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Hey all.
Back into audio after far too long - I'm realizing that my main system hardly gets any use, and I'd probably get more listening time if I had a little setup in my office. I've decided to go with a Schiit DAC, and I'm currently looking at schematics for some kind of a tube amp to build (probably with triodes, because I'm difficult :-p)
I can't go with open cans, unfortunately, but I was wondering if there's any kind of consensus for what I should be looking at in the under-$500 range in sealed/closed ones. Amplification requirements are obviously flexible, I'll build whatever is needed.
Thanks in advance!
Follow Ups:
I have the Audio Technica ATH M50's, V-Moda M100's, House of Marley Exodus, and the Sennheiser Momentum (over ear).
The Sennheiser Momentum's sound is far and away the most truthful with near perfect balance. They along with the V-moda, are also the lightest and most comfortable. One caveat; If you have large ears the Sennheiser will be a tight squeeze. If your looking for "cool cans"; Then it's the V-Moda hands down!
If you listen to a lot of rock, then the V-Moda 100's are a guilty pleasure as they do the tightest, lowest, and hardest hitting bass I have ever heard while still maintaining good balace.
I picked up my Sennheiser's online at Best Buy for $259, and I paid the same for the V- Moda's.
All are a easy load to drive for a portable device, but will really shine with a little extra juice.
Watch the Tyll Herstens review Gunengo referenced.
Good luck.......
I was a vegetarian for 15 minutes, until the main course.......Meat; It's the right thing to do. Romans 14:2
I second the second! Recently got a pair of refurbished Momentums from an Amazon seller for $165 with full warranty. As far as I could tell, these were new phones in their original packaging, nothing wrong with them.
I drive them with a Schiit Bifrost DAC (with Uber analog upgrade) and a Schiit Asgard Class A headphone amp. They are accurate over the treble and midrange with a slight bass boost. Very detailed. I use them for monitoring soundtracks when editing video and for listening to music.
Yes, the Momentums really are remarkable 'phones. I also like the way they look and feel. Paired with an amp that compliments their tonal balance they are fun to listen to all day long. But, you right in that those with elephant ears need not apply....
I have the NAD HP50 closed headphones at $300 and these are quite good. They are quite spacious sounding for closed headphones. They are mostly comfortable for me, but fit is one of the unfortunate variables of headphone buying. They have an altogether unfortunate styling and I'm not sure what species they had in mind when designing the headband.
Were you able to spend up to $600, I'd definitely consider the Mr. Speakers Alpha Dog. I haven't heard these, but there are some intriguing reviews online. Definitely has captured my interest.
I wouldn't rule out the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x at less than $200. I've had the M50's for years and have used them at work (open cubicles). Good isolation, fair comfort, and decent sound. Overall (sound and comfort) the NADs are better for me, but the M50s have been dependably enjoyable over the years.
Neither the NADs or the M50x require dedicated amplification. However an amplifier can tighten and clarify the bass just a bit -- at least with SS amps. Other course, a nice tube amp could really give more space and liquidity to the sound and that is not to be discounted. As an example, the M50's have very little to no sense of space -- but in the past when I paired them with a big push-pull 7591 amplifier (a vintage Fisher) the sense of space became positively vast. So the spatial characteristics can be completely changed with the right amp.
Also in this price range you could get Custom in ear monitors. Not for everyone, but the custom molds are comfortable and the level of sound is striking. Just a thought.
$600 wouldn't be out of the question.
I love the looks of those Alpha Dogs...may have to do a little bit more reading :) Thanks!
Sennheiser Momentum circumaural version.Easy to drive, wonderful well balanced sound, classy looks and build quality. MSRP is $379, $279 shipped from Amazon, $200 shipped for the pair listed in the AA classifieds.
Edits: 10/21/14 10/22/14
Those Senns look interesting.
Anyone have any negatives about the Beyer DT250s? They're not much in the aesthetics department, but I've found a few mini-cults over at Head-Fi for them :-p
Would love to just get a pair of DT880s or Grados and be done with it, but I think my neighbors might start leaving reminders of their displeasure...
The Beyers have gotten good reviews in the past and although I have not heard them myself they are said to have, like most Beyer headphones, a sound signature that you'll either love or hate.Another sealed headphone to consider is the AKG K550 which sold for under $300 in many places. The K550s look nice, they fold up, and are built like a tank. Paired with a dynamic sounding amp the sound is quite good.
Edits: 10/22/14
I only use closed when I have to. I found the BeyerDynamic DT660 to be adequate. It's a little bright (like my Grado) but has a little bit of sub-bass.
I owned the D7000 and found it to have a U shaped frequency response, that is, some really good sub-bass, pretty decent highs and a very subdued mid-range.
2 cents.
"If people don't want to come, nothing will stop them" - Sol Hurok
If you can find 'em NOS or used, any of the good Denon's - AHD2000, AHD5000. Best closed cans I've heard, (I'm a closed can guy) short of the new Fostex Closed units, which are wayyy more money - Fostex made the 2000 and 5000 for Denon.
Don't know anything about newer model Denons.
Check head-fi.org and theheadphonelist.com for suggestions if you can't find the 2000 / 5000, they come up on head-fi (and elsewhere) fairly often, used.
Have fun!
K701, used HD650, etc.
Observe, before you think. Think before you open your yap. Act on the basis of experience.
Mr. Speakers Mad Dogs or Alpha Dogs
Alan
K701 and HD650 are open-back phones, guy says he wants closed-back (sealed) 'phones...
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