Need new setup, around 500$

[Jakets]

Ive had my current setup for a while now, and i just cant get into it. Ive switched out headphones several times now and it just doesn't seem to do it.

I want to sell it all and start fresh. I figure i have around 500$ worth of equipment, so this is what i need:

Player (preferably HD)
Amp
Full size headphones AND/OR IEM's

MUST NOT GO OVER 500$ Total, I'm looking for a setup with great synergy. I listen to my music from 128kb mp3 to 320kb mp3 and a nice 25gb of apple lossless (willing to convert that to flac or whatever)

Suggestions? Thanks guys.

CURRENT SETUP:

4th Gen 60gb
PA2V2
HD485

 

[CookieFactory]

30GB 5th Gen Ipod: $287
Shure E4C: $180

 

[Jakets]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CookieFactory 30GB 5th Gen Ipod: $287 Shure E4C: $180

I would prefer to get away from the iPod, for some reason it just dosent sound as nice as any of my previous players... Sounds like there some kind of veil, and all my music is stuck behind it. lol

 

[CookieFactory]

Have you tried the 5th Gen? It's a considerable improvement over my previous Photo.

 

[CookieFactory]

You could try an iAudio X5 ~$300. Seems to be pretty well received in these parts.

 

[YamiTenshi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CookieFactory You could try an iAudio X5 ~$300. Seems to be pretty well received in these parts.

+ Westone UM2/UM1 or Shure E4c/E3c

no amp required

edit: You're changing your rig again?

 

[kugino]

the X5 is supposed to sound really good. that and your choice of IEM might be what you're looking for.

 

[Jakets]

Quote:

Originally Posted by YamiTenshi + Westone UM2/UM1 or Shure E4c/E3c no amp required edit: You're changing your rig again?

Lol, yes, yes i am..

Im going for a more minimalist change, i find an amp is a bit of a pain, so i wana stick to something more simple. I like the e3c's e4's seem to expensive to me. Thanks for the info though. I will probably be getting an X5 and e3's.

 

[YamiTenshi]

I don't remember, but have you tried the Rio Karma yet? It's getting pretty cheap ($150), has good sound and you can save money to spend on better headphones. It's only 20gbs, but there are people that have successfully hacked it (40gbs and 60gbs). You can afford the E4c or the UM2 and have some cash left over.

So a trade off to a cheaper player for better phones. Just a thought.

 

[Jakets]

Quote:

Originally Posted by YamiTenshi I don't remember, but have you tried the Rio Karma yet? It's getting pretty cheap ($150), has good sound and you can save money to spend on better headphones. It's only 20gbs, but there are people that have successfully hacked it (40gbs and 60gbs). You can afford the E4c or the UM2 and have some cash left over. So a trade off to a cheaper player for better phones. Just a thought.

Ive considered it several times, however the HD problems scare me. It may be cheaper short term, but when the HD dies in half a year or a year i have to buy a new player. Im looking for something that will last a few years at least.

 

[c.you]

Another x5 recommendation here.

 

[1967cutlass]

I'd get UM1's over the E3's if I were you. They're better overall.