[benstat]

Hi all,
My head is spinning. Been searching around the forums, and while there is no shortage of amp recommendations for the HD650, I can't find any recommendations that fit my specific needs.
I want a headphone amp to go with my HD650's that is as neutral/transparent as possible - one that won't 'colour' the source material to make it sound better. Obviously for mixing, I need to hear as true a representation of the source material as possible, even if it doesn't sound particularly good.
 
Thinking about the E9's, as I don't have a huge budget (the lower the better of course, but would maybe spend more for something a lot better). Read the review here, but it doesn't seem to be as neutral as I need though. Also considering the Pro-Ject Headbox II.
 
Also, I use a fairly basic USB audio interface, but it has a digitial out. Should I get an amp with a decent DAC in it too?
Any opinions would be gratefully recieved.
Many thanks!

 

[TheWuss]

i think you might be better served going with a closed-back headphone that has a flatter frequency response than the hd650.  a "studio monitor phone" if you will.
and something that doesn't require powerful dedicated amplification like the hd650.
 
the shure srh840 comes to mind.
it's a very flat sounding headphone (for better or for worse), and is quite easy to dive with just about any headphone jack out there...
 
and, i think it can be had for under $150...  which would financially compete with any decent amp you were hunting down for the hd650.
 
the only reason i say all this is because you may find yourself mixing things to your taste with the hd650, and then you hear it on a stereo and the treble will blast your ears.  that is because the hd650 has a rolled off treble...
and the opposite with the bass.  it is slightly pronounced on the hd650, so mixing to taste will result in bass-light recordings when played from other speakers...

 

[benstat]

Thanks for your advice TheWuss. Unfortunately it's a little late! I ordered the HD650's yesterday (hasn't arrived yet). I did this because I read a lot of music production sites that recommended it if you absolutely must mix on phones (I know it's not ideal). Here's a typical one if your're interested:
 
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jan07/articles/mixingheadphones.htm
 
So I'm stuck with them for now! I'll try them out and see how they are compared to my trusty old (but failing) Fostex T40's.

 

[benstat]

Just read about the Shure srh840. Man, I wish I'd seen those earlier! Maybe time to check out the returns policy!

 

[Jack C]

Quote:

Originally Posted by benstat /img/forum/go_quote.gif
 
Thinking about the E9's, as I don't have a huge budget (the lower the better of course, but would maybe spend more for something a lot better). Read the review here, but it doesn't seem to be as neutral as I need though. Also considering the Pro-Ject Headbox II.

 
The reviews on here about the E9 have mostly focused on how neutral this amp is. What reviews did you read that described otherwise? Curious.
 
Jack