[meesha]

So here's the situation: My friend will be in Japan for a couple weeks. I thought it would be a great time for me to get one of the ATH500-900 that everyone is talking about for a good price. (Side note, please tell me that they do not sound like v6's.. I own them and absolutely hate them. I like the more sr60, portapro, 250-80 sound.) I also remember from my time there that they had all these wicked pcdp's in all these crazy colors. So I thought it would be a good time to get one of those as well. Anywho, so my budget is around 200US$. So im thinking either I could afford a500/pcdp or a700/really bad pcdp or just an a900 by itself.
So what I guess Im askin is if the a900 THAT much better than an a500 and pcdp? I've read the previous posts and still cannot decide.
Also I have no idea what is available in pcdp in Japan. Can someone make a recommendation as far a pcdp. Please keep in mind the 200US$ budget.
Anything else I should ask for?
Pocari Sweat Rules!

Thanks!

 

[Kirosia]

If you plan on using the A500/900 in a portable environment (walking around and stuff), it may not be a good idea. The consensus is that they don't do movement too well.

 

[commando]

There's one good review that says most people wouldn't notice the difference, but audiophile types would. It might have been jasper that did the review.

Just confirming A500/900 can't be used while you're walking, and they're too big to practically throw in a bag.

 

[Annihilator]

IMO they do movement fine, maybe if someone tackled me they would fall off but otherwise they stay on pretty well. Better than my grado sr-80s in that aspect for sure. They can look goofy walking around in em though.

 

[meesha]

Thanks for the warning, I know they're huge. They would be used mostly for home. I just wanted to get a pcdp because last time I remember there being cool stuff but I had no money to buy them.

 

[WillD]

Then just get the 500s and a pcdp.

 

[Mr.Radar]

Most PCDPs made today are of poor quality (soundwise anyways). Go for the A900.

 

[null]

I agree. Go for the A900s and then save up for a decent source. While the A900s are very forgiving with poor sources, you get a big increase in sound quality with a better source. I recommend the Toshiba 3950/60/4900/4960 series of players for good sound on the cheap.

 

[meesha]

I kind of expected audiophiles to say the A900.
What if my only sources are an ipod and a future cd player.
No amp. Would a A900 still be worth it?

 

[commando]

Quote:

Originally Posted by meesha I kind of expected audiophiles to say the A900. What if my only sources are an ipod and a future cd player. No amp. Would a A900 still be worth it?

Why would you use a portable source for non-portable headphones?

A500s will sound pretty damn good, the reason to get A900s is if you think you'll upgrade your source later, or you'll always wonder if you should have bought the A900s. Buying 500s the 900s is more expensive than just buying the 900s to start with.