[nl2134]

I am considering getting one of these two awesome open cans. I've read the thread comparing the two solely for gaming purposes, but I'm looking for solely musical purposes. I'd also would rather not at this time purchase an amp (out of my budget), and would prefer a can that's balanced, and works well undriven, but is also fun. Here's some of my information...

Music - Indie/Alternative (Belle & Sebastian, New Pornographers, The Hold Steady), Trip-Hop (Massive Attack, Morcheeba, chill Electronic stuff), Rap (Roots, Kanye, Outkast, Jay-Z), Jazz (Coltrane), Post-Rock (Tortoise, Samuel Jackson Five), The Clash, Neo-Soul - Yeah I listen to everything equally, but mostly the above

Source - iPod Touch, iPod Classic and iBook. Purchasing an amp at this time is out of the question

Budget - $250. Maybe a tad more, maybe a tad less.

I already own the A900's, and enjoy them. I also own the UM1's as my IEM, but otherwise, that's about it...

All suggestions/opinions welcome

 

[JayB18]

I have both the HD555 and AD700. If they are anything to go by I would say you are far better off getting the AD900, especially for music. The AD700 is much more fun than the HD555.

 

[Kasp3r]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nl2134 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am considering getting one of these two awesome open cans. I've read the thread comparing the two solely for gaming purposes, but I'm looking for solely musical purposes. I'd also would rather not at this time purchase an amp (out of my budget), and would prefer a can that's balanced, and works well undriven, but is also fun. Here's some of my information... Music - Indie/Alternative (Belle & Sebastian, New Pornographers, The Hold Steady), Trip-Hop (Massive Attack, Morcheeba, chill Electronic stuff), Rap (Roots, Kanye, Outkast, Jay-Z), Jazz (Coltrane), Post-Rock (Tortoise, Samuel Jackson Five), The Clash, Neo-Soul - Yeah I listen to everything equally, but mostly the above Source - iPod Touch, iPod Classic and iBook. Purchasing an amp at this time is out of the question Budget - $250. Maybe a tad more, maybe a tad less. I already own the A900's, and enjoy them. I also own the UM1's as my IEM, but otherwise, that's about it... All suggestions/opinions welcome

You already have a A900, I would either get a Amp, which would make the A900 sound much better IMO. Bass really tightens up and becomes much deeper.

If not, I would vouch and try out the 580's which I have and like. Have not tried out the 595's myself, but i do understand they are easier to drive.

I do not understand if you have 250 $ to spend, why not upgrade and get a amp/CDP? 250$ is not out of your budget, you can get a totalbithead which is both a DAC/AMP for 150 dollars. You can use it for both the a900 and on your ipod. I have it and it drives both my a500 and 580s without spending 350 on a good solidstate/tube amp.

 

[nl2134]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kasp3r /img/forum/go_quote.gif I do not understand if you have 250 $ to spend, why not upgrade and get a amp/CDP? 250$ is not out of your budget, you can get a totalbithead which is both a DAC/AMP for 150 dollars. You can use it for both the a900 and on your ipod. I have it and it drives both my a500 and 580s without spending 350 on a good solidstate/tube amp.

It never really crossed my mind, to be honest with you. One of the reasons I got the A900 was for the fact they didn't need to be driven. I've read people on the Equipment board mention that getting a cheap(er) amp doesn't really do justice to a lot of cans, and the best option is saving up and eventually getting a top of the line amp (we're talking the $400+ ones). Now, I'll be totally honest: I know absolutely JACK about Amps (in fact, I have no idea what DAC/AMP, or tube Amp even means

), but I'd be open to the idea of considering what Amps have to offer me...

I just figured if I had some $$ to blow, I'd get a new set of cans instead of considering an amp, so i can have a set of Open and Closed cans, along with IEM's...

Again, if you want to help, just post!

 

[Cal3257]

wow, the headroom total bithead is a DAC and an amp? i thought it was just an amp before. it'd be really cheap if its a DAC and amp

 

[coredump]

I haven't heard the HD595 but if you get the AD900 you will be switching from a headphone with slightly bloated over emphasized bass to one with lots of clarity and little to no bass. The two are almost opposite. A nice middle ground might be a Grado SR225.

 

[nl2134]

Coredump - I considered the Gardo's when I bought my A900's, but ruled them out because they were reviewed to be too one-dimensional - good for Rock/Alternative, but not so much for other genres. That, and others have complained about the comfort, so I passed. Thanks for the recommendation though...

Anyways, Kasp3r has got me thinking about getting an Amp instead. Any suggestions (potentially)?

I know nothing about Amps...though I did also see the iBasso D1 and am quite impressed by the looks of it...

 

[cowboyjack2008]

I picked up a used Total Airhead for less than half the price of new and may be an absolutely de-classe noobie, but LOVE the sound with my 595s. Got 'em both used from fellow head-fiers. I can see why the 595s are described as veiled, but I really appreciate the clean sound of classical through them.

 

[Brian loves music]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cal3257 /img/forum/go_quote.gif wow, the headroom total bithead is a DAC and an amp? i thought it was just an amp before. it'd be really cheap if its a DAC and amp

the emu 0404 usb is the same price (even a little cheaper, cause a lot sites give free shipping and it has a 1/4 in headphone jack so you don't need to buy adaptors for my 595s which needed a adaptor that didn't destory headphone jacks) and the parts - to my knowledge - or just plain better. Way better DAC and the amp is similar. Bithead does have the crossfed thing, but I don't see it making a big difference.

 

[Brian loves music]

(sry meant to include this above)

hd595s are great for indie rock. They really shine with vocals, esp female and recordings that have soundstage. Doesn't look like that is your main itnerest though.

Can't compare with the other cans though

 

[coredump]

An amp tightens the base on my A700 but that's about it. I'm not sure if it's worth it. Of course once you buy an amp you will always have it for your next set of headphones so I guess it's an investment.

The Little Dot amps seem like a good place to start looking. You can get an MKII for $200 or an MKIII for $250.

Maybe you can get an amp now and next year pick up a used HD650.

 

[TMM]

Quote:

Originally Posted by coredump /img/forum/go_quote.gif I haven't heard the HD595 but if you get the AD900 you will be switching from a headphone with slightly bloated over emphasized bass to one with lots of clarity and little to no bass. The two are almost opposite. A nice middle ground might be a Grado SR225.

AD900 has plenty of bass once it is burnt in. Why does everyone around here give the impression that the AD700/AD900 have no bass at all?

Amping A900s is a waste of money. The bass can be tightened, midrange fixed up a little, and highs smoothened just by experimenting with stuffing and blutack

 

[d-cee]

I feel the AD700s handily beat the HD595s

If the AD900s are a grown up AD700 then you know where my vote goes...