and some otherwise. However, I do urge you to at least TRY them out first before plonking down any real cash lest you regret your purchase. The HD650s are relatively hard to drive, compared to the Denons. The Denons can be run straight from a portable source and are listenable, but need a good amp and source to make them shine.

 

[Hunted Charlie]

Where would I try these headphones out? I can't think of anywhere that stocks this level of gear (I live in Los Angeles).