[Josh43]

Otherwise the person who will dig into my garbage should be very happy

 

[Josh43]

I just want to know which earphone to buy to replace my grado sr80 !

 

[Josh43]

I assume you are replying to me, but not sure. It helps to hit the reply button of the comment you are replying to, and to quote the text.

As far as other brands of headphones, I would try something like the Sennheiser 660S, which is about $300 USD right now, marked down from $400. Like the Grado, it is open back, even though it is over-ear and not on-ear. I prefer open-back headphones, and whether they are on-ear or over-ear is not as important to me.

A big consideration in choosing a new headphone is often impedance. The higher the impendence of the headphones, the more power the soundcard built-in amp (or external amp) needs to deliver. Most audiophile headphones are 150-300 ohms or even higher. Your current Grado headphones are 38 ohms, which is an easy load on a headphone amp. The Grado RS2x is also 38 ohms, which your sound card can easily drive. The specs on your sound card say it is suitable for headphones rated at 16-600 ohms, so hopefully the 150 ohm Sennheiser 660S will also work OK.

I would search this form for reviews of the Grado headphones, and those reviews which have comparison to other brands and models such as the Sennheiser 660S. You headphone choice is going to make the biggest difference in the sound.

So. as long as your current setup does produce any audible background noise via your headphones, try upgrading your headphone first. Then decide if you need more power, which would require an external headphone amp. Don't replace your internal DAC until you are sure it is a limiting factor or produces noise from being inside your PC.

good !

 

[Mark200]

I just want to know which earphone to buy to replace my grado sr80 !

This whole website supposedly dedicated to headphone hifi, so search the forums. I have a Sennheiser 660S and like it very much. It is neutral sounding and very detailed. You can also search YouTube for headphone reviews. Obviously, visiting some high end audio stores would be best if you can do that.

 

[Josh43]

I have this material for a few years, it must be the language barrier surely.

 

[Josh43]

I'll take a look, thanks for your reply!

This whole website supposedly dedicated to headphone hifi, so search the forums. I have a Sennheiser 660S and like it very much. It is neutral sounding and very detailed. You can also search YouTube for headphone reviews. Obviously, visiting some high end audio stores would be best if you can do that.

I'll take a look, thanks for your reply !

 

[Mark200]

That's what I said to me if I have to put it all in the drain . Is the headphone output of the Rotel A11 that bad ?
I know I don't have a $10,000 Mcintosh but that shouldn't sound so bad?
I don't use the Nu Audio headphone jack.

The Rotel amp should have a decent headphone amp. First upgrade your headphone, and then worry about the other stuff if you are still not satisfied.

 

[chesebert]

That's what I said to me if I have to put it all in the drain . Is the headphone output of the Rotel A11 that bad ?
I know I don't have a $10,000 Mcintosh but that shouldn't sound so bad?
I don't use the Nu Audio headphone jack.

Just get a mojo gen 1 for like $200-300 and use optical.

Get rid of Kimber and use something cheap. Ditto for spkr cables.

 

[chesebert]

I just want to know which earphone to buy to replace my grado sr80 !

Doesn’t matter. Will sound like garbage out of that Rotel amp.

 

[Josh43]

Yeah that's hard to hear...I spent $300 for the rca and speaker wires, but yes I have my old cheap 10 gauge wires and a cheap audioquest rca too. Thank you for your frankness I will remember that!

Have a good year !

 

[Josh43]

The amplifier is also not good?

 

[chesebert]

Trying to save you some headache and money. I was where you are now 20yrs ago.

 

[chesebert]

The amplifier is also not good?

Amp is fine. I would have gone with stand mount and when you get more funds add a Rel sub. Stand mount will be easier to drive and sub has its own amp. Also sub gives you option on integrating bass with the room.

I presume you don’t have a dedicated listening room with few thousands in treatment.

 

[Josh43]

Indeed !

 

[bagwell359]

As far as other brands of headphones, I would try something like the Sennheiser 660S, which is about $300 USD right now, marked down from $400. Like the Grado, it is open back, even though it is over-ear and not on-ear. I prefer open-back headphones, and whether they are on-ear or over-ear is not as important to me.

Open back is where it is at if you want the most natural sound.

A big consideration in choosing a new headphone is often impedance. The higher the impendence of the headphones, the more power the soundcard built-in amp (or external amp) needs to deliver. Most audiophile headphones are 150-300 ohms or even higher.

Maybe true for dynamics, not often true for planars.

Don't replace your internal DAC until you are sure it is a limiting factor or produces noise from being inside your PC.

Good advice.