[cheba63]

Hi, I am sure you guys probably get tired of all these "noobs" asking these questions, but since it is kind of a big investment, I would like some advice. Whenever I would decide on what headphones to get, the next minute I would read something that would change my mind. Anyways, I listen to a wide variety of music, from jazz, electronic, rap, rock, classical, and ambient. I was thinking about buying the k701, or something in a similar price range. I would also like input on which amp I should get with the recommended headphone. Maximum price for combined headphone/amp to be around $500. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[Netminder]

Welcome to Headfi!! and Sorry about your wallet

I have yet to try the k701 but they are the next cans I am going to buy...
I really like the Sens that I just got... my 580s are my new favorite cans and i like them for all types of music except rap and music with deep bass. If I were you I would shoot for some Darth Beyers!! Those are on my list too and they would sound better with the music with deeper bass.

 

[cheba63]

If I were to get some darth beyers what amp would be recommended for those?

 

[tbonner1]

Read Skylab's posts for advice on amps that match with Beyers. Most are with Darth Beyers but some mention DT990s.

 

[epaludo]

I really like the K701. You may also consider a Grado, the SR-225 perhaps. Never listened any Beyer, but i would love to. They must sound amazing.
Sorry for not helping you to decide anything ...

 

[cheba63]

Alright, so I was looking at the Darth Beyers, and what configurations would you recommend? Also, Skylab's post on the amps still left me unsure of what to get for the Darth Beyers, so any suggestions there would be appreciated.

 

[cheba63]

 

[Dept_of_Alchemy]

This thread will end up with recommendations for every headphone <$700.

Here's my contribution: MS2i. It's easy to drive to a cheaper tube amp like the Little Dot II++ would do the trick nicely.

 

[grndslm]

IMO...

Best closed can: Darth Beyer
Best open can: MS2i

Based on your musical taste, I'd get the Darth Beyer... maybe Xin Reference amp, or Supermini if it can push the Darth (still haven't gotten a definitive answer on this yet...).

 

[cheba63]

Thanks, I think I'm going to go with the MS2i. Any suggestions on what amp to get aside from the Little Dot II++? Preferably one that isn't too big.

 

[Gradofan2]

"Help Me Decide Which Headphones To Buy."

Why? What makes you think any of us can help - since none of us can decide either (witness how many of us have multiple sets of phones for precisely that reason).

But... given your budget - I'd say you'll find it hard to beat the Grado SR225's - and you won't have to spend big bucks on the rest of your setup. They are great with modest CDP's / Amps.

Anything else is going to "blow your budget" to achieve great sound.

 

[grndslm]

Supermini amp is most portable, IMO -- it's tiny, really. Offers great sound for great value ($225 with AC adapter), and it comes with all the big boy features like crossfeed, opamp rolling, recharge circuit, etc. It's ergonomical (a lot more than Supermicro)... and 2xAAAs allow it to run for 100hrs. Xin also gives free upgrades for life (has so far, at least).

Only problem is that it takes at like 3 months to get the amp. But you can use MS2i without amp for a couple months, right?

 

[cheba63]

It doesn't have to be portable, I'd just prefer it to not be too big. Thanks for your input grndslm!

 

[Netminder]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gradofan2 /img/forum/go_quote.gif none of us can decide either

that made me LOL!!

sooo soo true

 

[Dept_of_Alchemy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheba63 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks, I think I'm going to go with the MS2i. Any suggestions on what amp to get aside from the Little Dot II++? Preferably one that isn't too big.

Not much left in the $500 budget after the MS2i. For $200, if you want tubes, LD is the only one offering anything at all (LDII++, LD Mk3). Could try your luck at picking up a solid state DIY amp on the FS forum, but much research is recommended.

Options open up, of course, if you can stretch the budget by another one or two hundred.