Need Some Advice - Looking for best setup for $300-400

[jtazevedo12]

Hey guys,
 
I've recently decided that I want to purchase a pair of over-ear headphones along with an amp.  I did a bit of research and so far the setup that I came up with is the HD598's for $250, and the FiiO E9 + E11 for $80. I was wondering if this would be a solid investment or whether or not there are better options out there.  I'm willing to spend up $400.  I'm looking for a well-balanced set-up that will provide solid bass when i'm listening to metal etc. as well as nice clear sound when I'm listening to a symphony or some nice relaxing stuff
 
Thanks a ton for any input you guys have!

 

[fabio-fi]

Ultrasone Pro 750. 

 

[ssrock64]

I find the HD598 more enjoyable than the HD650 personally on some occasions (and it's certainly better when amped than an HD650 with no amp/DAC!), and it's a great all-round buy for something with a tonally-neutral, warm sound and hours-long comfort.
 
As for amping, the E7/E9 combo is very well-known and well-reviewed, but any higher-end FiiO combo should do nicely.

 

[jtazevedo12]

Awesome, thanks for all the feedback! Definitely gonna check out all these recommendations

 

[jtazevedo12]

I checked out all the headphones that you guys have recommended and I'm drawn to the lower prices of the ultrasone pro 750's and the HD598's.. I will definitely be getting the Fiio e9 and either e7 or e11.  Just wondering which set of headphones would benefit more from including the amp and whether or not that should be my deciding factor between the two.  Thanks again!!

 

[jtazevedo12]

I did, the price was quite a bit higher than the other two choices, I want to save money if possible, and from what I've seen investing in an amp will benefit any set of headphones.  Never realized this would be such a tough decision!

 

[MalVeauX]

Quote:

Hey guys,
 
I've recently decided that I want to purchase a pair of over-ear headphones along with an amp.  I did a bit of research and so far the setup that I came up with is the HD598's for $250, and the FiiO E9 + E11 for $80. I was wondering if this would be a solid investment or whether or not there are better options out there.  I'm willing to spend up $400.  I'm looking for a well-balanced set-up that will provide solid bass when i'm listening to metal etc. as well as nice clear sound when I'm listening to a symphony or some nice relaxing stuff
 
Thanks a ton for any input you guys have!

 
Heya,
 
Beyer DT770 + Fiio E11 (or E10 for home)
Denon D2000 + Fiio E11 (or E10 for home)
M-Audio Q40 + DT770 velour pads + Fiio E11 (or E10 for home)
Brainvwavz HM5 + Fiio E11 (or E10 for home)
Denon D5000 + Fiio E10 for home
 
Very best,

 

[catsup]

Quote:

Hey guys,
 
I've recently decided that I want to purchase a pair of over-ear headphones along with an amp.  I did a bit of research and so far the setup that I came up with is the HD598's for $250, and the FiiO E9 + E11 for $80. I was wondering if this would be a solid investment or whether or not there are better options out there.  I'm willing to spend up $400.  I'm looking for a well-balanced set-up that will provide solid bass when i'm listening to metal etc. as well as nice clear sound when I'm listening to a symphony or some nice relaxing stuff
 
Thanks a ton for any input you guys have!

Where are you getting this price for both? I'm interested.

 

[Maxvla]

HD598 is a good all around headphone. It won't give you a bass-head presentation though. It is a little polite with it's bass, not a lot of impact, but it does extend very deeply and has reasonable volume. If great bass is your highest priority I would think twice.

 

[vese]

He-300+Fiio E9+E11 is a ******* fantastic setup if you can find the HE-300s for ~200ish used which is fairly easy around here.

 

[jtazevedo12]

Just looking at prices on amazon, sorry. accidently put e9. meant l9.. my mistake

 

[camerri]

Quote:

Ultrasone Pro 750. 

+1
 
I have both the 750 and the 598. If I could only keep one it would be the Ultrasone.
 
 

 

[jtazevedo12]

Ok, I looked back into the D2000's, I read that they have a problem with the screws or something. but that was resolved? If this is true, then I am definitely reconsidering them, other than that I have narrowed it down to the Ultrasone 750's, the D2000s, and the BeyerDT770's because of their current price.  Thanks again for all the help. Totally new to this and I definitely want to get the best quality I can for the money I have

 

[Maxvla]

Add the Philips Fidelio L1 to your list. The bass is textured, bottomless, and effortless. It gives up a bit in the mids and treble, but according to your desires I would say this might fit the bill. The DT770 to me was slightly better on treble/mids but nowhere near this on bass. Build quality is also fantastic.

 

[catsup]

Quote:

Ok, I looked back into the D2000's, I read that they have a problem with the screws or something. but that was resolved? If this is true, then I am definitely reconsidering them, other than that I have narrowed it down to the Ultrasone 750's, the D2000s, and the BeyerDT770's because of their current price.  Thanks again for all the help. Totally new to this and I definitely want to get the best quality I can for the money I have

Yea I read that too. They say the screw gets loose and breaks inside the headphones so you can't get them out or something. So far as I can tell, nothing has been changed to resolve this issue. Not many people have it. Mine are fine so far, I never found them loose but I periodically tighten those screws just in case though lol.
 
Maybe call the company up and see what they say if you're worried.