lork
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jun 8, 2008
- Posts
- 6
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I'm listening more with headphones than I expected, so I'm thinking upgrade. Don't know headphones, though, so I need suggestions to narrow the field.
Suggestions appreciated from folks who have similar sources/systems. Please note if you do (or if you're just using a soundcard), that way I can calibrate the info.
Thanks for your ideas!
Details:
0. $800 max (ideally $600-ish), including phones and amp.
1. Source: FLAC -> Squeezebox -> Chord DAC64 -> whatever
2. Must compete with sound of above through good pre, amp & Vandersteens
3. I have Beyer Dynamic DT 770's, with above source -> Meyer Corda "Move" (w/wall wart). Sound OK, but bass is a bit overdone on some stuff, built-in USB DAC is insufficient for what I want, and now that I'm listening more I think I'm ready to upgrade.
4. Considering a Benchmark DAC1 (would also be fed by a Squeezebox) or Lavry DA10. Would be nice if things were synergistic with those. I would plug 'phones directly into those DACs (ie, no separate amp).
5. Kind of interested in trying tubes (Little Dot?). Not sure if a cheap amp would interfere if placed between a good source & good phones... or what would be synergistic.
6. Probably limiting my considerations to Senn 650 (or 600?), Grado RS-1s, or AKG701s... not looking to head off into the unknown. Comfort matters a lot, so RS-1 are low on the list, unless I'm wrong.
7. I listen mostly to Grateful Dead, trance, Gotan Project, K&D, various blues, etc. Some, but not tons of classical. A fair amount of vocal stuff (N. Merchant/Cat Stevens/Lyle Lovett). Not much jazz. Moderate volumes- loud listening is done through the main speakers. Bass does matter- just want it accurate, not boosted.
Thanks again.
Suggestions appreciated from folks who have similar sources/systems. Please note if you do (or if you're just using a soundcard), that way I can calibrate the info.
Thanks for your ideas!
Details:
0. $800 max (ideally $600-ish), including phones and amp.
1. Source: FLAC -> Squeezebox -> Chord DAC64 -> whatever
2. Must compete with sound of above through good pre, amp & Vandersteens
3. I have Beyer Dynamic DT 770's, with above source -> Meyer Corda "Move" (w/wall wart). Sound OK, but bass is a bit overdone on some stuff, built-in USB DAC is insufficient for what I want, and now that I'm listening more I think I'm ready to upgrade.
4. Considering a Benchmark DAC1 (would also be fed by a Squeezebox) or Lavry DA10. Would be nice if things were synergistic with those. I would plug 'phones directly into those DACs (ie, no separate amp).
5. Kind of interested in trying tubes (Little Dot?). Not sure if a cheap amp would interfere if placed between a good source & good phones... or what would be synergistic.
6. Probably limiting my considerations to Senn 650 (or 600?), Grado RS-1s, or AKG701s... not looking to head off into the unknown. Comfort matters a lot, so RS-1 are low on the list, unless I'm wrong.
7. I listen mostly to Grateful Dead, trance, Gotan Project, K&D, various blues, etc. Some, but not tons of classical. A fair amount of vocal stuff (N. Merchant/Cat Stevens/Lyle Lovett). Not much jazz. Moderate volumes- loud listening is done through the main speakers. Bass does matter- just want it accurate, not boosted.
Thanks again.