[sugarroo]

Hi everyone.

just to start off...i've got the bug and my wallet is going to hate you all...

i'm just starting out and want to start with a decent set of headphones, after a bit of research, I've narrowed it down to the Grado SR60, Allesandro MS1 and the HD 497. What do you suggest?

I'm also thinking about getting a small entry level amp. any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[sgdevil]

Those are all great entry points. Value wise, you can't really get much better of a deal than these 3 cans. Most people will agree that MS1 is easily the best of the bunch, but then again it's the most expensive. SR60 and MS1 are similar sounding, but as before MS1 is prolly as good of a value as the SR60. The HD497 is different sounding, less suited for rock. Basically, if you like rock and the bass impact, go with the SR60 or MS1. If you listen to classical or more varied music, the choice is a little more difficult (between HD497 and MS1).

edit: i'm assumign you can get the US SR60 price (70 USD). If you can't, just choose between the MS1 and 497

 

[saturnine]

I've owned all three, and the MS-1 is noticeably better in all areas than the HD-497 & SR-60 (well, SR-60 & MS-1 are equal in comfort). The HD-497 is uncomfortable (IMO), and is hard to find these days as it has been discontinued. The SR-60 is good, but the treble can be painful with certain recordings and I felt the bass was lacking. The MS-1 is kinda balanced, and has some serious bass impact and clear yet non-fatiguing highs. MS-1 FTW

(EVERYTHING IMO. Your ears might hear differently.)

 

[watchluvr4ever]

I'd say get MS1's or Grado SR-80's. Most people from what I read like the MS1's more because they are more neutral and possibly have a more refined sound than the SR-80's. I had the SR-80's and I loved them but it wasn't long till I got bit by the upgrade bug. I now have Sennheiser 595's and on the way are Grado SR-325's.

 

[sugarroo]

awesome...

thanks for the replies

as for amps i think i'm looking at the x3 or the pa2v2

which setup in your opinion.

i've never really had good earphones so i have no idea what i'm listening to

thanks

 

[b-sides]

currently with ttvj selling the hd497s for $40, i'd say they have by far the best price/performance ratio of any can under $100 atm. i found the SR60s to be harsh and fatiguing, and i prefer the smoother and more relaxed sound of the senns. granted, i don't listen to a lot of hard rock.

 

[jagorev]

The x^3 is a better amp than the PA2V2. The HD 497 is, imho, a better and more well-rounded headphone than the other two.

 

[dhp]

HD497s are too ugly in my honest opinion... even uglier than the SR-60s

 

[jagorev]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieInAFire HD497s are too ugly in my honest opinion... even uglier than the SR-60s

Well, this is head-fi, you know...I hope that's not a consideration.

I actually like the space-agey looks.

 

[sugarroo]

how is the x^3 better, and how much better?

is it worth the price difference?

thanks

 

[CLum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieInAFire HD497s are too ugly in my honest opinion... even uglier than the SR-60s

I agree. They would look a lot better if they were black.

 

[milkpowder]

I say MS-1. Save up for RSA Hornet/AE-1/Supermacro.