[shipofwooks]

Currently have HD 515. Looking to upgrade and budget would be $250.00 max. Mostly for listening to 320 MP3s and CDs. I listen to LOTS of live music, especially acoustic music (namely bluegrass).
 
Any recommendations?
 
Thanks

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Currently have HD 515. Looking to upgrade and budget would be $250.00 max. Mostly for listening to 320 MP3s and CDs. I listen to LOTS of live music, especially acoustic music (namely bluegrass).
 
Any recommendations?

What are you using for a DAC and amp?
 
How about a Sennheiser HD558, used $138 at Amazon.

 

[shipofwooks]

No DAC or AMP. Is that normal for portable listening? I'm quite the novice...

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

No DAC or AMP. Is that normal for portable listening? I'm quite the novice...

So your using a portable audio player, which already comes with a DAC and headphone amplifier built in.
The HD558 come with a 1/4 jack, maybe get the Grado 6" 1/4 female to 1/8 male adapter to go with the HD558.
 
As this is for portable listening, in public?
Maybe get a closed headphone?

 

[shipofwooks]

Thanks for your reply. I already have the 1/4 to 1/8 adapter from using my 515s. Listening in public and home. The 515s are rather loud and audible to others, but I fear closed phones may not be loud enough with all the acoustic/acoustic live music I listen to. Am I wrong?
 

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Thanks for your reply. I already have the 1/4 to 1/8 adapter from using my 515s. Listening in public and home. The 515s are rather loud and audible to others, but I fear closed phones may not be loud enough with all the acoustic/acoustic live music I listen to. Am I wrong?
 

Closed headphones may not be loud enough?
loudness is not a problem with closed headphones.