[z310]

Hi,
 
I'm just getting started, and I would like some opinions on the choice of poisons I'm leaning toward:
 
Audio Technica ATH-M50 (http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/headphones/0edf909675b1be4d/)
Headphonia USB DAC cable (http://www.headphonia.com/USB-DAC-Cable-with-35mm-Mini-Plug-75cm-30::10134.html)
Standard CMoy amp (and to this end, I'd be gracious to learn about some of the better sellers, ~$35 range)
 
That would total to approximately $220, which is my limit.
 
For a DAC, at first I basically settled with NuForce's uDAC, but after some more digging... I became unsure if that would be the best decision.
 
Thoughts. Questions. Recommendations. Anything.
 
 
Kindest regards,
 
Garrett

 

[mrarroyo]

Garret do you plan on using this portably with a laptop? or at home with a desktop pc? I had an opportunity to listen to the uDAC and for the money it is a nice piece. However if you are also planning on using the unit portably with an iPod or similarly you may wish to look into an used iBasso D4 ( http://www.ibasso.com/en/products/show.asp?ID=44 ). If you do not need isolation perhaps the Audio Technica ATH-AD700 would be a good option ( http://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATH-AD700-Open-air-Audiophile-Headphones/dp/B000CMS0XU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1280667778&sr=8-4 )

 

[z310]

mrarroyo,
 
I am currently looking into a iBasso D2+. Is the D4 much more desirable? The D4's opamp rollability certainly sounds awesome.
 
I rarely lug around my laptop with me, so portability on that front will probably only be occasional. A Clip+ is being shipped to me; the amp, and perhaps the headphones, may find use there.
 
Isolation isn't necessary, but I might prefer it. I'll take a look at the ATH-AD700. Thank you.
 
I'm also not partial to A-T. I was looking at the HD-448 before I decided on the ATH-M50 for its low range fidelity. Accurate and full sound in the lows are something I'm not familiar with.
 
I imagine it's worth mentioning that my music is mostly thrash metal from the 80s.
 
 
Thank you for your time!
 
Garrett

 

[mrarroyo]

In my opinion the D4 is better than the D2+ and not by an small margin. For rock/metal have you considered the Grado SR60 or SR80?

 

[z310]

I looked past the Grados because of their on-ear design. I'm worried that for long periods of time, they're not comfortable. If they are indeed comfortable, the SR80i looks like a great choice.
 
I don't believe that I could manage a D4 in my price range. I've found two D2+s for sale that I could afford.
 
 
Garrett