Recommendation for full sized headphones!

[definitelydan 0]

Hi, as per thread title.

 

Im looking for a pair of full sized headphones, budget around or below $1000. I used to own a pair of Grado SR80is but i sold them the moment i got my UE TF10s.. so i guess im more inclined towards the sound signature of UE..

 

Looking for a pair of headphones cos i get ear-ache after prolongued use of my TF10s.. no idea why though.. saw a doctor but he couldnt find anything wrong with my hearing/ear whatsoever.. so i dont know if its the fit.. im using them with comply foams.

 

I havent had much experience with full sized headphones other than my Grados and a pair of Koss Portapros.. any recommendations??

 

PS: if the headphones require amplification please recommend a suitable amp too!

 

My current setup: ipod classic + LOD Fiio e5.. looking to upgrade my amp if i get a proper full sized headphone..

 

I love clarity.. not really a basshead. Love the separation of instruments. Great fan of soundstage (Hotel california!) Love vocals (beyonce, alicia keys) Occasional jazz/mambo (buble/rosemary clooney). Not a huge fan of rap and hard rock.

 

Thanks for your suggestions! And if possible give me a ballpark figure of the price of the headphones + amp (if one is needed)

[tiramisu515 0]

Hi, as per thread title.

 

Im looking for a pair of full sized headphones, budget around or below $1000. I used to own a pair of Grado SR80is but i sold them the moment i got my UE TF10s.. so i guess im more inclined towards the sound signature of UE..

 

Looking for a pair of headphones cos i get ear-ache after prolongued use of my TF10s.. no idea why though.. saw a doctor but he couldnt find anything wrong with my hearing/ear whatsoever.. so i dont know if its the fit.. im using them with comply foams.

 

I havent had much experience with full sized headphones other than my Grados and a pair of Koss Portapros.. any recommendations??

 

PS: if the headphones require amplification please recommend a suitable amp too!

 

My current setup: ipod classic + LOD Fiio e5.. looking to upgrade my amp if i get a proper full sized headphone..

 

I love clarity.. not really a basshead. Love the separation of instruments. Great fan of soundstage (Hotel california!) Love vocals (beyonce, alicia keys) Occasional jazz/mambo (buble/rosemary clooney). Not a huge fan of rap and hard rock.

 

Thanks for your suggestions! And if possible give me a ballpark figure of the price of the headphones + amp (if one is needed)

 

 

with $1000 budget, you can get quiet a decent set up.

 

For headphones, I suggest you buy from amazon.com and have delivered by vpost. Even with shipping cost, you still save quiet a substantial amount. I save more than $200 getting a beyerdynamic dt-900 600 ohm. It is safe and reliable. I didn't buy insurance and received my headphone promptly. U can track the shipment process and vpost deliver right to your dooorstep.

 

As for headphone, based on your music preference, I suggest beyer DT-880 (600 ohm). It cost about $550 if purchase in Singapore shop. at amazon, it will cost you about S$345 plus about S$28 after $20 discount if you are first time user of vpost. total about S$373 only. The DT-880s are exceptional headphones. With good balance, clarity, neutral sounding, without bassy sounding. Great soundstage! the 600ohm is better compared to the 250ohm. it's less harsh at the high, smoother, greater detail but need more voltage to drive the phones, so need a higher voltage amp to drive it.

 

Next you will an amp to drive your 600ohm headphone. I recommend a tube amp such as the well tested, cannot go wrong, Little Dot Mk IV SE (special edition). Will cost you about $665 if you order with little dot direct via email/online. This special edition mk IV uses high end component and tubes. This amp will drive your phone without any problem being a OTL design. There are many great reviews on this amp. Well documented . So you can safely buy this amp. Good amp to have.

 

Another amp to look out for is the Sciit Valhalla which will arrive in Singapore in a weeks time I think. It will probably cost under $600 for the promotion period. like the little dot Mk IV SE, it is a OTL tube design and will drive the beyer dt 880 600 ohm with problem. There is a local agent in Singapore, so you will have local support. Comes with 5 years warranty. That's great!.

 

Tubes are more interesting. I am sure you will like it too. Just don't be afraid to try. You will enjoy it and have some fun along the way. can experiment with different tubes too.

 

With both headphone and amp, you are almost 1k budget, with some balance, get yourself some decent cable.

 

you wanted a recommendation, this is my recommendation, and you can't go wrong. Even if you don't like it, there is good after market resale value for these well established models.

 

Enjoy your journey! Keep us updated yah?

 

 

 

[okw3188 0]

Hi, may I ask where can I listen to the Sciit Valhalla amp, thanks!

[leezhunjin 0]

Just my 2 cents,

There are lots of comments that the Beyer 600 ohm and 250 ohm is very similar, so there is an option choose to get the 250 ohm which is easier to drive.

I think the Beyer dt990 has recessed mids so coming from a UE sound signature, it might annoy you a bit like it annoyed me. Can't comment on the DT880 as i didn't really try it out.

I currently have a K701, HD650 and a DT990 now, and the DT990 is sitting in my cupboard because i didn't like the mids.

You could go to Jaben near City hall MRT to test all the headphones there and see what you like.