[doflo98]

Hi I am new to the whole audiophile world and would like to ask what headphone I should get. I have narrowed it down to these headphones because I think these two will best suit my needs.I primarily listen to rock but I often listen to a variety of genres. The headphones I will get will be somewhat portable and have to work well with my Ipod. If possible if you could suggest a good cheap portable headphone amp that would be greatly appreciated as well.

 

[blufox4900]

For out of the ipod and portability I would vote for the grados. From what I know they're pretty easy to drive compared to the sennheisers. I can drive my grados easily from my sansa clip+. I'm not sure how much power the HD600's need. 

 

[reivaj]

325i or ms2i should fit nicely into what you seek

 

[Digital-Pride]

If you plan on ipod usage without an external amp then Grados are much better bet as the HD600 requires strong amplification.

 

[Proglover]

HD600's need serious amping, I'd go for SR325, MS-2 or SR225.

 

[Vikingatheart]

Grados. They are easy to drive.

 

[tim3320070]

If the majority of your music tends towards acoustic, classical and folk, the HD600 would probably be better overall. If not, Grado will satisfy with most other genres,- SR325is, SR225, SR80is. HD600 sounds excellent with acoustic guitar and vocals. Get a used HD580 for about $160 and be happy.

 

[Buyer no 1]

The Grados can be driven from your iPod, and the SR325is is IMO a great headphone. When it comes to portability the Grados might be the more fragile ones, due to the construction with the cups mounted on a metal stick. On the other hand they fold flat, so carrying them around your neck should probably be save enough.

 

[wje]

Quote:

The Grados can be driven from your iPod, and the SR325is is IMO a great headphone. 

I often thought that too - based on what I'd read and what my local Grado dealer told me.  Based on that information, I put off adding an amplifier into my mix.  I added the FiiO E11 and Bam! - what a difference did it make.  I've always been happy with the Grado lineup, but I've now realized that an amp is almost essential to squeeze the last bit of capabilities and make these headphones shine.
 

 

[wind016]

How does the SR325is compare to the SR325i? I had the SR325i for a year and I would not recommend those to anyone that hasn't heard it.

 

[Buyer no 1]

Quote:

I often thought that too - based on what I'd read and what my local Grado dealer told me.  Based on that information, I put off adding an amplifier into my mix.  I added the FiiO E11 and Bam! - what a difference did it make.  I've always been happy with the Grado lineup, but I've now realized that an amp is almost essential to squeeze the last bit of capabilities and make these headphones shine.
 

I agree - it sounds even better with an amp. I've used the SR325is both with my iPod Touch and with my Lehmann, and the amp does make quite a difference. But I still think they are great too, just with the iPod