[mgmz]

I have a laptop and I am planning to buy an headphone, an AMP and a DAC, with 500$


I listen to two kinds of music
1. Bands such as Animal Collective, Portishead, Sufjan Stevens, Max Tundra etc.
2. Modern and contemporary classical music (Wagner, Dutilleux, Messiaen).

I am used to in-ear headphones.

I am hesitating between
- AKG K701 + Heed Audio CanAmp + EMU 202
- SEN HD650 + EMU 0404

I hope one of the members could help me to choose between these options, as I will not be able to try these headphones. My musical tastes may help you to know what the best option is specifically for me.
I think I especially value the details, and the soundstage as regards modern classical music.
I have spent a long time on these forums, so I know a lot of people are facing these options, but I would appreciate to have an answer according to my musical taste ; it may be the most important part when choosing a first headphone.


Thank you for your time, and your answers.

 

[Prog Rock Man]

For detail and soundstage you will not be disappointed with the AKGs, so on that basis I would go for that option. But, going by UK prices of £230 for the cans, £290 for the can amp and £75 for the EMU, I dont see how that fits into your $500 budget ($500 is £390)

 

[TStewart422]

HeadRoom's offering the k701s for $259. Get that and the E-MU and you should be good to go.

 

[mgmz]

Thank you for your answers.
I meant 500 £/EUR, rather than 500$, you're right.
TSterwart442, do you think the K701 paired with the EMU 0404 with will be good without an extra AMP?

 

[AmanGeorge]

If I were working with your budget, I would jump on this amp:
Head-Direct EF1 ($305)

Pick up a Nuforce Icon uDAC ($100)

And keep an eye out for a used K701 on these boards, eBay, and Audiogon

 

[TStewart422]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgmz /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thank you for your answers. I meant 500 £/EUR, rather than 500$, you're right. TSterwart442, do you think the K701 paired with the EMU 0404 with will be good without an extra AMP?

I've never played with the k701, so I can't say for sure, but FWIR (obviously not here, lol) the 0404 can amplify the k701 to whatever volume you want. It works great with my HD650! The only reason I have the HP4 is to run speakers and other headphones through.

 

[Aryolkary]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TStewart422 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've never played with the k701, so I can't say for sure, but FWIR (obviously not here, lol) the 0404 can amplify the k701 to whatever volume you want. It works great with my HD650! The only reason I have the HP4 is to run speakers and other headphones through.

Hey TStewart422, if you could compare the headphone out of the 0404 usb vs the Presonus HP4 that would be great, to get an idea of the actual performance improvement with your headphones. I like that the emu has balanced outs and the presonus has balanced ins. Also if you feel like trying the mono button and comparing it with crossfeed from other amps, in case you tried in the past.
Thanks
Ary

 

[TStewart422]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aryolkary /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hey TStewart422, if you could compare the headphone out of the 0404 usb vs the Presonus HP4 that would be great, to get an idea of the actual performance improvement with your headphones. I like that the emu has balanced outs and the presonus has balanced ins. Also if you feel like trying the mono button and comparing it with crossfeed from other amps, in case you tried in the past. Thanks Ary

The PreSonus is louder. That's it. They sound 100% exactly the same in every way.

I haven't done anything with the mono button other than testing it to see if it works. I use Canz3D (REALLY nice plug-in for the Mac) for all of my crossfeed needs. Worth every penny!

 

[mgmz]

I did some research on E MU 0404 and diverse amps.
I start to think that expensive amps may be overrated..
So, to sum up, I currently hesitate between

HD650 with E MU 0404
K701 with E MU 0404

It's quite a common hesitation. On the one hand, my preference for accuracy drives me towards K701 ; on the other hand, the HD650 may be a more simple choice according to all these threads talking about the so-called difficulty to drive the K701, especially with a quite cheap amp.

Thanks to everyone for your answer !

 

[nyjets28]

personally, i think you can get more out of the hd650 with a dedicated amp. i have the emu0404 and hd580, and while it does drive it enough, i don't know if it's the best. for me i have to turn up the volume of the emu almost to the max (~90%) for my 580's. if you get a used emu0404 (~$150), then pair that with a dedicated amp (used) ~$100-200 (millet hybrid, one of the LD amps) i think you'd still have enough for either the akg or the senn.

500 euros is approx $700?

 

[upstateguy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgmz /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am hesitating between - AKG K701 + Heed Audio CanAmp + EMU 202 - SEN HD650 + EMU 0404

You don't want the 701s. I bought them on an impulse and almost never use them. Only good with the highest quality recordings and even then they still have no bottom end. There's a reason why you can buy them cheaply now.

My impression of the Heed CanAmp was that I couldn't sell it fast enough.

Check out a M^3 or Woo 3 with 650s or 880s. I use my '03 880s 90% of the time.

You still need a DAC. Get a good one when you can. Presonus and 404 are OK to start.

USG

 

[Prog Rock Man]

Quote:

Originally Posted by upstateguy /img/forum/go_quote.gif You don't want the 701s. I bought them on an impulse and almost never use them. Only good with the highest quality recordings and even then they still have no bottom end. There's a reason why you can buy them cheaply now.

The K702s will do bass fine and compare very well my SR80s and Goldrings. Anyone who thinks that the AKGs do not do bass wants in your face BASS and is probably better of with cans from the Senn range that have been tuned for extra BASS.

As for buying them cheaply, I got mine for £180 off ebay about 8 months ago and have not seen them for less since. The vast majority of cans are to be found at discounts somewhere, check out Play.com for some big bargains.

 

[Necrolic]

For your music, definitely the first option, although I'm curious as to how you'll get a Heed Canamp with the Emu and K701 for $500? The Heed goes for $400 used.

I'd say get the K701 and Audio-GD Compass (currently on it's last run but a fantastic amp/DAC combo worth easily twice it's price). It'll get you started very nicely.

 

[mgmz]

Hey everyone.

thank you for your answers...
I finally decided... to buy both the K701 and the HD650, paired with the E MU 0404. I will post my impression later, and I will choose between these headphones by re sending one.
Best,

 

[mgmz]

One month later, I still have the HD650 and I sent back my AKG701

Comfort : I am much more comfortable with the HD650. You won't forget that you have a headphone with the AKG701. The leather is quite annoying.

Design : The AKG701 may seem more fashionable through pictures. It looks rather cheap in reality. It is even quite ridiculous. The HD650 design is more neutral and it's better that way

Sound : I compared the headphones with tracks from Panda Bear and Senor Coconut (etc.). Both were paired with MU 0404. I deeply prefered the sound of the HD650.
 
Overall, I had much more pleasure listening to the HD650 than the AKG701

Thank you for your advice: I am very happy with my music right now.