[tranhieu]

Hi all

First time posting here, as I really need advice from you guys, I’m just a newbie. Besides, english is not my 1st language, so excuse me for any mistake that arises.

Next year will be my last year in high school, so I want a new pair of hp that can help easing my soul after hours of doing donkey work at school (you cant believe how horrible asian high schools are!).

Right now I’m having a pair of hd 495 and a xmod. However I want to try some new thing (those 2 did a really good job), but I don’t know what to choose.

My budget is around 300-400 usd. I often listen from my laptop at home so portability is none of my concern.

I really like the idea of having k701 and emu 0202, but, I still wonder if that amp might be ‘enough’ to drive that wonderful cans. Or I might just buy the k701 first, plug it into the xmod, and save the money for a sufficient amp later then (maybe after the uni

).

Or for the unamped choice, I’m still weighting between the sr80, hd595, and the beyer dt250 (this one can go unamped, cant it?). But I heard from somewhere that my hd495 can nearly match the sr80?

My genres include pop (mostly, easy-listening ones), vocal, instrumental. I hardly listen to rock or hip hop (so I don’t like the sr80 very much) .

So, my question is that: should I buy the k701 with the emu0202, or buy the cans first, save the amp for later? Or should I go with the unamped choice, hence which one is better for my needs? As I want to use these cans (and amp) in the long run, at least 4,5 years.

I heard that the zero amp can drive the hd650, so can it go with the k701?

Thanks for reading
This forum is so wonderful, full of great people

 

[richierich]

IMO I would go for HD580/600s since they are easier to drive. And for the rest of your budget save up for a good amp like the little dot mk line of amps.

 

[tranhieu]

You mean I can drive those hd600/580 directly from my laptop without losing much?

 

[Nocturnal310]

NOps... Laptop cannot drive HD600/580 ..although HD595 can with EMU 0202.

What you will need with HD600 is a headphone amp or smthg like EMU 0202 atleast.

My answer is based on my short experience with these big boys..in the showroom they are always amped.

 

[tranhieu]

This may sound dull, but can you recommend any good amp under 150usd that can be connected to my laptop?

As I cant see any usb input in the little dot 2 and they use the rca jacks, can I use the rca jacks- 3.5mm plug adapter to connect it with my old xmod? As the little dot costs the same as the emu 0202 in uk ebay

Thanks

 

[richierich]

Maybe checkout the Zero DAC in the fullsize amps section? I'm not sure how powerful it is, as I'm only amping my D2000s and they are easier to drive. You may want to search that thread for info.

 

[Nocturnal310]

For me ..i am unable to find a decent pair of Headphone amps... went to a Professional Audio store..the guy had Amps which cost $400 (bad for beginner like me)..and they had multiple jacks.. which is unnecessary for me.

and didnt seem to be of any popular brand.

Can i find Headphone amps on eBay?

 

[tranhieu]

I'd read the zero thread long before opening this thread. I just wonder is there any way I can connect it to my laptop.

Besides, as the mk 2 a tube amp and it cost equally as the zero does, is it better in any measure? As I heard from somewhere the tube amp sounds really good.

I just need an amp around 150$ and it shouldn't be too complicated. I'm not an expert either

Yes, sure you can. I found the emu 0202,0404 (usb version), zero, mk 2 there.

Can these be counted as head amp?

 

[tpc41]

yes, the zero can be connected via USB, you will just need to get a box that converts USB to either optical (toslink) or coax

they can be found from about $30 and they can also get a lot more expensive, im not really sure the difference, hopefully somone else can help you out on that