[Naim.F.C]

As the title suggests, only thing is, I have an Amazon UK giftcard so I'm limited to buying from Amazon only. Based on what they sell, what would you guys recommend for use with the sound card?
 
Currently using the HD555 and whilst it's good, I want something with more detail, clarity and punch. My SE530's whilst definitely better are just a bit of a pain to put on every time. Not the most comfortable for prolonged gaming sessions either.
 
Budget is £100 to £450.
 
Main one I've got my eye on is the Sony MDR Z1000. How do people find these? Especially compared to the HD555's.
 
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-MDRZ1000-Professional-Studio-Headphones/dp/B004MPQ828/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1308533122&sr=1-2
 
Any other recommendations? Are the Beats Pro Studio's a big no no?
 
Thanks.

 

[Naim.F.C]

These AKG K702's look decent as well.
 
http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B001RCD2DW/sr=1-50/qid=1308533668/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1308533668&sr=1-50&seller=
 
Or these Beyerdynamic DT 880.
 
http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B0024NK358/sr=1-61/qid=1308533711/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1308533711&sr=1-61&seller=

 

[Naim.F.C]

No advice? I'm almost considering just pulling the trigger on some Shute SE535's instead lol.

 

[185717]

Shure SRH840???

 

[theeyealtering]

These AKG K702's look decent as well.
 
http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B001RCD2DW/sr=1-50/qid=1308533668/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1308533668&sr=1-50&seller=
 
Or these Beyerdynamic DT 880.
 
http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B0024NK358/sr=1-61/qid=1308533711/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1308533711&sr=1-61&seller=

That sound card doesn't have the juice for these choices.

If you want something along those lines the ATH-AD900 will run great out of an ST.

 

[Naim.F.C]

Are you sure? From my understanding they have ample power to run them? Bare in mind, I listen to my earphones/headphones at very low volumes compared to most. I have very sensitive ears.
 
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These AKG K702's look decent as well.
 
http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B001RCD2DW/sr=1-50/qid=1308533668/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1308533668&sr=1-50&seller=
 
Or these Beyerdynamic DT 880.
 
http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B0024NK358/sr=1-61/qid=1308533711/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1308533711&sr=1-61&seller=

That sound card doesn't have the juice for these choices.

If you want something along those lines the ATH-AD900 will run great out of an ST.
 

 

 

[theeyealtering]

Are you sure? From my understanding they have ample power to run them? Bare in mind, I listen to my earphones/headphones at very low volumes compared to most. I have very sensitive ears.
 


 

Yes, I'm absolutely sure. I have the STX and a K702. It sounds like crap straight out of the soundcard. The AD900 actually sounds better. Once I hook up my amp though... whoa!

It's not about volume. You can get the volume. It's that the bass sounds hollow and the vocals sound like they are underwater.

Don't listen to all the garbage on the box about it being able to drive up to 600ohm headphones.

 

[Naim.F.C]

Ok well I appreciate your posts. I'm actually considering buying an SE535 and just using that for games. At least that way I can use it with my iPhone on the tube etc as well for portable listening. Can's just seem like they're more geared towards amp use towards the high end.
 
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Are you sure? From my understanding they have ample power to run them? Bare in mind, I listen to my earphones/headphones at very low volumes compared to most. I have very sensitive ears.
 


 

Yes, I'm absolutely sure. I have the STX and a K702. It sounds like crap straight out of the soundcard. The AD900 actually sounds better. Once I hook up my amp though... whoa!

It's not about volume. You can get the volume. It's that the bass sounds hollow and the vocals sound like they are underwater.

Don't listen to all the garbage on the box about it being able to drive up to 600ohm headphones.
 

 

 

[theeyealtering]

Ok well I appreciate your posts. I'm actually considering buying an SE535 and just using that for games. At least that way I can use it with my iPhone on the tube etc as well for portable listening. Can's just seem like they're more geared towards amp use towards the high end.
 


 

Fair enough.

But not all good headphones really need an amp. Like I said, the ATH-AD900 are very good from an STX. The same would go for Grados and the Shure SRH440 or SRH840.

 

[Ra97oR]

The Essence is a great source, but the headphone amp on it is just not good at all. I did run it on its headphone amp for a while before, and my headphones connected to the RCA jacks with modded opamps sounds much better than from the headphone amp on it. I think if you have a budget of £450, a Q/K701/2 with an amp like Matrix M Stage will be far better than ST headphone out to a more expensive phone. K701 is a total bargain for its sound if you are not a basshead.

 

[marts30]

AD900 for Sure. Running that combo myself, my favourite.
 
(have ms pros and shure 940s too)

 

[schwallman]

I have a modded xfi music, would the essence atleast be better than the xfi? I did a few mods to it and while its not the greatest card it does ok with most of my music.

 

[Naim.F.C]

Well, I had an X-Fi XtremeMusic before. The ST is definitely an upgrade. Sonically it is better, a bit clearer and more lively, but the software isn't as easy to use or intuitive imo. 
Quote:

I have a modded xfi music, would the essence atleast be better than the xfi? I did a few mods to it and while its not the greatest card it does ok with most of my music.

 

 

[theeyealtering]

AD900 for Sure. Running that combo myself, my favourite.

The AD900 is really an incredibly good deal when you think that it is such a versatile and great sounding headphone and doesn't need amp to sound it. Great price too.

If I had to get rid of all my gear, the AD900 would be the phone I would keep.

 

[marts30]

Quote:

Quote:

AD900 for Sure. Running that combo myself, my favourite.

The AD900 is really an incredibly good deal when you think that it is such a versatile and great sounding headphone and doesn't need amp to sound it. Great price too.

If I had to get rid of all my gear, the AD900 would be the phone I would keep.

Exactly the same feeling.