[TheMaestro335]

Hello all,
I just received my new Little dot MK III headphone amp after reading this months positive review in Stereophile mag. In the same review the writer recommended buying AD700s to use with this amp. I have to say that these cans may work well with movies and video games, but they are absolutely horrible when listening to music! It sounds like you are in a cave! Anyway I was lucky enough to have a pair of Grado SR60s and I used these to audition the amp. ( amp still needs to be broken in, only has about 3 hours of usage).I like the sound of the grados, but I am looking to purchase a pair of phones that will give me better imaging, and more air between the instruments. I read good reviews about Denon d2000s. Do you guy's have any other suggestions? How about a better pair of Grados??

 

[Mr Joboto]

More air between instruments, wouldn't the AD700s have given that I can say that my Alessandro MS-Pros (RS-1 equivalents) have brilliant imaging and instrument separation, but they are beyond your budget, lol. Can't comment on the in between models.

 

[Crazy*Carl]

HD650

 

[fraseyboy]

My HF2's have better imaging than the MS1's I had before, and sound quite fantastic overall. Maybe you could find a pair on the FS forums?

 

[kchui999]

I'm running my 650's from the MK III.  Sounds amazing.  Soooo smooth.

 

[EddieE]

There is a lot of choice at that price point; the classified section here, or buying new will give you great options from any of the top manufacturers.
 
You don't have quite enough for the Grado RS1 though, which is what I would recommend if you're a Grado guy, but if you are asking for better imaging and soundstage, the increase will be minimal anyway. You want to look circum aural.
 
To throw some names out - Sennheiser HD600/650, AKG K701/702, beyer dynamic DT880... do some review reading and see what ticks most boxes. If you're lucky enough to live near a store where you can audition phones, that's the only way to be really sure.
 
None of those will sound much like Grados though, so a fun and cheap way to keep the Grado sound and increase soundstage and imaging is the MS1000 mod.
 
Take a pair of MS1 or MS1i, apply distancers, get some jumbo bowls and voila. Change the grill and add kitchen felt to tune to your tastes.

 

[Chuke]

Seek (search) and ye shall find...
 
HD600

 

[TheMaestro335]

Thanks guy's,
Hey Chuke,  the HD 600s, how do they compare to the Denon 2000? I am currently running my Oppo special edition 83SE via the 32bit sabre dacs, strereo outs. I also have and Ibasso Boa 2? and a Nuforce Icon mobile amp. Should I try to use the DACs in the Ibasso and the nuforce through the Little Dot?

 

[TheMaestro335]

Quote:

More air between instruments, wouldn't the AD700s have given that I can say that my Alessandro MS-Pros (RS-1 equivalents) have brilliant imaging and instrument separation, but they are beyond your budget, lol. Can't comment on the in between models.

Way to much air? It feels like and echo chamber.

 
Quote:

HD650

 

[Chuke]

The Icon Mobile does a good job with the D2000s, but it's not enough to drive the 600s properly. 
 
The 2000s and 600s are very different cans (without going into too much detail that's been rehashed almost weekly here) - I like them both.  If I was forced to chose, I'd take the 600s without much thought at all.
 
Stereophile must be getting good ad $$$ from AT because they rated the AD700s as a "Class A" product in their "Recommended Components."  BS.

 

[EddieE]

From what I've read, the Little Dot amps were actually voiced using an HD600, so if you're looking for synergy the HD600 or it's bassier, smoother brother the HD650 will go down a treat.

 

[TheMaestro335]

 
Quote:

The Icon Mobile does a good job with the D2000s, but it's not enough to drive the 600s properly. 
 
The 2000s and 600s are very different cans (without going into too much detail that's been rehashed almost weekly here) - I like them both.  If I was forced to chose, I'd take the 600s without much thought at all.
 
Stereophile must be getting good ad $$$ from AT because they rated the AD700s as a "Class A" product in their "Recommended Components."  BS.

Thanks,
I cannot believe Stereophile gave the AD700s an a class rating? The second I put them on I new I made a mistake.
 

 

[TheMaestro335]

Ok,
So out of the HD 600s, The Beyer DT880, and the Denon's which set should I go for????? I am ready to but them now

 

[TheMaestro335]

Quote:

From what I've read, the Little Dot amps were actually voiced using an HD600, so if you're looking for synergy the HD600 or it's bassier, smoother brother the HD650 will go down a treat.

I am definitely leaning towards the 600s!

 

[Chuke]

For a pair to keep long term, I'd go HD600.  I have not heard the Beyer's though...
 
Are you going used or new?  I noticed that the D2000s were $229 on Amazon yesterday.  I was thinking of selling my D2000s, but with the new price that low, I have an ad going to trade for an amp.