[Bob007]

Well... I think that i'm gonna choose an HD580...

Do somebody know:
-Where to find a bargain for these (less than 150$)?
-A good amp?

Or maybe a k701 recable (but there are so much different cables;
what about the ones in the "for sale" forum?)

Last 2 questions:
-Will a soundcard (like emu 0404 for example) really increase the quality of the sound?
-What should I purchase first: amp or soundcard?

 

[espire]

You should definitely buy an amplifier before you buy a DAC.

 

[Dobro]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob007 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well... I think that i'm gonna choose an HD580... Do somebody know: -Where to find a bargain for these (less than 150$)? -A good amp? Or maybe a k701 recable (but there are so much different cables; what about the ones in the "for sale" forum?) Last 2 questions: -Will a soundcard (like emu 0404 for example) really increase the quality of the sound? -What should I purchase first: amp or soundcard?

New 580s will be very hard to find since they have been discontinued. You may be able to find them for less then $200 used if your patient. HD600s (almost identical to the 580s) are easier to find. You may be able to find them used for about $200.

I agree with Espire, Worry about the amp before the DAC. The Gilmore amp works very well with these phones and comes as close to "wire with gain" as any its price range. True of other Headamp products as well. Considering what you want, I'd go with solid state amps. There are many other good amps out there but I think the Gilmore will suit you particularly well.

 

[Bob007]

The Gilmore amp is the "Gilmore lite" I presume?

So the solution would be: HD600 + Gilmore Lite + emu 0404
Price: 200 + 400 + 200 = 800 $
In this order:
1. HD600
2. Gilmore lite
3. emu 0404

I tought it would be more difficult.

Does everyone Agree? Even vs UE10 unamped?

 

[REB]

You might want to consider a Beyerdynamic DT150. It's a step up from the DT250 and the most honest, neutral sounding pair of phones I have heard. They look terrible in a retro kind a way and are closed. They are also comfortable. They do benefit greatly from an amp that can supply them with enough juice.

 

[Cool_Torpedo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob007 /img/forum/go_quote.gif The Gilmore amp is the "Gilmore lite" I presume? So the solution would be: HD600 + Gilmore Lite + emu 0404 Price: 200 + 400 + 200 = 800 $ In this order: 1. HD600 2. Gilmore lite 3. emu 0404 I tought it would be more difficult. Does everyone Agree? Even vs UE10 unamped?

I own both, the UE10Tf pro and the HD600. To my ears the HD600 are more balanced and neutral, with a more accurate midrange and righter bass, provided you use a capable amp. IMHO the HD600 are more adequate for monitoring than the Tf10Pro.

I don't know about the Gilmore Lite. I suppose it's as decent and capable as any Meier, Ray Samuels or any other amp in its price range. I like how my SR-71 drives the HD600. Nice combo.

Rgrds

 

[Dobro]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob007 /img/forum/go_quote.gif The Gilmore amp is the "Gilmore lite" I presume? So the solution would be: HD600 + Gilmore Lite + emu 0404 Price: 200 + 400 + 200 = 800 $ In this order: 1. HD600 2. Gilmore lite 3. emu 0404 I tought it would be more difficult. Does everyone Agree? Even vs UE10 unamped?

Gilmore is actually an amp design, you could build your own if you where so inclined. The Gilmore Lite (AKA GLite) is an amp built using the Gilmore design. It's hard to beat for critical listening in this price range.
Here is a review comparing six amps including the Gilmore Lite:
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/six...linear-278691/

There are other reviews on the Gilmore lite if you do some searching.

I've never heard it, but the CI Audio VHP-2 has gotten a lot of positive buzz lately, so you might want to check it out.

 

[tfarney]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob007 /img/forum/go_quote.gif The Gilmore amp is the "Gilmore lite" I presume? So the solution would be: HD600 + Gilmore Lite + emu 0404 Price: 200 + 400 + 200 = 800 $ In this order: 1. HD600 2. Gilmore lite 3. emu 0404 I tought it would be more difficult. Does everyone Agree? Even vs UE10 unamped?

Oh no. Everyone never agrees. And I'm going to throw a bit of a wrench in the works. My main phones are HD580s, essentially the same as the 600s. I love them. The sound is big warm, detailed, dynamic. I can listen to them for hours without fatigue. But I would not call them "revealing" in the high end. In fact, I'd call them forgiving, a bit rolled off. Don't get me wrong, they're not dull -- cymbals sound like cymbals, not wasps. But I don't think you'll be able to pick up subtle tape hiss on 600s. Frankly, I consider this a good thing. I don't like a lot of false "air" in my trebles, on speakers or headphones. That rig you're talking about will sound wonderful, though. In fact, you may get so involved in the music that you'll stop worrying about identifying the master...

Tim

 

[greggf]

I second the thought of trying a CIAudio VHP-2. They're always available, immediately, from Music Direct online/Chicago or else from the manufacturer. Very transparent.

I use a VHP-2/VAC-1 with the HD600. Really, really good. Basic. Like whole wheat bread.