[nehalpatel30]

I'm looking for headphones that will suit my style of music (various styles of rock), with a great DAC and Amp to go along with it. I won't mind going a few bucks over if it really is worth the price. I'm currently using the HD 598 as my main pair of headphones. I'm just trying to get more out of my music. My main source is my desktop PC.

 

[cel4145]

Schiit Modi 2/Magni 2 is a good setup for $200 + shipping.

Many people upgrade from the HD598 to either the HD600 or HD650. But sort of depends on what you are looking to improve in terms of sound signature.

 

[nehalpatel30]

Schiit Modi 2/Magni 2 is a good setup for $200 + shipping.

Many people upgrade from the HD598 to either the HD600 or HD650. But sort of depends on what you are looking to improve in terms of sound signature.

I was thinking about the Modi 2/Magni 2 combo. Headphones are my major concern. I don't want to spend money on a DAC+Amp combo if it won't make a difference with my headphones. I really just want accurate reproduction for the most part, with a soundstage as great or even better than the HD598.

 

[cel4145]

Seems like the HD600 and HD650 are definitely major contenders for you to consider, then

 

[superjawes]

HD600 and 650 are the obvious upgrades if you like the HD598. I do feel that my HE-400 offers some better details and sound stage than my HD600, but it's also less comfortable and the sound signature less neutral. The HE-400S purportedly corrects these issues, but I have not tried it yet. Again, the HD600/650 is a safe bet.

For amps, I've used my Magni 1 and Magni 2 Uber with my HD600, and both sound great. I think a Magni/Modi combo will probably be good for any headphones you buy in this price range.

 

[nehalpatel30]

What are the major differences between the two? (HD600 and 650)

 

[superjawes]

The HD600 is very neutral. The HD650 is supposed to be a bit warmer (more bass, less neutral), and it's a bit more efficient (although I would still use an amp with it). I didn't spend much time with the 650, but it sounded very similar to the HD600.

 

[nehalpatel30]

The HD600 is very neutral. The HD650 is supposed to be a bit warmer (more bass, less neutral), and it's a bit more efficient (although I would still use an amp with it). I didn't spend much time with the 650, but it sounded very similar to the HD600.

That's It? I thought there would be a greater reason for the $100 price difference lol.

 

[superjawes]

The HD600 is very neutral. The HD650 is supposed to be a bit warmer (more bass, less neutral), and it's a bit more efficient (although I would still use an amp with it). I didn't spend much time with the 650, but it sounded very similar to the HD600.

That's It? I thought there would be a greater reason for the $100 price difference lol.

That's why you'll see the HD600 recommended over it 90% of the time, lol

If you really want a different sound compared to the HD600, you would want to look at other manufacturers.

 

[Kozic]

HE-400i or maddog pro if you are thinking about planars or the AKG K7xx. They all will need a amp.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  I'm looking for headphones that will suit my style of music (various styles of rock), with a great DAC and Amp to go along with it. I won't mind going a few bucks over if it really is worth the price. I'm currently using the HD 598 as my main pair of headphones. I'm just trying to get more out of my music. My main source is my desktop PC.

Audio Technica ATH-W1000X, new price is around $500-$650.
They are my preferred closed headphones (and I own 20 headphones).
 
Here are some used ones for $300.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/776821/ath-w1000x
 
Maybe get a Schiit Fulla ($79), USB-DAC-amp to drive them.
Fulla might even improve the audio quality of your HD598.