Where to go first.

[TheChemist]

Here's the deal. I'm going to be getting new headphones in the next month or so - but on a limited budget. I have a Cowon X5 30GB coming in soon. My budget is $100 or less.

Now my question is: should I go for some used IEMs (ie ER6i), or go for something more along the lines of Grado SR60/SR80? Right now I have Sony EX71-SLs and a Sony MDR-V6 (the V6 is a hand me down from my dad, probably more than 20 years old - and not in very good shape)?

I listen to lots of different stuff, and I find the EX-71s a bit too bass-heavy, but not too bad. I don't have an amp at this point.

So, for just getting into the game, what direction should I head?

 

[socrates63]

You should provide some details on how you plan to use your DAP. Do you need isolation? Plan on walking around with them when you listen?

But just for suggestion sake, for $100, you could get both the ER6i and KSC75 (if you like SR60 sound, these sound very like them). That'll cover you for both isolation and non-isolation situations.

 

[TheChemist]

Well, if I got the 6i's I'd use them in conjunction with the 71s, depending on the situation. But overall, I do a lot of listening with my DAP at home, since its my only source of music alongside my computer.


*And when I mentioned the SR60s, I was merely referring that general price point, I haven't actually had the chance to try any out yet. But I like my highs more than my lows, in general.

**And I just finished testing out the old MDR-V6s. Not only does the mini adapter make the whole plug about seven feet long, but it doesn't get much of a connection with the larger plug. >_<