[UTF]

I am thinking to upgrade my phone from HD590, but at this point I still have no plan for a dedicated headphone amp. I was pretty happy with the sound of HD590 directly out from either my Marantz CD5001 or NAD C325BEE's phone jacket. So the question is what could be the best phone (HD600/650, K701 or DT880) that be driven decently with the NAD amp? I listen classical mainly, and will prefer something comfortable to wear. Thanks a lot!

 

[1Time]

Assuming your NAD can drive these headphones well, take your pick. It's a matter of preference. There are those who enjoy any one of these for classical. The DT880 is probably the most comfortable of those four. Maybe you would prefer one of the DT990 models.

 

[UTF]

Thanks, but I am not sure if NAD can drive these headphones well. In general, which one is easier to drive. I like the sound of HD590 when playing instruments (violin) but not with symphony.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1Time /img/forum/go_quote.gif Assuming your NAD can drive these headphones well, take your pick. It's a matter of preference. There are those who enjoy any one of these for classical. The DT880 is probably the most comfortable of those four. Maybe you would prefer one of the DT990 models.

 

[milkweg]

I have never heard any of those headphones but they are what I have been researching to upgrade from my HD595's too and from my research I would think the AKG 701's would be the best for classical as they are the most detailed and neutral out of your selection. Going by what I have read anyway.

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by UTF /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks, but I am not sure if NAD can drive these headphones well. In general, which one is easier to drive. I like the sound of HD590 when playing instruments (violin) but not with symphony.

I don't know which of these headphones would sound the best for classical / symphony without being driven well. If you don't think the NAD will drive any of them satisfactorily, maybe you would be better off considering easier to drive headphones.

 

[UTF]

What're your recommendations other than these four? I am not sure any other phone could be a significant improvement over HD590.

 

[milkweg]

HD590? Never even heard of those. Sure you don't mean HD595 or maybe HD580?

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by UTF /img/forum/go_quote.gif What're your recommendations other than these four? I am not sure any other phone could be a significant improvement over HD590.

Oh, I'm sure if you threw enough money at this, you would find a significant improvement. What's your budget for this purchase?

 

[UTF]

I have budget up for a HD650, but not for that plus a dedicated amp.

So I am wondering if it is workable to use the headphone output of an integrated amp with HD650 etc at that league.

 

[UTF]

Yes, it is HD590, a discontinued model after HD595 coming out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkweg /img/forum/go_quote.gif HD590? Never even heard of those. Sure you don't mean HD595 or maybe HD580?

 

[rederanged]

Quote:

Originally Posted by UTF /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have budget up for a HD650, but not for that plus a dedicated amp. So I am wondering if it is workable to use the headphone output of an integrated amp with HD650 etc at that league.

My NAD C352 drives my HD650s very well. NAD integrated amps and receivers in general have excellent headphone circuits, and I think you will be happy with the results with your C325BEE.

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by UTF /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have budget up for a HD650, but not for that plus a dedicated amp. So I am wondering if it is workable to use the headphone output of an integrated amp with HD650 etc at that league.

Well I say it's good that you are questioning whether your integrated amp would be enough to power any of these headphones to your satisfaction. The best option may be to try one and see for yourself, but again I don't know which one would be your best bet.

There's a point at which easier to drive headphones can be preferred over these harder to drive headphones. And that hypothetical point varies and depends on the listener, headphones, amp, source, etc. How well your amp drives headphones is too much of an unknown for me to suggest any one of these headphones as a sure bet. Some people are content with their under-driven HD600/HD650 etc, and some are not. I think you're at a point where you need to try one of them to see for yourself. Then, if you find your amp is not up to the task, you'll be in a better position to make a more informed decision on your next purchase. Perhaps a less risky alternative (your call) would be to consider easier to drive headphones in the first place.

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rederanged /img/forum/go_quote.gif My NAD C352 drives my HD650s very well. NAD integrated amps and receivers in general have excellent headphone circuits, and I think you will be happy with the results with your C325BEE.

This should make your decision much easier. Now you need only choose one of these headphones for classical / symphony.

 

[UTF]

Thanks a lot for your comments! I know it is best to try out, but this is just not very feasible to where I live now. I am trying to take a safe bet and maybe any of these headphones will not disappoint me.

 

[UTF]

This may make my life easier in a sense.

Thanks!


Quote:

Originally Posted by rederanged /img/forum/go_quote.gif My NAD C352 drives my HD650s very well. NAD integrated amps and receivers in general have excellent headphone circuits, and I think you will be happy with the results with your C325BEE.