Can Shopping

[PhearthecowZ]

Why hello there! A few weeks ago I came across your site while doing some headphone shopping and have been lookin' around ever since

I come to you looking for advice, I've been looking around for quite some time, and originally I had my heart set on some AKG K701's, but lately I'm not so sure. I have nowhere even close to me that sells high-level audio equipment...so I'll have to go with eBay. My question to you is this: What cans do you suggest based on this criteria?
I listen to music almost all the time. Primarily I intend to use these ones at home, whether it is on my Computer or TV (when gaming) and on my iPod. Portability is 'some-what' of an issue. Usually it is for short walks between classes, and then public transportation and the odd walk to the store here and there. I also use them for my guitar rig, and audio recording.
I enjoy all types of music, except I don't have a very extensive collection of classical, and enjoy very, very limited amounts of R&B/Hip-Hop.
My previous headphones were a set of Etymotic ER6, but I could never use them for home. I've used the ER4, and all-together I generally prefer Open/Closed Circumaural headphones.
I have a headphone amp (just a little Cmoy, haven't needed much more than that), but I buy amps according to headphones, and I realize I will need to probably buy a better headphone amp, however I don't want to 'have' to get, say a Hornet to fully enjoy the cans. I'm not THAT rich.
So far I am having a very tough decision between my dearly loved AKG K701's/Beyerdynamic DT880's (Possibly 770-80)/Sennheiser HD595/555 600/650.
This is the highest price-cans I can go for, the Senn's almost making me cringe at the tag, but I know it will be worth it.

 

[rxc]

Have you considered the Denon AH-D2000, they are easily driven so they don't require amping.

 

[PhearthecowZ]

Yes, but I WILL be buying a very good amp eventually, so I would also like to hear improvements when I do grab it.

 

[HFat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhearthecowZ /img/forum/go_quote.gif So far I am having a very tough decision between my dearly loved AKG K701's/Beyerdynamic DT880's (Possibly 770-80)/Sennheiser HD595/555 600/650.

Some of these are very expensive. Can you really justify such a purchase when you can have very good headphones for (much) less money?

The K501 and especially older models (K400, K401, K500) have better value than the K701. Not that these are the only AKG models worth considering: there are many nice K240 models (AKG has been using that number for decades) that can be had for cheap if you look around but Sextetts and such are pretty hard to drive.

I can recommend the DT880 from 2003 good all-rounders (although better suited for acoustic recordings) that aren't too expensive. The DT990 from the late 80s or early 90s are arguably a better value proposition however. These should suit your amp because of the mid/high impedance.
Beware of the model number when shopping for Beyers as they've been reusing the same numbers for decades.

As for Senns, I would disregard the HD5x5 and go directly for the HD580 which should suit your amp well without being too expensive. Some people also like the HD565 which you may be able to get for cheap if you look around.

If you've got some money to spare after getting one of those, get yourself a SR-60 or MS-1 as a sidekick!

There are lots of great headphones that are less popular obviously.

 

[PhearthecowZ]

Actually, off of eBay these are all really close price-wise. The DT880 and Sennheiser 650 are the two most expensive. The K701 being right in the middle.
Do you think I would be off better buying a good amp now, and cheaper headphones, or the headphones then the amp?

 

[HFat]

Oops! I edited my post while you were answering.

The DT880 I'm talking about are a good bit cheaper than either the HD650 or the K701. Again, look past the model numbers to the actual product!
Also, it might be a good idea not to limit yourself to eBay and to be patient enough to wait for a good deal.

If you have a good CMoy, it should be fine with mid/high-imepedance headphones. I'm not an amp expert by a long shot though.
In general, I think it would be best to postpone serious spending on amps until you've tried many headphones and know which ones you like or dislike.

 

[PhearthecowZ]

eBay is really my only choice

I live in the middle of nowhere and the nearest city has nothing to offer.

 

[Ogresmash]

You should check out the for sale forums here. Generally the prices will be even lower than on Ebay, and you don't have the hassle of bidding and being sniped by somebody who's just going to resell them for $20 more.