[nonothing]

So I'm sure a few of you remember my post from yesterday. My search was on for a good pair of headphones for myself. Mostly looking for an upgrade from my SkullCandy Hesh. Which I still say unless you are going to spending more than $200, they are BestBuy's best pair of closed can full sized headphones. My budget is not $200.

Well my decision almost got made on a pair of DT770 Pro 80 Ohm, but a snag hit. I was told that the pair would sound lousy unless I bought an amp to go with, or a new sound card.

This is when I saw someone mention the hd280, and the HFI-550. Well because I wear my guys for 5-6 hours at a time, and most say that the hd280 are uncomfortably tight on the head. I think I am going to go for the HFI-550 because of cost, comfort, and many have said that the HFI-550 are the better pair all around.

My questions are, will my HFI-550 require a new sound card, or an amp like the DT770 Pro 80 Ohm? And where would I buy a pair for cheap that will let me keep the factory warranty, I noticed a few bad reviews of other headphones that said that buying from amazon does not let you keep your warranty?

 

[Graphicism]

You might be better off asking this in the amp section of head-fi. Does your budget of $200 include the headphones as well, if so that leaves what $100, $105 or so. If you can stretch to $130 or so pick up a Zero Amp/DAC, I absolutely love mine with Ultrasones... I would think it's unbeatable at this price.

 

[estreeter]

From a source I trust:

Ultrasone: DJ1 | Headphonic: Australian Headphone Specialists: Buy Etymotic, Alessandro, Audio Technica, Ultimate Ears, Talisman, Meier Audio and more

The Ultrasone DJ1 are great looking, great sounding closed headphones. The DJ1 is ideal for DJs, portable users or computer use. Good powerful, but controlled bass, clear midrange and smooth highs result in a good, fairly bassy, sound and the isolation from outside noise is perfect for listening in noisy environments or when you don't want to disturb those around you. The DJ1 is easy to drive from an unamplified source, features a coiled cable and a foldable design with swivel cups. All Ultrasone headphones feature reduced EM radiation and S-Logic.

 

[ipponrg]

I have the HFI-580 which from what I'm told is basically the DJ1 but without the coiled cable. It runs fine unamped from my Ipod Nano. The bass is much more powerful than the 780. The highs are pretty smooth, but they are probably not as smooth as the 780. Isolation is very good and leakage is minimal, depending on how loud you play it. I tend to play things at fairly subtle volumes such that it wont shatter my hearing

 

[Graphicism]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ipponrg /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have the HFI-580 which from what I'm told is basically the DJ1 but without the coiled cable. It runs fine unamped from my Ipod Nano. The bass is much more powerful than the 780. The highs are pretty smooth, but they are probably not as smooth as the 780. Isolation is very good and leakage is minimal, depending on how loud you play it. I tend to play things at fairly subtle volumes such that it wont shatter my hearing

Out of interest do you own an Amp/DAC for comparison or are you just saying it sounds okay directly from the ipod nano?

 

[Almoxil]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graphicism /img/forum/go_quote.gif You might be better off asking this in the amp section of head-fi. Does your budget of $200 include the headphones as well, if so that leaves what $100, $105 or so. If you can stretch to $130 or so pick up a Zero Amp/DAC, I absolutely love mine with Ultrasones... I would think it's unbeatable at this price.

I agree. The 550s go great with my custom Zero (OPA627AUs in the DAC and LM4562s in the amp section). But the HFI-550 don't need an amp to output great sound. My Cowon S9 drives them to pretty loud volumes, with punchy bass and clear sound.