[rkb2948]

Hello all,
 
I've got 2 "real" pairs of headphones, AT-A900s and SR-80s. I like both, but my SR80s are uncomfortable after an hour or so. I think it's just the sound signature that doesn't fit with my ears, of course that's not to say I don't like it, hehe. I've been contemplating replacing them with another pair of open headphones, but I don't quite know what to replace them with. I primarily listen to electronica/trance, rock, metal, soundtracks/games. They'd be used directly out of my Xonar DX on my computer; I don't have a dedicated amp yet, and really am not looking at one (right now). I'd say first and formost they would need to be comfortable for long periods. I like my A900s but they feel "heavy" to me, my roommate has the AD700's and they feel light and kind of airy (sorta what I'm looking for comfort wise). I'd say budget-wise no more than 400 (absolute hard non shifting max

).  Any ideas?

 

[rkb2948]

Any thoughts?

 

[violinvirtuoso]

Sennheiser HD650? They are very comfortable, sound great, and can be found very cheap used.

 

[rkb2948]

That's actually kind of what I was thinking, but 2 things: 1. How cheap? 2. I've heard they require amplification to sound well. Would my xonar be able to drive them?

 

[Katun]

The Ultrasone HFI-2400 look interesting. Although I have absolutely no experience in Ultrasone whatsoever.
 
By the way, are you looking for an upgrade to SQ as well? As in, you don't want anything too cheap, correct?

 

[rkb2948]

Yes I am looking for a bump in sq. As cheap as possible would be nice, max budget is about 400, ideally less!

 

[baka1969]

Computer > uDac > Millett SSHT > AKG K-70x


Under $400 if found on the Sales Forum and you have a nice sounding rig.

 

[rkb2948]

Udac seems counter intuitive as I've already got a soundcard? Heck, I think its even got spidf out.

 

[baka1969]

Quote:
Originally Posted by rkb2948  
" Udac seems counter intuitive as I've already got a soundcard? Heck, I think its even got spidf out."


The uDac will out perform the vast majority of internal soundcards. The difference can be quite significant. The spdif out sould sound better going to the dac than the USB should. So that's a plus. Yes, it will bypass the internal DAC while using the spdif out.

 

[derick1965]

I have Sennheiser 595's used on ebay for 130$ and were in excellent condition. They are the open type and I wear mine all day while working (db admin) and have no fatigue. It feels like I'm drenched in sound.

 

[kingtz]

I would also recommend the HD650s, but $400 might get you only the headphones. You'll definitely need an amp to drive them. I'm currently using the uDAC to drive them, but it's definitely not optimal, and out of your soundcard, the HD650s would probably sound like crap - as in, possibly even worse than your cheaper headphones.

 

[violinvirtuoso]

With $400 you can get the HD650 and a Musiland Monitor. The HD650s will have enough power and sound great. Once you can afford it, you can get a nice amp and further upgrade your sound.

 

[rkb2948]

Do you know where I could get that combo for $400

 

[violinvirtuoso]

As far as I can tell, you can't get both new for under $400. But if you buy used (or NIB) here on Head-Fi (or eBay) you can get the HD650s for under $275. I got mine for under $250. It is very hard to find a Musiland Monitor used because they don't sell that often.
 
Musiland Monitor:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Musiland-Monitor-02-US-USB-Sound-Card-USB2-0-ASIO-/320564584513?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0
 
Sennheiser HD650 (check them out):
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/505817/fs-price-drop-like-brand-new-sennheiser-hd650-w-cardas-cable
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/506428/fs-sennheiser-hd650-and-zu-mobius-together-or-separately
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/492978/fs-hd-650
 
 
 

 

[David.M]

Quote:

I would also recommend the HD650s, but $400 might get you only the headphones. You'll definitely need an amp to drive them. I'm currently using the uDAC to drive them, but it's definitely not optimal, and out of your soundcard, the HD650s would probably sound like crap - as in, possibly even worse than your cheaper headphones.

get a dedicated amp for your HD650's bro.
 
stop embarrassing them with that uDAC