[Melchior]

Hi ya'll. I sorta posted this question over in headphones, but figgered I might get some more detailed responses here. I was see-sawing between purchasing a moderately priced meta (~$200ish give or take a few bucks) or a pair of AKG 401/501 phones. I'll say right now that I'm leaning towards the 501's. This is because I have my doubts as to the ability of a simple amp to improve the sound of my 240's to the point where they can outclass an un-amped 501. I have no shortage of volume with the 240's coming out of the headphone jack on my speaker control pod. and I can drive them to louder than normal (but not quite painful) straight from the soundcards line-out. I "will" end up with an amp eventually (prolly a meta42.. I just cant see spending 500+ dollars on an amp when I'm sure my hearing isnt good enough to detect the difference) But what will give me the most "bang for my buck" right now?

 

[Melchior]

teh bumpage

 

[Melchior]

Okay, last bump...

I'd really like some input from the guys (esp tangent and JMT, as I'll prolly be trying to get one built by them) on this matter. Perhaps describing some of the shortcomings I'm having might help

Basically, the bass extension is a bit weak, and the highs are just not there with the headphones. From the frequency graphs this is understandable. The sound also seems "veiled".
http://www.headphone.com/layout.php?...tID=0020120240 Now, my source has good bass response (-1 db at like 5 htz.... like I can even hear that) and rolled off highs (-4 db @ 20khz) if that helps.

I know that the 501's are noted for being difficult to drive, and supposedly respond well to amps of any kind compared to direct line-out stuff. So, would getting the 501's be silly if I dont have an amp first? I know the 240's are even harder to drive (and if memory on the specs serve, their least sensitive headphones aside from the K1000's) So I'm thinking an amp might do wonders for the sound, or might just give me more of what I'm already hearing, which isnt a bad thing really, just not what I'd consider optimal. Please point this poor person who's considering selling his guitar (which prolly isnt worth more than 200 dollars .. bah) to upgrade. (and before you say "DONT SELL THE GUITAR!! " mind you, I couldnt play worth a whit on it to begin with, I was hoping that I'd have the drive to learn, but it just isnt there, I enjoy listening to music on headphones more than realizing I really really suck with a 6 string...

)