Recommendations for a new Audiophile

[wiggimt]

Hi, I'm new to the audiophile world and was wondering if I could get some recommendations on a good listening setup.

Uses: almost completely computer use
What I am thinking of so far:
As of now, I have exactly 0 audiophile-grade components in my house, so I am going to need to create from the ground up.

After doing a little bit of research, I am thinking of definitely going with the Audigy 2 ZS/E-MU 0404 setup for my computer since I play games and music for about equivalent times.

Ok, for headphones, I am looking strongly toward the Grado SR-225's, as I hear they sound best for rock (<3) as opposed to the relaxation of the Sennheisers in equal price range.

As far as an amp goes, I am still clueless on what to get. I was thinking something along the lines of an SR-71, but I'm not sure if I want to constantly change batteries if I'm not going to be mobile all of the time.

Any input is appreciated, thanks.

--Mike

 

[dano1122]

my first recommendation is run, run fast, run hard, and don't look behind. ok it's already too late, who am i kidding. i was in the same shoes that you were in and by looking at my sig you can see what this place has done to me. my recommendations from your description, the soundcard combo you have picked out should be fine, you may just want to try the emu0404 by itself and see if it will run your games without bugs. the grado sr225 is a good headphone, my first audiophile headphone, you will fall in love with it but over time it will become more and more uncomfortable to wear for extended periods. then you will be lured by the high priced circumaural headphones. let me save you some time there and just say to get the sony mdr-sa5000. they will resolve the best detail for rock type music and be much more lively than the sennheiser 580,600,650 series. an amp is also a big upgrade on sound with most audiophile headphones. some good amps to look at under $500 are the gilmore lite, m3, ppav2. ill leave the rest to the next person.

 

[wiggimt]

Thanks for the recommendations, aren't the Sony's in a different price range than the SR225's? (Sorry, this is a semi-budget job)

 

[Ticky]

Welcome to Head-fi (and the audiophile universe) and sorry about your wallet.

There, you've been initiated. Now we can get on with the business of discussing your first audiophile setup.

First we need to know your budget (if you don’t have one, make one).

Try to make a budget of around 80% (at most) of the money you have available. So, if you have $1000 in loose change, shoot for a $800 system. Trust me, unless you’ve got Spartan discipline, you’ll end up spending a bit over $1000 in the end.

Second, identify your need and do your research.

I see that you’ve probably done some research since you indicated that the Grado might be more suitable for your taste than the Senns. So, you’ll need to do the same for the amp.

Third, audition. This is probably the most important (& fun) part

A good hi-fi dealer should let you audition stuff before you buy. Many of the sponsor dealers on this site have very generous audition (return) policies. So make use of it, but do so in good faith.

Fourth, ask for opinions

This is the part where you shoot a question into head-fi and get 50 conflicting responses. You then end up disgusted and decide to go with what your ears and wallet tells you is the best choice for your listening pleasure.

By the way, this is probably the most fun part of this hobby – i.e., the researching and auditioning (and drooling) phase before making a purchase. So enjoy it as much as you can!

Cheers!

 

[NeoteriX]

I haven't listened to the Grado SR-225, but the Beyerdynamic DT770-80s are pretty well regarded for gaming, and I love them with my music as well. It's a sealed headphone so the sound will be a little different, but I live in a noisy place, so open phones are a no go for me.

 

[ajt976]

Ticky makes some excellent points, follow his advice and you won't be sorry.

I can personally speak for the SR-225's. About a month ago when I discovered head-fi (wallet cries

), I just went out on a limb and bought the 225's going off what others had said about them. I'd heard that 225's are considered among the best in the Grado line as far as price/perfomance ratio is concerned, the 225's are "a rocker's headphones", and all the rest of what you've probably already read. Simply put, all of what I read was ABSOLUTELY TRUE!!! These are my first "real" pair of headphones and I'm completely satisfied with them. The detail is incredible and, after my 150+ hour burn in, I have totally fallen in love with those lush mids. They are really a great pair of headphones.

If I were you, I would find a way to try a pair of them. I've heard that if you e-mail Todd the Vinyl Junkie you might be able to set up an audition of a well burned in pair before purchasing them new. I would send you mine to listen to, but I don't have another full size can(yet

) to keep me company for a week or so...sorry!!!

Let us know what you think about the 0404. I'm also contemplating this upgrade from my AV-710.

Good luck, and be sure to ask lots of questions, as you'll soon find out the people here have an endless supply of knowledge and are always more than willing to share their experiences with you.

Best regards,
Andrew

 

[wiggimt]

Thanks for the initiation Ticky
You also seem to hit my range right on the money (about $700-$800)
Tahnks for the advice on auditioning as well

Neo, I do like the Beyer series, but I am in the opposite position, I have abundance of quiet around. I am also uncomfortable with closed as it provides too much heat for my sensitive ears (outside, not inside; I have relatively poor hearing)

AJT, I think my first upgrade will be the 0404, so I will get back to you soon on gaming (maybe within a couple weeks)

--Mike

 

[ivandal]

One thing to note on the 0404 is to get the opamps switched out and some of the other simple mods done, as it will not only improve the sound, but imo, extend the time you keep the 0404 before you feel the "need" to upgrade it.

 

[spike33]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dano1122 the grado sr225 is a good headphone, my first audiophile headphone, you will fall in love with it but over time it will become more and more uncomfortable to wear for extended periods. then you will be lured by the high priced circumaural headphones. let me save you some time there and just say to get the sony mdr-sa5000. they will resolve the best detail for rock type music and be much more lively than the sennheiser 580,600,650 series. an amp is also a big upgrade on sound with most audiophile headphones. some good amps to look at under $500 are the gilmore lite, m3, ppav2. ill leave the rest to the next person.

I agree completely, sa5000 is all you need. it's only $400. Gilmore lite or m3 pairs really well with it. That's about $700 total.

 

[jpr703]

A Gilmore Lite would pair up real nice with those 225s!

 

[gpalmer]

If you love rock the SR-225's are a great choice. I would seriously consider pairing them with the Gilmore Lite instead of the SR-71 if you seriously want your setup to rock. The SR-71 has a smoother sound that I love for classical and jazz but for rock the Grado/Gilmore combination is hard to beat!

 

[gpalmer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dano1122 i was in the same shoes that you were in and by looking at my sig you can see what this place has done to me.

Heh, that's nothing, this place can do far, far worse to your wallet than it has so far!!

 

[green84061]

have you thought about the senn hd-595's i know you dont want relaxed seen sound but these are much more inbetween than the 580/600/650 just an idea.