[Jan Roman]

Thank yo ufor a valuable opinion. I know that it would be better to buy new headphones for the money, but the thing is that I owned HD 202 II before. When I plugged HD 429s, I expected a big improvement since 429s cost much more. The difference is not that big and whats more, if I set 24bit/96kHz to my line out on my laptop, it actually loses quality. Therefore I suspect that the soundcard is very very poor and can't even drive low-end cans like 429s properly. Correct me if I'm wrong please

 

[KG Jag]

Quote:

Thank yo ufor a valuable opinion. I know that it would be better to buy new headphones for the money, but the thing is that I owned HD 202 II before. When I plugged HD 429s, I expected a big improvement since 429s cost much more. The difference is not that big and whats more, if I set 24bit/96kHz to my line out on my laptop, it actually loses quality. Therefore I suspect that the soundcard is very very poor and can't even drive low-end cans like 429s properly. Correct me if I'm wrong please

 
You should be able to hear the difference.  Find another source (e.g. CD player with a good quality recording on CD) and test them.

 

[Jan Roman]

Quote:

 
You should be able to hear the difference.  Find another source (e.g. CD player with a good quality recording on CD) and test them.

 
Is it usually better to play a CD on a cheap laptop or a cheap CD player? I will try to plug it into a CD player and I'll try to find a 20-bit Mozart recording among my CDs. The difference is there, but it's not so apparent as I expected it to be.
 
EDIT: I've just tried Mozart's K.218 Allegro 20 bit recording and yes, there is a difference. Especially violins sound much clearer in 429s, and I also noticed a lot of background noise in 202s. However, I am going to try it with Def Leppard CD, which represents my music taste much better. I always knew that 429s do sound better than my 202 II, but as I said before, I think the difference will be much much greater when I plug them into E17 Alpen I ordered today.

 

[jhelsas]

Quote:

Hey guys! Can anyone explain what a balanced amp and dac is, and what it does to the sound? And for it to work...does the entire setup have to be balanced?

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/balancedheadphones/one.html
 
I don't know how usefull it can be, but I asked myself the same question sometime ago  and found this site, hope it will be helpfull.

 

[TooPoor]

 Hey guys,
 
 Just throwing out a 'What would you do' situation to get some better idea of my next purchase. I'm looking for some advice as to which direction I should go (amp v. headphone). I presently have an E17 with markl modd'd D2000's and AKG CKS77's. The question is...
 
1. HifiMan HE-400 ($399) - Arguably a step up from the Denons (from what I've read, definitely a step up). Attracted to the (reported) colorfulness, bass capabilities, and airiness. Seems to be a steal at its price point. How well will the E17 power it though?
 
2. Schiit Asgard ($250) - Heard mostly good-great things, but pretty sure it would be overkill for my Denons/CKS77s. Would use my E17 as a DAC (possible, correct?). But would also probably leave me wanting to get a set of headphones that were more powerful/pair better with.
 
3. Maddog's Fostex TR50p (~$250) - Very interested in these from things I'm hearing. Just not sure if the E17 would power them well enough or that they would have the warmer, more colorful signature I am looking for.
 
4. ???? Suggestions - Maybe I'm heading in the wrong direction? I am continually looking to improve upon what I already have or upgrade (regardless of 'need'!).

 

[deathzero34]

O great gurus of Head-Fi,
 
Ive been going wide and far to find a decent pair of headphone for my mother. Taking to long to her taste she decided she will just go with the bose quietcomfort 15 (over-ear). Knowing Bose's reputation I kinda grinded my teeth a little.
 
I am in an odd situation. I am looking for decent/good headphone, Over-ear, closed/some isolation that DO NOT require an amp to drive off an Ipod. I have look everywhere that I may think and have scrolled MULTIPLE forum post to no avail.
 
I ask for wisdom.
 
 
P.S
Available in canada if possible.

 

[imackler]

Quote:

O great gurus of Head-Fi,
 
Ive been going wide and far to find a decent pair of headphone for my mother. Taking to long to her taste she decided she will just go with the bose quietcomfort 15 (over-ear). Knowing Bose's reputation I kinda grinded my teeth a little.
 
I am in an odd situation. I am looking for decent/good headphone, Over-ear, closed/some isolation that DO NOT require an amp to drive off an Ipod. I have look everywhere that I may think and have scrolled MULTIPLE forum post to no avail.
 
I ask for wisdom.
 
 
P.S
Available in canada if possible.

What kind of music, how long listening sessions and what do you have to spend?

 

[deathzero34]

As the bose were 350$ I suspect she is willing to spend that much. 2-3 hours and for music choice, its pretty diversify, might as well consider everything.

 

[KG Jag]

Quote:

O great gurus of Head-Fi,
 
Ive been going wide and far to find a decent pair of headphone for my mother. Taking to long to her taste she decided she will just go with the bose quietcomfort 15 (over-ear). Knowing Bose's reputation I kinda grinded my teeth a little.
 
I am in an odd situation. I am looking for decent/good headphone, Over-ear, closed/some isolation that DO NOT require an amp to drive off an Ipod. I have look everywhere that I may think and have scrolled MULTIPLE forum post to no avail.
 
I ask for wisdom.
 
 
P.S
Available in canada if possible.

 
Sony has a number of headphones that meet those requirements: MDR-V900HD,  MDR-Z1000 and (probably for just a bit more) MDR-7520.

 

[deathzero34]

These Sony one look kinda flimsy. I hope its jut in appereance.

 

[KG Jag]

Quote:

These Sony one look kinda flimsy. I hope its jut in appereance.

Haven't heard that said of the Sony closed cans very much--if at all.  Even the much cheaper MDR-ZX700 is very well built.

 

[flashce]

Guys any recommendations for an analytical headphone with a good sound stage? I'm looking at the HD598 at the moment, but I'm wondering if there are any alternatives. Comfort is very important too.

 

[KG Jag]

Quote:

Guys any recommendations for an analytical headphone with a good sound stage? I'm looking at the HD598 at the moment, but I'm wondering if there are any alternatives. Comfort is very important too.

 
The AKG Q 701 (or K 702) is better, but you need to amp them.

 

[Ampeezy]

YAH

 

[Ampeezy]

I own the K702 and they are GREAT. Very nice bass when amped with the Valhalla. These may not be the bassiest headphones, but the bass they offer when properly amped is decent