[SonicArmada]

Due to recent financial troubles, I had to get rid of my rig. Now I'm left with nothing but pc speakers for my listening enjoyment.

Money is tight, all I have for the new rig sadly is only ~$400 US. I love the Sennheiser sound, but I'm willing to try some other stuff out.

What I've owned in the past, in order of purchase.

Cans: HD580, HD650

Amps: MisterX XP, Cavalli-Kan Kumisa III, Singlepower PPX3 (Had to get a refund because UPS broke it in transit...I never actually heard it)

Sources: Silverstone EB01, Sony SCDCE595, Music Hall CD25.2

What would you do in my situation, for an extreme bang for your buck solution? I'll need a source, amp, and cans...and all for $400. Is it possible?

Thanks guys.

 

[blessingx]

Well $400 is plenty if you go used. Even if you have to go new part some of it, I'd probably advise repurchasing the Silverstone and HD580 and adding a Lunchbox amp (v1 or 2) should get you close to $400.

Another option is go with a portable player with a strong output, then pick up a pair of sensitive IEMs. Hell, I downgraded to an iPod and MS1 for awhile and was perfectly happy.

 

[chesebert]

USED DV336i + HD580, use existing DVD player/PC/ipod as source. should get you close to your PPX3 level.

 

[mrarroyo]

If at home you have a couple of cheap CD-Player options.

1. Philips DVP642, for as low as $39.99 at Circuit City: http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=100066&WT.mc_n=388565&WT.mc_t =U&cm_ven=AFFILIATE%20MARKETING&cm_cat=PERFORMICS& cm_pla=DATAFEED->PRODUCTS&cm_ite=1%20PRODUCT&cm_keycode=388565

2. Sony refurbished SCD-CE595, for $59.97 at Sony: http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...5730&langId=-1

Of the two (I have both) I would get the Philips because IMO it sounds better and it has analogue, optical, and coaxial output. Add about $10 each for S&H.

As far as DAC's you have a couple of options. From an Entech Number Cruncher ($25 for the 203 or $90 for the 205), to the Super Pro DAC for $69 plus $17 S&H at: http://www.diykits.com.hk/ To this I would add the DIY Kits PC Link at $29.95 to connect from your PC to the Super Pro DAC usin an USB cable. Of course if your PC has a sound card w/ a Coaxial of Optical you can save $29.95

For headphones I would go with either the Goldring DR150 or the Equation RP21. Both can be bought new under $100, the first is an open design and the second a close design. If you like Grado then you can buy an used MS1 for about $80 delivered.

Ok, so far you have spent $50 for the Philips, $125 for the DIY Kits two offerings, and $110 for either the Goldring or the Equation for a sub-total of $285 and you still need an amp for $115. Now if you chose the Philips $50, the DIY Kits Super Pro about $90, and the MS1 for $80 then you have spent $220 and have $180 available for an amp.

For amps under $200 I am very partial to the Musical Fidelity X-Can V2. Used this unit can be bought from $140 to $190 delivered. Which means you could get it and be whithin your budget.

Good luck.

 

[en480c4]

I'd definitey suggest what I had been running for a rig at work until I upgraded my DAC...
AlienDAC -> Lunchbox (v1) -> HD-600 w/ 650 cable
If you go w/ a 580 instead of the 600, you'll have a combo that should come in under $400 and would give excellent value.

 

[ricksome]

For the amp go on ebay and buy the one from Biosciencegeek. About $60.00 shipped. Does not get much love around here but is definitely a "sleeper". Ety 6i's for the ears. About $70.00 You still have plenty of money left over. Good Luck!

 

[feh1325]

hd580 and a bithead

 

[robm321]

I agree with the HD580 plus parts to make it like HD600 and HD650 cable. If you can find a used ASL MGhead amp - that is synergy made in heaven for the Senns at a low price.

I think downgrading can be refreshing. I've often thought of selling everything and keeping my Senn HD600/Cardas and MGhead (still have even though not in my signature). There is something about minimalism in investment and equipment - and it can be just as enjoyable as spending a ton to get minor improvements.