2. misc-audio
  3. 1294182831

Headphone/Amp Combo for under $800

Hi All,

Headphone newbie here. I've bought a lot of hi-end audio equipment over the years, but never a set of phones. I'm looking for a neutral (free from boosted bass/treble) sounding headphone/amp combo for use mainly with music, and some TV. I listen to a vareity of music, including singer/songwriter, folk, rock, classical, acoustic, and jazz. I am willing to spend about $800 or so (maybe a bit more) for the combination. The amp will be fed from the line-out from a Tact RCS 2.2XP preamp (it doesn't have a tape-out) or possibly a digital out if the headphone amp has a D/A converter.

I've done a bunch of research, but is quite daunting and I don't have anywhere nearby to audition them. I don't know a lot about the different amps around and what are good headphone/amp combinations so thought I'd solicit opinions here. I definitely prefer a more neutral sound free from artificial bass spikes or elevated treble, which I find very fatiguing. I also would like a nice soundstage, and maybe and a mid-level presentation (not too forward or distant). I think I'd prefer around-the ear over on-the-ear phones, but am open to open or closed back. I am open to all the usual headphone suspects including Sennheiser, AKG, Audio Technica, Grado, Beyer, etc.

I would appreciate any feedback on headphone/amp combos that might qualify for the price point.

Thanks much in advance!
smeyers

Showing 1 response by reubent

reubent
7,078 posts
 
From your description, it sounds like you are describing the Sennheiser HD650. I just got a pair for Christmas and I really like them. I find them to be pretty neutral with very good, but not overpowering bass. They are also very much non-fatiguing IMHO. I'm very sensitive to boomy bass and hot treble and I can listen to the HD650s for hours without fatigue.

I'm currently just using a NuForce Icon as head amp/DAC as I had one laying around. It works great. However, do some reading over on the Head-Fi site and you will get lots of other recommendations for headphone amps to use with the HD650s.

I bought my pair over on the big auction site. There is a seller there who sells lots of them (new, in retail box) for a great price.

Also, according to the folks on Head-Fi forum, you can do lots of mods to increase the performance, if you want. Many folks remove foam, re-cable, convert to balanced operation, etc. and generally tweak the heck out of them. For now, I'm perfectly content and don't plan to do anything to mine. I'm just enjoying listening to them.

Enjoy,

TIC
More to discover