Joakcbasse
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jun 5, 2009
- Posts
- 27
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I have these equipment (and my ratings of how much i enjoy them):
Sony MDR-V6 - 8/10
Grado SR60 w/HD414 reverse quarter mod - 6.5/10
Koss KSC75 - 9/10 (obviously not as good as SR60, MDR-V6, but the value just amazes me)
NuForce uDAC - i haven't A/B tested, but i honestly cant tell the difference when using these with MDR-V6, SR60s.
Sennheiser MX560 - 5/10 (just for portable use)
Source: Laptop running Foobar2000 with NuForce uDAC (with ASIO4ALL.) MP3s mostly 320K and FLAC, with some 256kbps mp3s scattered in there.
Type of music: I listen to mostly to rock/indie rock (thus, the Grados were recommended to me first) BUT in actuality i really listen to everything from hip hop to black metal to jazz to electronica to classical to female diva pop. So I would like headphones that are versatile to handle mostly everything.
My hi-fi experiences thus far:
I really really like my Sony MDR-V6's for the way they can separate instruments. I prefer hearing all the instruments and seeing how they separately contribute to the overall sound, instead of how Grados blend everything together. The MDR-V6's guitar-detail isn't as good as the Grados, but I feel like the Grados basically shine with guitars, and that's about it. It's a little too over-the-top with it's forwardness.... it's disappointing, it's a very "niche" headphone, in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy them in certain situations... I just feel it's appeal is limited to those certain situations.
I don't know if this is just my personal sound preferences, or my ears are dumb or what..... To be honest, I dont feel like the Grados are THAT much better than my Koss KSC75s (which never fail to astonish me, and fulfill the same general purpose of the SR60s for me for like 8% of the price or so, since i got my KSC75s for $6).
Anyways, that makes me think of my next upgrade path: I'm thinking about getting the Sennheiser HD600, because I think i'm looking for a "neutral", "analytical"signature. Based on my research in this forum, the Nuforce uDAC can somewhat drive the HD600.... so, I'll probably use the uDAC to drive HD600 before the upgrade-itis sets in again (and then get an amp/DAC later).
Does this sound like a reasonable next step in my Hi-Fi journey? Any advice you guys can give me will be very much appreciated!
Budget: $400~450. I would really prefer to spend around $300, but i guess i could be talked into more, if its really worth it....