[Asr]

The DT880 is looking like a strong contender, how does it stack up against the K501/K701 and HD580?

Ultrasone? How much does one run for? If less than $500, it's possible I'd bite.

 

[fewtch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asr The DT880 is looking like a strong contender, how does it stack up against the K501/K701 and HD580?

IMO it's better than the HD580 and K501... haven't heard the K701, but the consensus seems to be that it's better than the DT880. Of course "better" is always a matter of opinion, which you like more will be up to your ears.

 

[Asr]

Am I going to need an amp upgrade if I want to get a Grado, Orpheus, MS1, DT880, K501, or HD580? They all seem like higher-end, more demanding cans than my K271S....

 

[iSleipnir]

I'd say a grado, or an open can like the hd6XX dt880 or K701

 

[skyline889]

For headphones under $2000 here's what you need, two from all the big players

, mind you, you still need a to sell a kidney to afford all of this but that's why god gave you two of 'em right?

-AKG K1000 Balanced Black Dragon
-AKG K701
-Audio Technica ATH-W2002 Japan
-Audio Technica ATH-L3000 Balanced Silver Dragon
-Beyerdynamic DT770 Darth Beyer
-Beyerdynamic DT880 Darth Beyer
-Grado Labs Alessandro MS-Pro
-Grado Labs HP1
-Sennheiser HD650 Woodied Balanced SAA Equinox
-Sennheiser HD595 Cardas Balanced
-Sony MDR-SA5000 w/recable
-Sony MDR-HP3000

That'll keep you satisfied for a long time, now lets move on to amps...

For us normal people, all around $500 or less;

-AKG K701
-Audio Technica ATH-W1000
-Beyerdynamic DT880 Darth Beyer
-Grado RS1 (used)
-Sennheiser HD650 w/recable
-Sony MDR-SA5000

 

[Alex M]

Quote:

Originally Posted by skyline889 For headphones under $2000 here's what you need, two from all the big players , mind you, you still need a to sell a kidney to afford all of this but that's why god gave you two of 'em right? -AKG K1000 Balanced Black Dragon -AKG K701 -Audio Technica ATH-W2002 Japan -Audio Technica ATH-L3000 Balanced Silver Dragon -Beyerdynamic DT770 Darth Beyer -Beyerdynamic DT880 Darth Beyer -Grado Labs Alessandro MS-Pro -Grado Labs HP1 -Sennheiser HD650 Woodied Balanced SAA Equinox -Sennheiser HD595 Cardas Balanced -Sony MDR-SA5000 w/recable -Sony MDR-HP3000 That'll keep you satisfied for a long time, now lets move on to amps... For us normal people, all around $500 or less; -AKG K701 -Audio Technica ATH-W1000 -Beyerdynamic DT880 Darth Beyer -Grado RS1 (used) -Sennheiser HD650 w/recable -Sony MDR-SA5000

Great list, but it misses IEMs - essential for portable listening. I would add Ultimate Ears UE10 to the top list and Ety ER4P to the bottom.

 

[themick]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asr The DT880 is looking like a strong contender, how does it stack up against the K501/K701 and HD580? Ultrasone? How much does one run for? If less than $500, it's possible I'd bite.

Any model in the Ultrasone line is less than 500. The most expensive is $399 USD. They have several different models from portable to full on audiophile. A good starting point might be the HFI-700. Its a great closed, circumaural headphone. Nice controlled bass, good detail and doesn't require an amp. It goes for about 249.

 

[socrates63]

Quote:

Originally Posted by skyline889 For us normal people, all around $500 or less; -AKG K701 -Audio Technica ATH-W1000 -Beyerdynamic DT880 Darth Beyer -Grado RS1 (used) -Sennheiser HD650 w/recable -Sony MDR-SA5000

I like this list as it represents the basic approach I've taken -- a good can from all the major manufacturers.

 

[MdRex]

You are lacking gradoes!!!!

MORE GRADOESSSSSS

*rabid fanboy foams*