[doublekbang]

I remember I heard these and I fell in love with the sound, especially when listening to female vocals it's like they really speak you. I'm just wondering what would be a considerable upgrade from the AKG K550's that is other headphones out there that sounds much better than these guys I'm really curious thanks

 

[viralcow]

Any mid-fi open headphone, to be honest. I felt both the HD600 and K701 to be a step-up to the K550. If you're looking for a significant upgrade look at something like the HE-500. You might want to upgrade your source and amplification as well since the K550 is such an easy-to-drive headphone.
 
On another note, if you do like the K550s your ears are probably accustomed to its forward mids (aka female vocals), so a headphone with a more natural presentation will seem slightly recessed there in comparison..

 

[PurpleAngel]

  I remember I heard these and I fell in love with the sound, especially when listening to female vocals it's like they really speak you. I'm just wondering what would be a considerable upgrade from the AKG K550's that is other headphones out there that sounds much better than these guys I'm really curious thanks

What sources (DAC& amp) do you currently plug your headphones into?

 

[loosescrews]

Have you considered the Alpha Dogs?

 

[doublekbang]

Sadly all I have is a macbook with no amp. Care to help a friend recommend some good source/amps ?
 Alpha Dogs looks legit, but where I can see its specs? 
Anything else?

 

[loosescrews]

I don't think there are any published specs for the Alpha Dogs.  As for the DAC/AMP recommendation, what sort of budget do you have in mind?

 

[doublekbang]

I don't think I'm so picky about my budget, maybe about 500 dollars is nice for source/amp recommendation I feel

 

[PurpleAngel]

  I don't think I'm so picky about my budget, maybe about 500 dollars is nice for source/amp recommendation I feel

Check out the Audio Technica ATH-AD1000X open headphones ($400)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkh_giVwD3g
http://www.head-fi.org/t/631998/audio-technica-updates-their-open-headphones-ad-series-ad2000x-ad1000x-ad900x-ad700x-and-ad500x
 
A Magni/Modi DAC/Amp should do the job.
(might find a good deal on used)

 

[doublekbang]

Would you believe, I used that review and now own that pair headphones and am using it now? huahuahua I do like it but I feel to my ears it's genre selective like it seems to do really when I listened to some drum and bass or trance music not really hip hop I'm still trying to find some music but yea, maybe I should get an amp first I guess to suit with the ATH-AD1000x cans?

 

[loosescrews]

While I agree that the Modi is a great DAC, I would recommend stepping up to the Asgard 2 amp.  The Asgard 2 is really worth the price difference over the Magni, and the combo is still within your budget.  I used to have a Magni/Modi, but switched the Magni to an Asgard 2.  I am much happier now.

 

[doublekbang]

For the asgard 2 what does the difference in voltage signify of 115 VAC and 230 VAC

 

[loosescrews]

It has to do with the power standard in your part of the world.

Here is a table of the power standards used by various countries:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_electricity_by_country#Table_of_mains_voltages_and_frequencies

 

[doublekbang]

Ok so if for mine is 240V do I want the 115 or 230 VAC or it doesn't make a difference since the residential voltage at my place is 240V? or if going 155 over 230 will have a significant advantage or vice versa