[Handeh]

I'm looking at getting some decent $100 starter cans, potentially with an amp. What's a good ratio to be looking at for spending on an amp? I'm thinking the options may be a little more expensive than what would be reasonable, but I'm not totally sure.
 
Any help is appreciated!
 
Thanks!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

[earthpeople]

It's hard to put it as a ratio, since it depends heavily on the headphone choice.

However, I would say for $100 starter headphones, you probably should save up the amp money and wait.

 

[1Time]

What's your budget for buying headphones + other equipment? 
 
What equipment do you already have that you want to use? 
 
What types of music do you listen to / uses will you have for the headphones? 

 

[Handeh]

I don't really have any other equipment to be honest, still a newb to this.
$100 is my budget for headphones as I will be getting them as a gift. The amp can be around $40 max..?
 
 
 
I've been doing some research in the head-fi forums and have found many headphones that meet a few of these criteria, but haven't nailed any specifics. I listen to mostly indie, but anything as mainstream to coldplay, the killers or kings of leon, with some hip-hop and hard rap.

The headphones I've looked at are the Sony V6's, Shure 840's, Senn hd280's and a few other, but each have some lacking things.


I need the following things from my phones:

Cannot leak sound, as to not annoy other people who could hear it.
Under $100
Can run well unamped, but may be improved with a purchase of a relatively cheap one in the future
run well from an ipod



DJ swivel is a plus, but not necessary.

 

[1Time]

I suggest starting with a B-stock Prodigy HD2 sound card - sells on eBay for $69 shipped (I own this). That leaves $71 for headphones - which would afford you the Creative Aurvana Live! (I used to own this) - which I suggest buying with a good return policy - just in case. Or, buy other closed headphones with the $71.