Upgrading an HD555

[uraflit]

Hey guys, thinking of some upgrades... curse you head-fi! I have a bunch of options that I could think of:

1) HD-555 -> better headphones??? + an amp maybe? = ~$200+
2) T-Amp + Insignia bookshelf speakers and the works = ~$100
3) Upgrade my portable gear (I have ksc75's already) = ~$200

So from what I have in my sig... what is my best option? The 3rd option is pretty much a lost cause since i have a nano... but still open to suggestions

 

[uraflit]

bump!

 

[Davesrose]

I'd focus on source equipment first. Get an outboard DAC......no point saving up for the HD595 if you don't have a good source to drive it!

 

[uraflit]

lets see... for a tight budget what would u suggest? i was looking at the total bithead... but is that good? or are there better values out there?

 

[Davesrose]

Quote:

Originally Posted by uraflit /img/forum/go_quote.gif lets see... for a tight budget what would u suggest? i was looking at the total bithead... but is that good? or are there better values out there?

total bithead is good for portable use, but this particular product is best for desktop computers:

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_u...eUSB-main.html

it's got a headphone out for your HD555. Look into an amp if you wind up with a HD595.

 

[uraflit]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davesrose /img/forum/go_quote.gif total bithead is good for portable use, but this particular product is best for desktop computers: http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_u...eUSB-main.html it's got a headphone out for your HD555. Look into an amp if you wind up with a HD595.

ooo. so that's also an amp/DAC??? i dunno what a pre-amp is, or anything of the sort... so that is "better" as a desktop module right? i only looked at total bithead because it was an amp AND DAC; therefore saving me money in the long run because i dont see myself buying headphones over ~$220

p.s. - that looks more of a recording thingy rather than use for a headphone... but im taking the advice!

 

[stewgriff]

What sound are you looking for as an upgrade? If it's radically different, the 595 isn't the only option.

I'm stuck in the same boat, too. Hoped to get only a 595 to upgrade my setup...and now a Beyer DT990, Marantz amp, and DAC are all coming in. #$&*, Head-Fi!

 

[Davesrose]

Quote:

Originally Posted by uraflit /img/forum/go_quote.gif ooo. so that's also an amp/DAC??? i dunno what a pre-amp is, or anything of the sort... so that is "better" as a desktop module right? i only looked at total bithead because it was an amp AND DAC; therefore saving me money in the long run because i dont see myself buying headphones over ~$220 p.s. - that looks more of a recording thingy rather than use for a headphone... but im taking the advice!

yeah, if you get in the mood, you can record with this USB DAC......but it's SQ is highly rated here on the forum. You can't just put it in your backpack like you can with the total bithead. it's $50 cheaper then the bithead, so that gets you saving money up for the HD595!

 

[uraflit]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davesrose /img/forum/go_quote.gif yeah, if you get in the mood, you can record with this USB DAC......but it's SQ is highly rated here on the forum. You can't just put it in your backpack like you can with the total bithead. it's $50 cheaper then the bithead, so that gets you saving money up for the HD595!

woohoo! i found it for $136 on amazon. thats $64 saved... but to get a hd595? or should i sell my hd555's too? i JUST broke/burned them in for around 200+ hours and they are new to go =D how much should i sell them for? =]

just curious tho, is this able to drive higher impedance 'phones like a dt770-250?