HD-595 and PA2V2 With Zen Xtra ?

[blueblazer22x]

Need some advice...my DAP is a Creative Zen XTRA 30 gig and my current headphones are Senn HD-497. I will be buying a pair of HD-595 's in the near future, and my question is whether or not to also purchase a portable amp (the PA2V2 in particular is the one I was considering)?

btw i've never used an amp with my headphones, just the source and my musical tastes are progressive, classic, and 90's rock.

Thanks

 

[mwallace573]

Are you planning on using the HD595 portably? They are a good bit bigger than the HD497 if you didn't already know.

That said, you are probably better off saving up for a better amp than the PA2V2. The HD595 is a pretty efficient headphone, and doesn't require an amp to sound good. It does improve with some amps, especially tube amps, which aren't all that portable so say the least.

If you like the HD497, then you should love the HD595. That's the same route I took when I started here, and I wasn't disappointed to say the least.

 

[jink]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwallace573 /img/forum/go_quote.gif That said, you are probably better off saving up for a better amp than the PA2V2. The HD595 is a pretty efficient headphone, and doesn't require an amp to sound good. It does improve with some amps, especially tube amps, which aren't all that portable so say the least. If you like the HD497, then you should love the HD595. That's the same route I took when I started here, and I wasn't disappointed to say the least.

I too went the route from 497->595s. The upgrade is most excellent, all of the great qualities of the 497 are improved in the 595s and the soundstage prevents me from ever shelving my 595s in lieu of my 580s.

I agree that an amp will not make a drastic sound improvement. I have tried a Superdual, Go-Vibe and Pimeta with little to no advantages. I am building a Mini3 now which will power the 595s, just because it is a great design for cheap, I am not expecting improvements. Kind of disappointing in a way.

 

[majkel]

If you don't mind a bit bulky housing, I can build a portable amp for the HD595's that will definitely improve them. PIMETA is unoptimal design and I put a comment about its flaws some time ago. Many guys who bought the amp confirmed this. Also, I'm able to build my amp in plastic or metal (Hammond 1455K1220BK) desktop box. I also add in each version a switch resolving the bass issue in the HD595's, however I don't find it necessary any more as my design develops.

 

[blueblazer22x]

Thanks for your opinions...i'm pretty new at this and by no mean an audiophile...so you guys probably just saved me some money. I still like my 497's, but the big issue I have is comfort. They hurt my ears if I use them for more than 20 minutes. I heard the 595's are very comfortable, and the one-sided cord is also a big plus (and obviously the sound improvement). Thanks again, I can't wait to get my 595's.

 

[jink]

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueblazer22x /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for your opinions...i'm pretty new at this and by no mean an audiophile...so you guys probably just saved me some money. I still like my 497's, but the big issue I have is comfort. They hurt my ears if I use them for more than 20 minutes. I heard the 595's are very comfortable, and the one-sided cord is also a big plus (and obviously the sound improvement). Thanks again, I can't wait to get my 595's.

You will absolutely love the comfort of the 595s. I haven't put on a headphone that rivals the comfort of my 595s, and I've tried out pairs from just about every major brand. The 595s can be on my head for 5+ hours without me feeling any discomfort. I can even sleep in them! Great phones.

If you get any 'upgrade-itis' after using the 595s for a while, upgrade your source (if computer, get a nice DAC... I am using an M-Audio Transit). This was a major step up for me, and much cheaper than a high quality amp.

Good luck!