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Recommendation for a headphone?

E

enyceexdanny

2[H]4U
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
2,618
I am currently thinking of purchasing the sennheiser HD-600, but I just wanted to make sure I'm making the right decision.

Should I get the HD-650 instead?

Also, is there that much difference between using just the SB audigy 2 zs soundcard vs headphone amp?

If so, which decent priced headphone amps do you guys recommend? I've been hearing about amps from X86DUDE?? I have no clue what those are.. Where can I buy them?

Please forgive me, I am a retard when it comes to pc sound. =)
 
The truth is, the HD 600 is definitely overkill for PC use, especially with a consumer-level soundcard. The addition of a dedicated headphone amp will help, but it just cannot make a mediocre digital source sound as good as the HD 600 itself is capable of.

I'm beginning to feel that you would need a $1000 full-sized component home audio source and a $500 headphone amp in order to make the HD 600 shine.
 
hmm, then what would you recommend?

Something that will sound great while being comfy on the ears.:)
 
Originally posted by enyceexdanny
hmm, then what would you recommend?

Something that will sound great while being comfy on the ears.:)
Click to expand...

The ones that are like that tend to be either too difficult for your unamped SB Audigy2 ZS soundcard to drive or too revealing of the faults with the A2 ZS's sound. Simple as that.

That said, the HD 600 will still sound good from that A2 ZS's output - but then, you'll have to ask yourself that "why doesn't it sound all that much better than a decent $100 pair of headphones?"
 
Originally posted by E4g1e
The ones that are like that tend to be either too difficult for your unamped SB Audigy2 ZS soundcard to drive or too revealing of the faults with the A2 ZS's sound. Simple as that.

That said, the HD 600 will still sound good from that A2 ZS's output - but then, you'll have to ask yourself that "why doesn't it sound all that much better than a decent $100 pair of headphones?"
Click to expand...

I am willing to buy an amp with whichever headphone if it makes such a difference.

So since the HD600's are an overkill, what would you recommend - considering the fact that I will purchase the amp if necessary.

Also, do you know any info regarding X86DUDE? I read about him in the forums, but have no clue where I can buy or the quality...

Thanks again.
 
X86Dude is someone who frequents the Audio forum here at [H]. He can build you an amp depending on what you need. He's made an amp (a mint) for me, and the build quality is pretty good. I recommend him fully for your amp needs. :D

Also, concerning headphones, have you considered any other brands? Grado headphones tend to be easily driven so you wont need an amp. The Audio-Technica A900 seems to be also easily driven. If your lucky enough to have some audio stores around where you live, you should definitely go try some out, if you havn't already done so.
 
I've heard Grados are really great, but uncomfortable.
I need something that wont irrate my ears. :rolleyes:

yeah, I need to find out if there are any audio stores around my area.

Thanks for the recommendations, I'll definitely look into the Audio-technica A900.

Anyone else? :D
 
Originally posted by enyceexdanny
hmm, then what would you recommend?

Something that will sound great while being comfy on the ears.:)
Click to expand...

Many people have already told you that the 600 and 650 need amplification. I say do not even consider the two if you don't buy a headphone amp. About the only Sennheiser in the upper echelon that doesn't require amplification is the 590...but it doesn't sound all that hot.

Having said that, there are a few good headphones that don't need a dedicated headphone amp. I would strongly recommend the Audiotechnica ATH 900(currently only available via www.audiocubes.com) or the Ultrasone 550 Beatmaster(only available via www.meier-audio.de). Ultrasone is not available in the US as the company is German based. You will need to order from Meier as he is in Germany. Audiotechnica is also not available stateside. They are a Japanese company.

If you want cans that can punch, the Ultrasones are your better bet. The ATH 900 is more well rounded. Do not be fooled by impedence. It is not always a good indicator of cans needing an amp or not. The other Ultrasones need amplification even though they are a mere 75 ohms.

EDIT: X86dude is the man for amps. I've dealt with him. He built my PPA amp. I still keep in touch with him over AIM. The quality is definitely high. He is a professional if I do say so myself.
 
The A900 is a great comp and rock phone, it gives an impact in between Grados and Senns, it's efficient and dosen't loose too much if it's unamped. It has a huge soundstage, great for picking out movement in games.

I know Eag1e doesn't like them, but in IMO the hd-590 is another good contender for the comp. Efficient enough for soundcards and really improves with an aftermarket cable. A little brighter than the 580/600/650 family, less reserved than them too. Good imaging in games.
 
If you have the money to spend and think you might get into headphone hi-fi, it wouldn't hurt to buy HD600s or 650s. They'll be great now, and better later if you invest in the rest of your system. I second the advice about not buying either of those unless you plan to buy at least SOME dedicated headphone amp. I was very impressed with the HD600, but I got to hear it with a Creek OBH-21SE amp, Cary Audio CD-308, and Nordost interconnects, so it was a very nice and not cheap system. I wouldn't expect the same quality straight out of an Audigy2. Either of these headphones is overkill for a PC system, but it does open you up to the possibility of adding a good standalone source or better amp or whatever later to improve the quality. If you buy middle of the road headphones for your PC and decide you really like headphone audio later, you'll have to buy new everything. It all depends on how serious you are about your listening, how much you're willing to spend, and what/whether you plan to upgrade down the road.
 
If you have the money to spend and think you might get into headphone hi-fi, it wouldn't hurt to buy HD600s or 650s. They'll be great now, and better later if you invest in the rest of your system.
Click to expand...
I kinda like that type of thinking.
Screw the incremental upgrades and go for the best product you can afford the first time.
Assuming they suit your tastes that is.
Figuring that part out is the trick. ;)
 
Originally posted by X86Dude
I kinda like that type of thinking.
Screw the incremental upgrades and go for the best product you can afford the first time.
Click to expand...

Then there's the incremental upgrades with the 650 too. Amp, source, cable,......then later.....a more expensive amp,source, cable plus a DAC and interconnects.....and so on.....
 
Thanks everyone for your feedback so far.

I do upgrade pretty often and I do not mind buying an amp at all.

So if I do decide to buy an amp, I should go with the HD600s' correct?

If not, the ATH 900.

Is there a big difference between the HD600s and the 650s?

Thanks again.

(by the way, is that the full forum name? X86DUDE?)
 
Originally posted by enyceexdanny


Is there a big difference between the HD600s and the 650s?

Thanks again.

(by the way, is that the full forum name? X86DUDE?)
Click to expand...

Yes on the x86dude. There's a big difference going from 600-650(besides the hundred or so bucks). There's not a big difference going from 580-600.
 
Originally posted by Harkamus
Yes on the x86dude. There's a big difference going from 600-650(besides the hundred or so bucks). There's not a big difference going from 580-600.
Click to expand...

So, do you think the hundred or so bucks is worth the upgrade to the 650s?


How comfy are those audio technica ones? If anyone has em.

Thanks again.
 
Originally posted by enyceexdanny
How do I look up?

All the functions are disabled... :D
Click to expand...

I think he meant look up this thread, cuz he posted in this thread earlier...
 
Originally posted by enyceexdanny
Is this worth it?


Also, how much is the average cost for a decent amp to drive the hd600s?
Click to expand...

Amps range from $40 to $4000 and any of those will probably drive the HD600s ok. Obviously some are better than others, so again it all depends on budget and what you're looking for. 50 bucks will get you an amp that'll work just fine with no frills, $100-$300 will get you a good entry to mid-level amp, and $300-500 will give you your choice of several high quality models.

Some of the people who SELL headphones for a living have said the difference between the 600 and 650 will only be noticeable on a multi-thousand dollar system. Others who have "traded up" from the 600s to the 650s claim the difference is clear. Of those, I've only heard the 600s so I can't say for sure whether the price difference is justified.
 
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Originally posted by Elec
Amps range from $40 to $4000 and any of those will probably drive the HD600s ok. Obviously some are better than others, so again it all depends on budget and what you're looking for. 50 bucks will get you an amp that'll work just fine with no frills, $100-$300 will get you a good entry to mid-level amp, and $300-500 will give you your choice of several high quality models.

Some of the people who SELL headphones for a living have said the difference between the 600 and 650 will only be noticeable on a multi-thousand dollar system. Others who have "traded up" from the 600s to the 650s claim the difference is clear. Of those, I've only heard the 600s so I can't say for sure whether the price difference is justified.
Click to expand...

Thanks so much for the response. =)

Well, I'm still having a hard time making a decision.. darn..
 
I thought you'd never ask....

Those headphones are gold... THey have the some anilytical sound ever, it's precision at its finest. It has surround sound placements... check out www.ultrasone.com and read up on it...

They make the least magnetic radation (if you care for your ears ;))

They have a very deep but reasonable bass sound, and the highs are just perfect!

The gaming aspect is the best, I can hear everything, I can hear where it's coming from,.

These cans also block out most outside sound, and can be worn with just one ear if you want (they curl up)

they also have expantion in mind, they are 75omh i believe, (maybe 85) which means they could use an amp if you want, but they sound find without it... your choice...

anything else you need to know? check the site then ask me, i own 2
 
Originally posted by Stormlifter
I thought you'd never ask....

Those headphones are gold... THey have the some anilytical sound ever, it's precision at its finest. It has surround sound placements... check out www.ultrasone.com and read up on it...

They make the least magnetic radation (if you care for your ears ;))

They have a very deep but reasonable bass sound, and the highs are just perfect!

The gaming aspect is the best, I can hear everything, I can hear where it's coming from,.

These cans also block out most outside sound, and can be worn with just one ear if you want (they curl up)

they also have expantion in mind, they are 75omh i believe, (maybe 85) which means they could use an amp if you want, but they sound find without it... your choice...

anything else you need to know? check the site then ask me, i own 2
Click to expand...
I am sure he wasn't asking for the marketing, just what makes them better than the hd580's or, say, the HE90's :eek:
 
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