[acameron56]

Hey, so I own the Equation RP-21's and while I am very happy with them, I think it may be time to upgrade. I am looking for phones that have good bass and isolation, but have a cleaner and larger sound and hopefully some nice highs. I listen to most types of music, but mainly rock, electronica, ska and jpop. I do not want to spend any more than a $300, much preferably lower than that. What would some possible upgrades be?

 

[acameron56]

bump

 

[boomy3555]

The beyer DT880's are just over your price range and the Denon AHD2000's are pushing it. Oh I know, Audiotechnica ATH A-700's for closed cans or AD700's for open configuration.
I've only tried the Grado GS1000's and the sound signature is different from thier little brothers but I know many people that would recommend the SR325's. the "Fun" Grados

 

[acameron56]

Ya, unless I can find a good deal on used DT880's, they are too expensive, and I was looking at grados, but they're open and they don't have enough bass for me...atleast the low end ones that I have tried didn't. What about the DT990? Would I need a dedicated amp to drive them, right now I'm using my x-fi gamer as a source?

 

[boomy3555]

You would need an amp for the 990's. I preffered the 2005 250 ohm, Not the pros. The Bass is a little less controled on the 990's than on the 880's but both the 880's and 990's are "Open" The DT770's 80 ohm would be a nice closed option. Any S/S or hybrid would work well.

 

[acameron56]

I've actually been reading up on the AH-D2000's and I like what I see. I guess I would need an amp for those as well?

 

[boomy3555]

The Denons are all surprising cans right out of the box the the AHD2000's are the MODS FOTM. So many things you can do to them.

 

[acameron56]

Now the real challenge though, finding someone in Canada willing to let them go

. Also, I've never had to consider an amp before, any cheapish ones that might work well with the AHD2000's?

 

[lucky]

Buy the headphone first, then the amp. If you're going to buy the phone anyway, why not see how it sounds on gear you already have?

 

[acameron56]

Good point, but I might still want to know some amps, just in case a nice deal turns up

 

[boomy3555]

I think SS/Tube hybrids are the wave of the future (Head-Direct EF1 299.00 US) because you get the technological advances of the SS but the colour and warmth of the tubes. and "Tube Rolling" (switching) is said to really change things. But first off give yourself some time with the stock cans right from your source. The Denons may show you things in your source that you can improve first before your amp comes alongs and hides them with it's own Colour.