Quote:
Originally Posted by iamthecheese /img/forum/go_quote.gif
My setup basically goes
mostly FLAC files -> x-fi platinum(I still play some games, but not as much as I used to. I used to play competitively but now I just play for fun.)-> Little Dot 1+ ->stock k601s, with about 500 hours on them.
I really enjoy the sound I have, but I'm sitting here wondering how much I'm missing?
Any input?
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If you're "wondering" enough to post a question here, then you're probably "missing" something. Head-fi gear is relative. Bad is bad. There's no getting around it. But good is a different story. There are degrees of good, and I think you become a headphile when you begin to pursue the ultimate good. The best.
The pursuit, too, differs in degrees, depending on your economic situation at the moment. But whether your wallet is thin or fat doesn't matter. Passion is all that counts. Most Head-Fiers make no distinctions among members. They're interested in gear that run the gamut from $50 to $5,000. So one of the first things asked of a noob who posts a question is "What's your budget for X equipment?" Based on the budget, they'll share their opinions and observations. And the vast majority of Head-Fiers will spend as much if not more time discussing a $100 piece of equipment as they would a $1500 or $3000 option.
I guess what I'm saying is that you are a headphile.
How to begin the upgrade process probably has as many answers as there are head-fiers. One that I recommend is to, first, focus on reference 'phones. You need a baseline for comparison, and since cans are at the end of the gear stream, their role is critical. Listen to different ones, read as much as you can, and select one that has an SQ you like. Don't cut corners. Buy the best you can afford, even if it means waiting another 6 months to a year or more for enough bucks for a decent amp that synergizes with your 'phones. Continue the process until you can afford a decent DAC, interconnects, power cables, etc.
If your taste in music ranges across more than one genre, then you may be looking at more than one rig, which means different cans, amps, etc. for each genre.
Head-fying is a hobby that everyone can enjoy, regardless of wallet size. In this case, size doesn't matter. You can find great sound at all levels, and there are forums for the full range. If no one's posted on a piece of equipment that you're interested in, post away. Don't worry about price range.