hellzigha Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 (edited) Hi guys, I am looking for some advice on starting a head hi setup. Budget is $1200 for both. These are some of my questions - brand new or second hand? I feel used would be better, as I can still test the waters and see if I like this whole headphone thing or not. - is there any specs that I have to match between the headphones and amp i.e impedance etc - which should I buy first, the cans or the amp? I am looking at an amp/ dac combo. Less boxes the better I would appreciate any recommendations on combos or even on one you want to sell. lets consider this an advice /wanted to buy topic. Cheers Edited February 15, 2017 by hellzigha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwhouston Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 As you know in hifi you can spend any amount on any component. For phones $400 to $800 will get you a good pair. I have Senhieser 700s wich are open back and really excellent. I got them the new on eBay. At the $400 mark Beyerdynamic 400 pros (closed back) are excellent. I have both the 250ohm and 32ohm version. I feel the 250ohm version sound better and have softer more natural bands. I build head hone amps so I need both to test different loadings. I also have audio-Technica AD700 Airs. I feel any of the other two I have suggested may be better. Agin these are around the $400 mark. Buy new, they are cheap enough. I have some portable triode headphone amps ready to go if interested very, very cheap. PM me if interested Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hellzigha Posted February 15, 2017 Author Share Posted February 15, 2017 Hi mw, Thanks for the suggestions. I have tried searching for beyerdynamic 400 and nothing seems to come up. Have you got a link or a suggestion where I can have a look ? I am interested in your amps. Do you think they would be suitable for a Hifiman 400s, the planar ones? Thanks Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwhouston Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 Silly me: https://www.amazon.com/Beyerdynamic-770-PRO-250-ohms/dp/B0006NL5SM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saxon Hall Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 You need to sort a few things out first. Headphones Open back? There are considered superior by the majority but generally leak the most sound Close back? More suitable if likely to be listening when other people are around due to less sound leakage Over Ear? Generally more comfortable, but larger On Ear? Less bulky, less dorky looking,less comfortable All these things are relevant irrespective of what brand you choose. Obviously, depending on your choice, will determine the suitable Amp/DAC combo I would do as much research as you can before committing to purchase. You have a good budget so if you choose wisely there is no reason you cannot come up with a very satisfactory set up. I have visited Addicted To Audio several times to audition many different combinations and I found it to be an excellent way of deciding. You just cannot beat trying before buying Obviously this is not an option for people that live out of big cities, so this is not relevant for everyone sadly. Good luck on your journey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rf1963 Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 as above, try out some phones if you can ,a good fit is as important as sound ,head size and ear size effect comfort and fit 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hellzigha Posted February 16, 2017 Author Share Posted February 16, 2017 Saxon hall- that sounds like good advice. I think there is a store nearby me that has got a decent range of headphones. I'll head out tomorrow and let you guys know. rf1963 - never thought of that. Assumed one size fits all.. makes sense. Cheers Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hellzigha Posted February 17, 2017 Author Share Posted February 17, 2017 So I dropped by Jaben ( headphone store in Perth. Had a listen to the Audeze LCD 2, just to get a feel of what an open back sounds like. I could consider this even if the budget is stretched a little. What caught my eye and ears was the Final audio design Pandora vi- closed back, easy to drive and sounds great. It was about $900. Itself comfortable but a little heavier than the Audeze. In my opinion ,it has a nice tight bass in comparison with the Audeze. All this demo-ed via a Chord Mojo, which is a very impressive device. I will be getting a Mojo for sure. Fortunately , the owner was extremely helpful and was not pushy. We started from the beginning on what I was wanting, what I was used to and what I should expect. Nice experience. I still need to have a listen again today. Will update post. Cheers 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
expat Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 If you've got a good feeling for the shop and owner, stick with them. That relationship is vital and will pay dividends longterm when you inevitably go back for the Hifiman HE1000's, Audeze LCD3's.... Keith 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundfan Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 On Saturday, 18 February 2017 at 8:33 AM, hellzigha said: So I dropped by Jaben ( headphone store in Perth. Had a listen to the Audeze LCD 2, just to get a feel of what an open back sounds like. I could consider this even if the budget is stretched a little. What caught my eye and ears was the Final audio design Pandora vi- closed back, easy to drive and sounds great. It was about $900. Itself comfortable but a little heavier than the Audeze. In my opinion ,it has a nice tight bass in comparison with the Audeze. All this demo-ed via a Chord Mojo, which is a very impressive device. I will be getting a Mojo for sure. Fortunately , the owner was extremely helpful and was not pushy. We started from the beginning on what I was wanting, what I was used to and what I should expect. Nice experience. I still need to have a listen again today. Will update post. Cheers Did you have a chance to listen to Final Audio Sonorous III cans? Not sure they had them in stock, but around $400 cheaper than the Pandora VI. A very nice set of closed headphones, and they are very easy to drive too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wolster Posted March 2, 2017 Share Posted March 2, 2017 I would also consider checking out Headphonic. They have been Perth's main headphone outlet for years and have a 20 day trial/exchange period. I have always had good service there. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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