[bpj87]

I am ready to take the plunge into the world of high end headphone audio. I have contemplated this move many times in the past, but I was content enough with my B&O A8 earbuds (I know…) and Bose QC2 for travel (I know again…

).

Recently, I purchased an M-Audio Fast Track Pro USB Audio Interface for recording my guitar. Realizing that this could work as a USB DAC and headphone amp, I am ready to invest in some great headphones.

My musical taste is fairly rock-and-roll-centric. I love Phish (and listen extensively) and enjoy a decent amount of classic rock, but I am starting to get into a bit of jazz and classical. I am purchasing a new MacBook Pro 15” this week for med school, and my source files are typically high quality FLAC recordings. Based on my research, it seems that the Grado SR225 would be a good fit, but I am worried about the reported lack of bass and sometimes disproportionate high end. I do not have a firm limit on what I am willing to spend, and I would much prefer spending a bit more now than having to upgrade soon after my first purchase. With that in mind, I’d like to keep my initial outlay well under $1000.

In short, after a ton of research on this forum and elsewhere, I am left with some questions.

First, what headphones would you recommend for guitar/bass/keys/drums rock and roll? I probably would prefer circumaural and don’t mind an open design, but I am willing to consider all configurations. Is the Grado supraural design uncomfortable? Lacking in bass for my music?

Second, given that I already have the M-Audio Fast Track Pro, will it suffice as an entry level DAC/Amp? If I were to upgrade either now or in the future, what level of gear would offer an appreciable improvement? If I stick this interface, will it properly drive most headphones?

Thanks so much for taking the time to read my lengthy request. I greatly appreciate of your advice!

 

[royalcrown]

To be honest, I like Phish the most with the Beyerdynamic DT880's moreso than any other headphone - I think they work really well with the extended guitar solos. While I don't like the sound of Grado headphones in general, I don't think you'll notice too much bass loss from them while listening to Phish (I didn't anyway). IMO, avoid K701's like the plague if you're a rock fan - rock tracks sounded terrible to me with K701's.

As far as budget/apportionment goes, if you cap your budget at 500 dollars you can go very far. If you get the DT880 or other headphone in the tier, you're looking at around 200-250 for headphones. Your fast track will be a decent DAC (I've heard it before and done measurements on it - while it's not the best performer it's not terrible by any meanss), but you may need a headphone amplifier. If you get a high impedance headphone I would suggest a professional headphone amp such as the Samson S-amp, and for low impedance phones I would suggest a CMOY.

I think this is a good starter set because from my observations, it's often better financially to get the headphones you like before worrying about DACs and amps. They can influence the sound, but they will not have nearly as much impact as headphones do, and if you don't like a certain headphone's sound signature it's highly unlikely that swapping amps/DACs will solve your problem. I recommend spending big on headphones and going modest on amps and DACs until you've (at least temporarily) found a sound signature you like.

 

[bpj87]

Quote:

Originally Posted by royalcrown /img/forum/go_quote.gif To be honest, I like Phish the most with the Beyerdynamic DT880's moreso than any other headphone - I think they work really well with the extended guitar solos. While I don't like the sound of Grado headphones in general, I don't think you'll notice too much bass loss from them while listening to Phish (I didn't anyway). IMO, avoid K701's like the plague if you're a rock fan - rock tracks sounded terrible to me with K701's. As far as budget/apportionment goes, if you cap your budget at 500 dollars you can go very far. If you get the DT880 or other headphone in the tier, you're looking at around 200-250 for headphones. Your fast track will be a decent DAC (I've heard it before and done measurements on it - while it's not the best performer it's not terrible by any meanss), but you may need a headphone amplifier. If you get a high impedance headphone I would suggest a professional headphone amp such as the Samson S-amp, and for low impedance phones I would suggest a CMOY. I think this is a good starter set because from my observations, it's often better financially to get the headphones you like before worrying about DACs and amps. They can influence the sound, but they will not have nearly as much impact as headphones do, and if you don't like a certain headphone's sound signature it's highly unlikely that swapping amps/DACs will solve your problem. I recommend spending big on headphones and going modest on amps and DACs until you've (at least temporarily) found a sound signature you like.

Thanks very much for the help, royalcrown! Of all of the headphones that I researched, the DT880 never popped out as a contender. Upon closer inspection, though, they seem like a great choice and are right in my price range. I think I will pull the trigger on a set this week!

I'm glad to hear that my Fast Track Pro will work as a solid DAC. After getting the cans, I'll also use its headphone amp and upgrade to a better amp soon.

 

[Cankin]

If I'm a Mac user, I'd have bought an Apogee Duet long time ago

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f7/apo...-rocks-282021/

and don't forget to check the huge HF-2 thread, people like it with Duet

Quote:

Originally Posted by agile_one /img/forum/go_quote.gif x2 HF2s from a Duet are surprisingly good, and make a terrific computer rig without taking much desk real estate. I've logged most of my post CanJam listening time with this combo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeadphoneAddict /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've always felt the Duet had good synergy with Grados.

 

[cyberidd]

Before deciding on the DT880 consider the DT990 as well. Although I haven't personally heard the 880, the 990 are generally considered more "fun" than the 880 and are also great for rock. Sibilance is one of the biggest complaints with both of these cans, but if you find them too sibilant you can always use a piece of felt to tone it down. I personally don't have a serious problem with the sibilance of the 990, and think they are brilliant for rock (what I listen to most).

 

[paaj]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cankin /img/forum/go_quote.gif If I'm a Mac user, I'd have bought an Apogee Duet long time ago

and it would've been a wise move

a used RS1 from the FS forum and the Duet is a great combo. And of course, you can get the HF2 now while it lasts.
Grado comfort needs some getting used to but gets better (the pads soften up and your ears adapt) and they give a good amount of tight bass. Not bass heavy but certainly enough and it goes deep.

 

[bpj87]

Thanks for all of the help! I just purchased a set of Beyer DT990s (250 ohm) from B&H. I was torn between the DT880s and DT990s (with a slight lean towards the 990), but the $180 price tag on the latter versus ~$300 for the former swayed me.

I'll try using my Fast Track Pro as a DAC and amp at first, but I suspect that I will soon find myself in the trading forum searching for a better amp (I am thinking Little Dot MKIII).