Surprisingly, headphones offer even better sound than speakers in some ways. The best sound can be had from a dedicated headphone amp rather than the usual chip amp from a receiver installed as an afterthought.
|
What will you use to play them and what kind of music do you like? |
I have a pair of Grado SR80e Prestige Series ($99 from Amazon) and I really like the sound, good idea to replace the pads with the thicker version.
|
For under a hundred bucks, go with Grado. |
Another vote for the Grado cans
|
|
Thanks to all for your thoughts. I will be using them with a Magnum MD-208 and maybe a small Nakamichi system I listen mainly to classic Jazz and female vocals (standards/Jazz). |
Like the Grados, too. I have the 60 and the 80. Too bad about the pads and foam, though. Jeez o flip! Was Joe Grado deaf? Solution: Deep six the pads and foam AND THE GRILLS. Twice as good!
|
|
Joe Grado was hardly deaf.....he sang for the Met in NY. ....he also drove around in a Lambo.....couldn’t miss him in Westfield, NJ.
To the original question.....I strongly recommend getting a dedicated headphone amp for your purchase. All too often the headphone out on recievers et al is just an afterthought.
oops, I wrote this already....
|
Thanks for the responses. I missed where any post said he was deaf. But he did die in 2015.
|
I would get Grado SR225, $100 more but much better, this is Grado's best value, after that you jump straight to $700 RS-1. Yeah, headphone amp too, there are some for about $100.
|
AKG though they tend to be a little light in the bass ( at all price ranges ) |
Again, thanks to all of you for your time and consideration. J.D. |
Yeah, I've been using Grado 225 for a few years, mostly with computer. I had 80 before and I heard 60. I am also very familiar with RS -1. Wanted to upgrade to them but spent the audiophile money on something else. But I'll get them. |
Jusk make sure you know that Grados have no isolation whatsoever. You need to listen in a quiet room, just like with your speakers. I have a pair of G1000i and they're great. |
Another thing about Grados, at least the SR-60 and SR-80, removing the horrid foam ear pads results in much better sound. What is needed is some sort of thin ear-friendly material to replace the foam. I’m still looking. But, oh, the sound! Check it out, Bubba!
|
I used SR-60s for many years until they finally died, and replaced them with SR-80s that were better. After deciding to splurge by buying a pair of Audioquest phones that sounded "meh" (and were promptly returned), I bought a pair of Grado SR-325es with the groovy aluminum housing...300 bucks...astoundingly better than the 60s and 80s in absolutely every way...bass, resolution, ultimate clarity...man....The much larger "G cushion" ear pads they use on the highest cost Grados are 50 bucks, and since I don't like the standard pads on the 325s I sent off to a Chinese company that makes a "G pad" clone and they're GREAT...much better, comfy for hours, and nothing between the ear and the drivers except the thin protective skin on the phones...12 bucks or so shipped. So yeah, more clams for the 325e cans, but so much better they're absolutely worth it. |
|
I am thankful for all of your responses. It is such a part of what is wonderful about this site, and the High End Audio Hobby.
Thanks, Jim |
