[jmk]

I just found this site over the weekend and have been giving myself a bigtime headache (but enjoying it!) going through all of the postings and trying to decide which headphones to upgrade my Panasonic MP-70 with. I came in here convinced that Bang and Olufsen A8s were the way to go based on what I read at Epinions but I am glad that I came here first because I guess they don't sound as cool as they look. So I decided that what I really need are Sennheiser PX-200s ... or maybe PX 100s because someone said they were actually better. Oh wait ... Koss Porta-Pros look like that they would be best for what I need ... except that someone who had some Grado SR-80s made a good argument for those (if I have enough power in my PCDP) Oh and I really need to to find out more about this Eggos business ... arggh ... it is endless.
So if you read all of the above you can tell that I am confused as to what to get. Does anyone know of an audio store anywhere in Southern California that has a selection of some of the brands and models I have described that I can "audition"?
Also, if anyone out there happens to have the Panasonic MP70 what headphones do you use? (I am not an audiophile but I like the sound of this unit compared to the two Sonys that I had to return because of how terrible they sounded - a Psyc and one of the new Atrac3 thingies.)
Oh and one last question ... because I don't have a line out that means that there is no point in investing in an Airhead amp ... yes?

 

[usc goose]

i dont really know anywhere in socal that carries the stuff we speak of for any price you'd want to pay. city of industry fry's has v6s though. also, i started on an airhead used with headphone jacks. worked for me.

anyways...

 

[Davie]

I have the MP35, and I prefer its sound to my other portables as well.

The only reason to get an amp would be if you want to use your portable with a high impedance headphone that needs a stronger amp than the one in your portable. I have an Airhead and I'm not sure it would be your best choice anyway. I think there are probably some better options at the price.

I use my portables' headphone out with some pretty decent headphones (Audio Technica A1000s) and I don't think it's a waste. It probably sounds less good than the same headphones with a better source, but it sure sounds better than the same portable with lesser phones. But since there are a lot of good headphones in all classes and price ranges that would be a better match for your portable, you would probably do better to spend your money elsewhere if you want to invest in your source/amp combo.

 

[jmk]

Thanks for the advice!

 

[Davie]

Quote:

Originally posted by Davie I have the MP35, and I prefer its sound to my other portables as well. The only reason to get an amp would be if you want to use your portable with a high impedance headphone that needs a stronger amp than the one in your portable. I have an Airhead and I'm not sure it would be your best choice anyway. I think there are probably some better options at the price.

Just to clarify, I meant that the only reason that you should get an amp when what's going into it isn't that good (e.g., your portable's headphone out). If you can connect it to a line out, then a good amp will make a difference. I'm just not sure that the Airhead will give you that extra sound quality, even from your line out, though it will definitely give you the extra power if that's what you need.

 

[jmk]

Davie, thanks for clarfiying ... I understood what you meant though. I was thinking more in terms of power than sound quality. I have heard some people say that the PCDP I have isn't loud enough but at this point it seems fine to me. I am just worried that if I upgrade headphones it won't be loud enough, although I am tracking people's comments in previous posts about what seems to work and what doesn't with no amp and little power. (PX200 for example.)