[btownsoccer22]

So right now I have a pair of Bose Quietcomfort 2s...and Yes I know the popularity of Bose on this forum but I got these 2 years ago. But besides that fact I've been holistically researching head-fi these past few days on just seeing if I can grasp on somethings and read about good products.

Right now I'm looking at getting some AKG K701/K702, or Grado 325.

I have read all the stickies on the headphone portion of this site and understand that. But what confuses me is when it comes down to the amps and DAC. I know what a power amp does but I"m still a bit confused on a pre amp. DACs confuse me even more.

I will do most of my listening on my iMac desktop but am I just wasting my time with that? Will I even notice a different using some sound card I didn't even know?

So can you guys recommend me some set-ups for home use only. I was looking at headamp and woo audio for the most part. But pretty much is a amp and a DAC really all I need at the beginning?

Thanks

 

[St3ve]

An amp and dac is indeed what you need. To clarify, the dac is the part that goes before your amp and it's job is to turn the digital data of a CD/MP3/whatever into an analogue signal. It is a very important part of good sound.

In terms of suggestions i am sure loads of people will come along and chip in with their ideas. As for myself, if you do end up going for a grado, i would really recommend the Little dot i+ (it works a charm with my 325is). In terms of a dac, that really is budget dependant - a really good one for macs (which i am using) is the apogee duet.

Try searching through threads to see what people have found to work within your budget.

Steve

 

[wower]

Keep searching the forums and reading the stickies so you can narrow down your questions and the combined knowledge of members can be best leaveraged. In "general recommendion" threads, besides noting what headphones you are interested in (as you have) it's important to include your budget and musical tastes as well. It can be done as a simple ratio of your CD or mp3 collection. (Such as for myself I'm about 30% classical, 30% rock/folk and 40% hip-hop/dance.)

Imacs are fine sources but I would always recommend getting the DAC out of the computer (though this is debated in detail in other threads). I think computers are noisy enviros and have always added a fine grain to the music I hate (plus congestion). Sure, maybe a specialized system would work wonders but life is short and it's just not my style. A good cheap USB dac would be Headamp's Pico USB DAC which I would link to but atm my browser is not reading their site correctly.

There are also a lot of good amp/dac combos out there both with and without tubes that represent an excellent value for the first step into high-end headphones. If fact, that's how I started years ago. You'll need to post a budget before we can get more specific. Also, is portability an issue?

Sorry about your wallet.

 

[Happy Camper]

Choose which headphone you want, then a budget. Trying to find a good compromise for the two mentioned could limit both. Grados are easier to drive. The 70x need some juice. The hybrid amps would be a good compromise. I like tubes but good performers will cost.

 

[btownsoccer22]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wower /img/forum/go_quote.gif Keep searching the forums and reading the stickies so you can narrow down your questions and the combined knowledge of members can be best leaveraged. In "general recommendion" threads, besides noting what headphones you are interested in (as you have) it's important to include your budget and musical tastes as well. It can be done as a simple ratio of your CD or mp3 collection. (Such as for myself I'm about 30% classical, 30% rock/folk and 40% hip-hop/dance.) Imacs are fine sources but I would always recommend getting the DAC out of the computer (though this is debated in detail in other threads). I think computers are noisy enviros and have always added a fine grain to the music I hate (plus congestion). Sure, maybe a specialized system would work wonders but life is short and it's just not my style. A good cheap USB dac would be Headamp's Pico USB DAC which I would link to but atm my browser is not reading their site correctly. There are also a lot of good amp/dac combos out there both with and without tubes that represent an excellent value for the first step into high-end headphones. If fact, that's how I started years ago. You'll need to post a budget before we can get more specific. Also, is portability an issue? Sorry about your wallet.

I listen to all types of music. In my itunes library I have every from Yo-Yo Ma and Mozart...etc to Hardcore Rap to Pop to R&B and soul.

I really don't know what my budget is. I would say $1000 and under for an AMP and $1000 and under for a DAC.

Portability isn't an issue it will be strictly for home use. For the AMP i was looking at the wooaudio 6.

 

[pyramid6]

Quote:

Originally Posted by btownsoccer22 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I listen to all types of music. In my itunes library I have every from Yo-Yo Ma and Mozart...etc to Hardcore Rap to Pop to R&B and soul. I really don't know what my budget is. I would say $1000 and under for an AMP and $1000 and under for a DAC. Portability isn't an issue it will be strictly for home use. For the AMP i was looking at the wooaudio 6.

I have the WA6, and the Channel Island Audio VDA-2. While you can argue there are better sounding amps/dacs for the price (I don't think there are), you really can't argue they have don't have great service. If you have any questions, or problems, they will help you out. If you get the WA6 get the upgraded power supply.

If I had to do it over, I would probably get the WA6 SE and the VDA-2. I think they will come in close to under $2000. You'll be able to drive just about anything well with that setup, and it will sound great. Plus, you can roll tubes.

 

[btownsoccer22]

It seems like finding an AMP is easier then finding a DAC. I'm leaning towards the Apogee Duet unless I find anything.

 

[pyramid6]

Unless your mac is really old, you have an optical out. I think all Intel machines have them. Pretty much DAC USB 1.1 or optical will work. I have my Mac Pro hooked up to the VDA. Go into System Preferences -> Sound -> Output. If you have an option for Digital Out, you have optical.

I'm sure the the Apogee Duet is good, but you don't have to limit yourself to something that works specifically in Mac.

 

[pekingduck]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pyramid6 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Unless your mac is really old, you have an optical out. I think all Intel machines have them. Pretty much DAC USB 1.1 or optical will work. I have my Mac Pro hooked up to the VDA. Go into System Preferences -> Sound -> Output. If you have an option for Digital Out, you have optical. I'm sure the the Apogee Duet is good, but you don't have to limit yourself to something that works specifically in Mac.

MacBook Air doesn't have optical out

 

[birchre]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pyramid6 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have the WA6, and the Channel Island Audio VDA-2. While you can argue there are better sounding amps/dacs for the price (I don't think there are), you really can't argue they have don't have great service. If you have any questions, or problems, they will help you out. If you get the WA6 get the upgraded power supply. If I had to do it over, I would probably get the WA6 SE and the VDA-2. I think they will come in close to under $2000. You'll be able to drive just about anything well with that setup, and it will sound great. Plus, you can roll tubes.

As was recently pointed out in the woo owners thread, Woo is now including the PDPS upgrade as a standard feature, and has raised the standard price only $35. This can only make the standard WA6 that much more appealing at this price point.

 

[928GTS]

A good source is essential as an amp cannot work wonders on a bad source. I see that you are considering the 70x series and I will say that they will not be the best choice for bass intensive music. They're fantastic for jazz and classical when you really want a good,clean and analytic response but it's a very calculating pair of cans and if you pair it with an analytic amp it might be a bit too cold for your tastes.

Another thing about the AKG's is that they require a lot of current drive to really make them show off their talents. If you're willing to spend the money then the Woo line is highly regarded. If I was just starting off I would be a bit wary at spending a large amount of money in one go. Try starting off with something from Darkvoice or Audiotailor as a sort of midway point. This way you'll have money left over to work on getting some nice interconnects and experiment with tubes to see the difference they make.

A DAC is quite important if you wish to use your laptop as your main source of music,I'm not extremely versed on them but I do remember that there was a fellow selling a DAC that he made by himself for about $100 or so and many people said that it really had a fantastic sound and ability for something of it's price range.

Take care in your selection and remember that paying large amounts of money straight off is not always the best solution.

 

[pyramid6]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pekingduck /img/forum/go_quote.gif MacBook Air doesn't have optical out

You're right. That sucks. I really didn't like it when I had one. Didn't travel enough.

 

[btownsoccer22]

Who sells or who is a vendor for audiotailor?

And can someone explain to me "interconnects" lol sorry for the noob question. I was looking at moon audio interconnects (good or not?) And There are like 5 or 6 and IDK which one I would need.

 

[pyramid6]

Interconnects are the cables that go between equipment.

I would get them here HDMI Cable, Home Theater Accessories, HDMI Products, Cables, Adapters, Video/Audio Switch, Networking, USB, Firewire, Printer Toner, and more!.

You just need to make sure you get ones that match, RCA to RCA, 3 pin XLR to 3 XLR, etc. Be mindful that you connect a male to a female on the ends.

 

[btownsoccer22]

What headphones would any of you guys recommend for Hip/hop,r&b, and pop. I do have classical and alternative music but I have more hip hop and RB than anything.

I would have to say 30% hip hop, 30% R&B, and equal for the other genres