SENNHEISER HD650 $120 off

[konakona]

Originally posted by: bigsnyder
Koss ksc-75 for $25 at Radio Shack. I got mine for $20 on sale, definitely the best $20 I have ever spent on audio equipment.
Give these a try before sinking big bucks on expensive headphones that might only be marginally better. Also the Grado Prestige
series (SR-60, SR-80, SR-125, SR-225, SR-325i) deserve consideration if you want a high-end set. The SR-60, SR-80 and SR-225
seem to be the most popular of the line.

you mention ksc-75, those are great for their price.
Not so sure if SR-325i ($295 @headroom) would spare you from "sinking big bucks" on marginally beter equipment. Even many of those grado buffs admit sr60s are virtually identical to sr80s other than the pads - not so much of an improvement really. Not like the original pads are that popular either. I tried sr-60 with the hd414 pads and they still hurt my earlobes - a HUGE ymmv moreso than their highly controversial love-or-hate sonic signature.

If SR-325i is high end, gs1000 must be a super ultra exxxtreme high end

 

[you2]

Is there really much a difference between these/kcs-75/sr-2351 and the much cheaper hd-555 (which have the advantage of working without an amp?)

 

[touchmyichi]

Originally posted by: you2
Is there really much a difference between these/kcs-75/sr-2351 and the much cheaper hd-555 (which have the advantage of working without an amp?)

Headphones are all completely different, I suggest you do some listening to them yourself and decide what fits you best. It's going to be different for everyone based on what you listen to.

I think more people on this thread should be looking into the HD580's, they're a more balanced version of the 650's and essentially the same thing as the 600's. The problem is, you need your entire system to be good. An unmodded x-fi isn't going to cut it, you're going to need a good DAC and amp to go along with it. Check out something like the Meier move, it's a really good DAC + amp for 200ish- terrific deal! Then you can get some used HD580's and have the whole thing come out to less than 400.

For you K701 people: That headphone was disappointing to me, very bland plasticy sound that I really really think you should test before buying. Their large soundstage is simply due to the drivers being so far away from your ears. I went to the international head-fi meet and the 650's fit me better on nearly every system I tried them on. Don't just let price decide these things for you.

 

[uhohs]

i just ordered k701's off ebay for $222 shipped. my poor wallet.

 

[hansmuff]

Originally posted by: touchmyichi
I think more people on this thread should be looking into the HD580's, they're a more balanced version of the 650's and essentially the same thing as the 600's. The problem is, you need your entire system to be good. An unmodded x-fi isn't going to cut it, you're going to need a good DAC and amp to go along with it. Check out something like the Meier move, it's a really good DAC + amp for 200ish- terrific deal! Then you can get some used HD580's and have the whole thing come out to less than 400.

My impressions:
My unmodded X-Fi cuts it just fine for the HD580's. Maybe not to you, but certainly to me. I do have a headphone amp and I've tried an external DAC but I could not hear any difference to a stock X-Fi.
An Audigy, in comparison, did not sound very good at all compared to the X-Fi.
The AV-710 was good, but still did not beat the X-Fi.

Of course, it's all subjective. But I say the HD580's can be driven off an X-Fi just fine and will sound awesome.