[john11f]

I own a Benchmark DAC1 Pre that is hooked to my iMac. I listen mostly mp3s (128, 192, 320kbps), AAC, Apples Lossless.

I currently have Dynaudio Monitor speakers and Ultrasone HFI-780 to listen mostly rock and electronica.

I was recommended in another thread by a Benchmark engineer that the Sennheiser HD650 would sound good on them.

Anyone else care to recommend other headphones which could bring out the best out of my uncomplicated rig?

Thanks in advance!

 

[anetode]

The HD650s are very forgiving of compressed sources. You'll get a sound signature like the Dynaudios with AKGs, but they would sound horrible with mp3s.

 

[EvilSoundGuy 7]

At the AES show the other day they had a pair of hd600's connected to their DAC1. I would say it's safe to assume the 600's or 650's would be a solid choice.

 

[Uncle Erik]

For rock and electronica, the HD-650 is very good. You might also want to consider the Beyerdynamic DT880 and, possibly, the Sony MDR-SA5000. The MDR-SA5000 is polarizing - people either love or hate it - but I love it for rock and electronica. It's worth reading some threads on it to see if it would be a good fit for you. If it suits you, you'll be very happy with it.

 

[john11f]

Thanks guys. I will audition all your recommendations but it seems that the HD650 is a good choice.

 

[wavoman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif For rock and electronica, the HD-650 is very good. You might also want to consider the Beyerdynamic DT880 ...

The beyer DT880/600 ohm sounds great with the Benchmark, the DT880/250 not so much. The Senn HD600 is great too (these are all first-hand, real-world listening evals, I have the gear). Very close, but IMHO anyway, the 880/600's nose out the Senns.

 

[CapQ]

Benchmark officially recommends HD650.
Benchmark's Complete Stereo Solution | Benchmark Media Systems, Inc.

 

[john11f]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CapQ /img/forum/go_quote.gif Benchmark officially recommends HD650. Benchmark's Complete Stereo Solution | Benchmark Media Systems, Inc.

Giving me more conviction to get the HD650....CapQ, how come you sold yours?

 

[CapQ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by john11f /img/forum/go_quote.gif Giving me more conviction to get the HD650....CapQ, how come you sold yours?

Hmm cuz I dont like their slow and fat bass >< based on the typle of music I listen to.
I never used DAC1's headphone amp function since my MG head can drive them better.

 

[john11f]

what's a good upgrade to make my current setup sound better? amp? pre-amp?

 

[CapQ]

You dont need a pre-amp since your have DAC1PRE. The built in headphone amp in DAC1PRE can drive Senns cans well, but some amps just do better.

 

[john11f]

i want a solid setup for rock and electronica using mp3 & apple lossless.

 

[CapQ]

HD650 are decent phones amd everyone should try them first. As well as you save your money when you using DAC1Pre (you dont have to buy an phone amp). You can upgrade to other better phones when you feel that they cant feed you well. At that moment you can consider to buy a nice headphone amp and a new pair of phones.