[pwnm30rdi3]

Best headphones for a $500-$700 price range USED?
I listen to Alternative music, Rock, some light Metal, ect.
I have a pair of Ultrasone 900's i love them to death but i want to have something a little more.

Are the RS-1's a better trade up?

I HAVE NO AMP!

 

[MrGreen]

$600?
Guitarish music?
No amp?

Sounds like RS1 territory.

 

[mythless]

hard to find a headphone, other than grado, unamped.

 

[pwnm30rdi3]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrGreen /img/forum/go_quote.gif $600? Guitarish music? No amp? Sounds like RS1 territory.

So the RS-1's would be a good choice? Have you ever owned a pair?
How much do you think i can sell my Ultrasone Pro 900's for they are less than 2 months old.

 

[catscratch]

I think an amp would be a good investment, it's a requirement for a lot of the higher-end headphones. Unamped, yeah the RS-1 is a possibility but I think that using an RS-1 or anything of that caliber out of a mediocre system is a waste of money. Upgrade the source, upgrade the amp, then drop in something that can take advantage of the better signal path.

Also, check out the Stax 2050 system, it's right in the ballpark pricewise and will hit the spot if you're after speed and detail without any harshness. You don't have a dynamic amp so you can start on the electrostatic path without having to sell off more gear. It does need an AC outlet though, but if you want portable the SR-001 will do more than nicely.

 

[pwnm30rdi3]

Quote:

Originally Posted by catscratch /img/forum/go_quote.gif I think an amp would be a good investment, it's a requirement for a lot of the higher-end headphones. Unamped, yeah the RS-1 is a possibility but I think that using an RS-1 or anything of that caliber out of a mediocre system is a waste of money. Upgrade the source, upgrade the amp, then drop in something that can take advantage of the better signal path. Also, check out the Stax 2050 system, it's right in the ballpark pricewise and will hit the spot if you're after speed and detail without any harshness. You don't have a dynamic amp so you can start on the electrostatic path without having to sell off more gear. It does need an AC outlet though, but if you want portable the SR-001 will do more than nicely.

So should i get the Amp and keep my current Ultrasone Pro 900s or get the Amp and the RS-1s?

I never thought an Amp did much quality enhancing wise, unless you listen to the high quality jazz genre. When listening to rock i didn't know there was much to enhance in my mind it all starts blend together because of all instruments playing.

Feel free to correct me? I'm just a noob looking for some nice classy headphones.

 

[catscratch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwnm30rdi3 /img/forum/go_quote.gif So should i get the Amp and keep my current Ultrasone Pro 900s or get the Amp and the RS-1s?

I would start auditioning headphones. When you're new, you often don't know what you like in a headphone, and finding it out by buying blind and going through many different headphones can be an expensive proposition. Since you're planning on spending quite a bit, I would suggest doing some hands-on research beforehand. A few minutes with an array of candidates in your price range will really open your eyes both to what is possible and what you're after.

I am not a fan of Ultrasones so I wouldn't bother amping the Pro900. In your pricerange I'd sidestep to a different headphone instead, and then get an amp depending on necessity. Amps aren't there to add anything to the music (generally) but simply to provide the power that inefficient headphones (like the HD650 or K701) need. If you have something that's very efficient to begin with then amping isn't going to do as much for you as the price tag would suggest.

I don't have much experience with the RS-1 so I can't really tell you if it needs to be amped. But, that Stax system includes an amp in the asking price since electrostatic headphones require a specialized amp in order to function, and when you don't have an amp it's an attractive option financially.

I know that getting into this hobby without prior knowledge of audio can be overwhelming, but don't be in a rush to get something right this minute. Rather, take the time to read, research, and listen. Familiarize yourself with the basic concepts. Then you will make the most out of your money. And when I was getting into the hobby, I only wish I listened to the advice I'm giving out now

 

[pwnm30rdi3]

Quote:

Originally Posted by catscratch /img/forum/go_quote.gif I would start auditioning headphones. When you're new, you often don't know what you like in a headphone, and finding it out by buying blind and going through many different headphones can be an expensive proposition. Since you're planning on spending quite a bit, I would suggest doing some hands-on research beforehand. A few minutes with an array of candidates in your price range will really open your eyes both to what is possible and what you're after. I am not a fan of Ultrasones so I wouldn't bother amping the Pro900. In your pricerange I'd sidestep to a different headphone instead, and then get an amp depending on necessity. Amps aren't there to add anything to the music (generally) but simply to provide the power that inefficient headphones (like the HD650 or K701) need. If you have something that's very efficient to begin with then amping isn't going to do as much for you as the price tag would suggest. I don't have much experience with the RS-1 so I can't really tell you if it needs to be amped. But, that Stax system includes an amp in the asking price since electrostatic headphones require a specialized amp in order to function, and when you don't have an amp it's an attractive option financially. I know that getting into this hobby without prior knowledge of audio can be overwhelming, but don't be in a rush to get something right this minute. Rather, take the time to read, research, and listen. Familiarize yourself with the basic concepts. Then you will make the most out of your money. And when I was getting into the hobby, I only wish I listened to the advice I'm giving out now

How do you go about getting hands-on experience?
Do you go to gatherings? Stores?
I'm not sure how to get into the hobby like i want to be.

I do also look for a headphone that is physically attractive like the Grados, I'm not sure why it's just one of those things. I'm often at home while listening to music so the Amp would not bother me.

Thanks for the advice, i wish i would have gotten that advice before buying a pair of Ultrasones

 

[catscratch]

High-end stores will often have headphone sections where you can listen to stuff. I doubt they'll be very well driven but you will get an idea of what they sound like at the very least. Meets are better; not only will headphones be properly driven (most likely) but you will also get experienced help firsthand. Of course you will also likely encounter high-end megabuck rigs that will make you want to get more into the hobby than you ever thought possible. Listening to a properly driven Omega 2 or HE90 for the first time is a real eye-opener.

Failing that, I'd take advantage of the F/S forums and buy used so you don't stand to lose money by swapping gear. The forums aren't quite what they used to be in terms of etiquette and safety so you do have to be careful as to who you're buying from, but established members with good reputation and feedback should be a safe bet.

 

[pwnm30rdi3]

Quote:

Originally Posted by catscratch /img/forum/go_quote.gif High-end stores will often have headphone sections where you can listen to stuff. I doubt they'll be very well driven but you will get an idea of what they sound like at the very least. Meets are better; not only will headphones be properly driven (most likely) but you will also get experienced help firsthand. Of course you will also likely encounter high-end megabuck rigs that will make you want to get more into the hobby than you ever thought possible. Listening to a properly driven Omega 2 or HE90 for the first time is a real eye-opener. Failing that, I'd take advantage of the F/S forums and buy used so you don't stand to lose money by swapping gear. The forums aren't quite what they used to be in terms of etiquette and safety so you do have to be careful as to who you're buying from, but established members with good reputation and feedback should be a safe bet.

That's how i got my ultrasones, they had a defect that the seller fixed for me and sent in my headphones a month later to get me new ones he was extremely helpful!
I can see how people are trying to scam, especially in this economy.

 

[aimlink]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwnm30rdi3 /img/forum/go_quote.gif So should i get the Amp and keep my current Ultrasone Pro 900s or get the Amp and the RS-1s? I never thought an Amp did much quality enhancing wise, unless you listen to the high quality jazz genre. When listening to rock i didn't know there was much to enhance in my mind it all starts blend together because of all instruments playing. Feel free to correct me? I'm just a noob looking for some nice classy headphones.

The same argument could be used for the headphones.

I'd also recommend amp'ing for a pair of cans that you're investing so much in. You'll appreciate them that much more.

Not to worry about buying the Ultrasones. It'll still amount to important experience.

You'll need to trust your own ears and in this regard, it's important at times, to make a decision that goes with the less popular opinions here. You may well be very surprised.

There'll be a lot of varying opinions about the headphones, amps and sources here. You'll also find great cans and amps that aren't regarded highly here and yet you find are terrific. Just trust your ears.

 

[boomana]

pwnm30rdi3, where do you live? You might be able to get to a meet, and that's really the best place to audition headphones and learn about setting up rigs. Don't just rush out and buy expensive headphones. You might end up disappointed, even if the headphones are excellent. It's really about component matching and finding the best total rig for your budget and needs. If you can't get to a meet, do a lot of research.

Here's a collection of tips that might help you:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/bef...ewbies-419349/

Good luck.

 

[aimlink]

Quote:

Originally Posted by boomana /img/forum/go_quote.gif pwnm30rdi3, where do you live? You might be able to get to a meet, and that's really the best place to audition headphones, and learn about setting up rigs. Don't just rush out and buy expensive headphones. You might end up disappointed even if the headphones are excellent. It's really about component matching, and finding the best total rig for your budget and needs. If you can't get to a meet, do a lot of research. Here's a collection of tips that might help you: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/bef...ewbies-419349/ Good luck.

Just to add balance. LOL

I've never been to a meet. I've never auditioned any of the cans I purchased. I've had to limit the equipment I purchase. I'm having a wail of a time and think my system sounds grand.... to me at least.

So, there's the ideal... but don't for a second feel crippled or that you can't enjoy yourself without some of the opportunities others here enjoy... ?? to their detriment????

..... I mean... "sorry about your wallet'" is the slogan here.

 

[boomana]

Getting to meets is great, only if you're lucky enough to find one in your area. If not possible, just do your research and take the plunge. Sometimes finding out what you like and don't like is the best part of the hobby.

 

[pwnm30rdi3]

I live in Indianapolis, IN...