[J W]

*I am very new to all this amping/audiophile business*

I picked up a pair of Sennheiser 280s a while back for under a 100 dollars, and for various reasons, I now desire to upgrade. I would like to devote less than 200 dollars on the actual headphones and maybe another 100-150 on an amp.

Again, these headphones will be used almost strictly for classical and jazz music, with an occasional movie thrown in here and there. I have been reading a lot about the Sennheiser 580s and the 555s. How would they be?

Comfort is also a major factor.

Also, could anyone throw a good recommendation out for an amp in the $100-150 price range?

Thanks

 

[seacard]

I'm no expert, but from what I've heard so far, your best choices for classical under $200 are:

1) beyerdynamic dt880 -- getting a flagship headphone for around $200 is a terrific deal, and these are perfect for classical

2) sennhesider hd580 or hd 595 -- the advantage of the 595s is that they are easy to drive, sound great without an amp, and a cheap amp is all that is really needed to make them fulfill their potential

3) used sennheiser hd600

4) akg 501 -- these are the only ones I haven't heard yet, but AKG's have a solid reputation here, and these can be had cheaper now that everybody is obsessed with the 701s.

 

[coolbluewater]

Welcome to Head-Fi and sorry about your wallet.

That being said, I find the Senn HD600 excellent for listening to classical and jazz - and don't forget the amp

I use the Portaphile V2 for amping mine, but I'll let the others here chime in with their choices.
Happy New Year!

 

[mrarroyo]

The RS-1, K701, and HD600 are all good. My vote goes in the order listed.


Edit 1: Sorry I did not see the $ limit.

 

[slwiser]

For $200 I would consider the DT880 a primed suspect.

 

[LFF]

HD-600, Super.fi Pro, HF-1

 

[J W]

Thanks for all the great suggestions!

It looks like the Sennheiser 600 would be a good pickup. Where abouts could I find one? Also, how does it compare with the 580? What would be a good amp to use?

Thanks and Happy New Year!

 

[Arainach]

Go with the HD580 or HD600. The two cans are essentially identical - Same drivers, same cable. Only major differences are cost and cosmetics. Acoustically, they're basically identical. Some people say that the HD600's metal grills are less restrictive on the sound then the plastic ones on the 580s, but having listened to them side-by-side they seem to have an identical sound signature. Either can will be perfect for what you want.

 

[legcramp]

aren't the HD600's cables better? Or was it some people toss HD650's cables on the HD580's as an upgrade??