[RenoGu]

Hi everyone.

So I am in the process of researching a New headphone to buy.

My price range is no more than $500 USD ($600 depending if there is a substantial upgrade). I am looking for an upgrade from everything that I currently have.

My options but I am fully open to suggestions: Focal Elegía , dan Clark drop closed x (not sure if closed or open version), maybe focal elex, sigva p II, mono price m1060. Hifiman? Not sure which.

I am completely lost on which to choose and unfortunately I cannot demo anything, no store near where I live.

generally speaking I like alternative music, folk, grassroots, acoustic , blues with good guitar recordings and rock.

Any suggestion is really welcomed !

My current lineup:

1. B&W PX7
2. master and dynamic mh30
3. senheiser momentum 3
4. grado 125
5. iems and koss porta (random stuff)

Amps and Dacs

1. Ifi idsd nano black
2. maverik audio dac magic
3. little dot mk1
4. fiio e9

 

[Lichi]

Would you like to consider HD650 as your collection for next? it has much smoother and warmer than other open-back headphones and has much deeper bass. It is hard to get a "bad" sound with your current collection of amps and dacs.

 

[RenoGu]

Yes the 650 seems also like a good option. The problem that I have is that the more I research the more questions I have as to which to buy.

 

[DenverW]

based on your list of potentials I’d identify if you need a closed back or would use an open back. Do you need sound isolation? If not, open back headphones would be my recommendation. Hd650 or 600 are open back.

 

[iFi audio]

based on your list of potentials I’d identify if you need a closed back or would use an open back.

A solid advice that would help in making available option list a bit shorter @RenoGu

 

[RenoGu]

A solid advice that would help in making available option list a bit shorter @RenoGu

Do you think my idsd Nano Black Label will be enough to drive the Dank Clark’s ? I really want to go with one of those two options either the closed or the open drop version of the aeon X. But everywhere I look it seems that they are hard to drive. And at this point I do not have cash for another amp. I generally use my idsd 90% of the time. So if not maybe the focal will be a better option.

 

[someguyontheinternet]

Do you think my idsd Nano Black Label will be enough to drive the Dank Clark’s ? I really want to go with one of those two options either the closed or the open drop version of the aeon X. But everywhere I look it seems that they are hard to drive. And at this point I do not have cash for another amp. I generally use my idsd 90% of the time. So if not maybe the focal will be a better option.

Depends on how loud you listen. You can probably get what I would label normal listening levels, but getting loud may be too much for the idsd nano black.

I just remembered that the Aeon X is currently on sale for 400$. If you make use of that offer and get a Schiit Magni Heresy (100$), you will definitely have enough power to drive louder than your ears can handle.

 

[RenoGu]

Depends on how loud you listen. You can probably get what I would label normal listening levels, but getting loud may be too much for the idsd nano black.

I just remembered that the Aeon X is currently on sale for 400$. If you make use of that offer and get a Schiit Magni Heresy (100$), you will definitely have enough power to drive louder than your ears can handle.

Yes that is why it is so tempting because of that discount. The focal elegía is also at that price in adorama. So I can say I have basically narrow it down to those two options. As for listening volume, I do not like loud, I like to Take care of my ears.

 

[iFi audio]

Do you think my idsd Nano Black Label will be enough to drive the Dank Clark’s ? I really want to go with one of those two options either the closed or the open drop version of the aeon X. But everywhere I look it seems that they are hard to drive. And at this point I do not have cash for another amp. I generally use my idsd 90% of the time. So if not maybe the focal will be a better option.

According to this calculator of ours: https://ifi-audio.com/home-2/headphone-calculator/

...your nano iDSD BL would produce some 122dB of SPL with Aeon 2 closed, which is more than enough. Probably something more powerrful (iDSD Signature) would do even better, but nano iDSD BL is a nice starter I think.

 

[YtseJamer]

generally speaking I like alternative music, folk, grassroots, acoustic , blues with good guitar recordings and rock.

You should go with the Grado Hemp

 

[WorksUnit]

Given the music you like I would look at HD650/6XX with that Darkvoice.
I have some Grados and a Momentum2 ... HD650 with a tube amp is something I gravitate to.
Easy to resell too.

 

[kadinh]

HD6_ _ seem to be the most popular choice. Many people hold them in high regard.