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BlueCrowned
5305
Jun 7, 2017
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If I buy these, will I need an amp/dac/something???? I don't know anything about high end headphones. Thank you
Jun 7, 2017
Vigrith
4081
Jun 7, 2017
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Jun 7, 2017
BlueCrowned
5305
Jun 7, 2017
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VigrithWhat would I need to get?
Jun 7, 2017
muggles
30
Jun 7, 2017
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BlueCrownedT50's are known for needing a lot of power. 50 ohms are likely the orignal spec. t50 mods tend to add a lot of damping material requiring even more power. You'll want an amp that can handle, at least, around 400 ohms to get the most out of them.
Jun 7, 2017
BlueCrowned
5305
Jun 7, 2017
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mugglesCan you suggest something cheapish?
Jun 7, 2017
Vigrith
4081
Jun 8, 2017
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BlueCrownedDepends on what you want and how you wanna push them. If your definition of cheap-ish is under $100 you might have a hard time finding something worth your time, if it is under $500 my go-to suggestion is solely the Schiit Jotunheim these days. Most versatile and best amplifier in its category by far and also the best value for your money on the market in my humble opinion (coming from someone who owns like 10+ amps ranging from 300 to 2000), especially for a beginner.
Jun 8, 2017
muggles
30
Jun 8, 2017
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BlueCrownedMost get away with a Schiit Magni ($100, DAC sold separately starting at $100). Mayflower and JDS also make an O2 DAC/amp combo (@ $150-250). But you might be better off with something beefier, just to make sure you're getting the most out of them as the you'll probably be maxing out the volume on those too. Maybe something like JDS' The Element, lots of linear power, neutral sound. Or a next level Schiit.
Jun 8, 2017
Buke9
26
Jun 8, 2017
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BlueCrownedIf you don't mind a portable amp the Fiio A5 will do the job. Had a Fiio X-1 and E-12 that drove my Mr. Speakers Alpha Dogs louder than I cared to listen. The A5 has the same power just the lower noise floor of the E-12a. Plus the bass boost switch is a bonus when you just want to have a bit of fun.
Jun 8, 2017
BlueCrowned
5305
Jun 8, 2017
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Buke9Dang.. combined with the cost of the headphones that's all way out of reach rn :( thanks for explaining this and keeping me from disappointment lol
Jun 8, 2017
muggles
30
Jun 8, 2017
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BlueCrownedWhat is your price range? If it's under $100, don't worry, we got you! $50? No problem! Do you have a problem with IEM's, sticking things in your ears? Do you need a complete setup? What are your needs? Portability? Just need a home setup? Is background noise a problem? (roommates, kids, street traffic, just looking to drown out a nagging significant other) Do you already have an amp, DAC, pre-amp? What kind of music do you listen? What kind of files/source do you listen to? (Streaming, Youtube, local files, AAC, mp3, 128 or 320 or FLACs or ALACs.) Do you lean more toward bass, or treble?
I, and I'm sure, every enthusiast in here would love to suggest some options for you.
Many of us have multiples of everything because we fell down the hole, we've been to other side and experienced how beautiful it can be. My musical interests went from mostly rock, rap, edm, and others except country (typical) to EVERYTHING, And that's because the potential is too good. I can't just hear this song one way. I NEED to hear it every way in order to understand! HAHA. I liken to having the ability to experience taste from another's POV. Or Being John Malkovich. I've become too curious to say "No thanks, I prefer money and security."
The downside is, through research and experience, I've discovered that my endgame setup wishlist costs @ $12,000. And that's being conservative and savvy with sales and stuff. And if I did achieve this lofty goal, you know I'm still gonna be curious about some new $100 phenom! HAHA!
Jun 8, 2017
BlueCrowned
5305
Jun 8, 2017
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mugglesI got brainwavs s1 as a gift and i love them, I have no amp and prefer not to have to use one and I'm mostly going to be using a CD player and possibly a phone to listen. Probably $100 give/take would be my budget. I'll be listening primarily in the office; I work in a call center but do only email support. I would like over ear if possible. I use uptick right now and they hurt after a while because of my glasses. I listen to everything but country and classical; and I love good bass. portability is not really necessary because I tend to drop things when walking so I'll stick with the skullcandy for that lol.
Jun 8, 2017
BlueCrowned
5305
Jun 8, 2017
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BlueCrownedI meant skullcandy uprock not uptick... autocorrect
Jun 8, 2017
muggles
30
Jun 8, 2017
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BlueCrownedFor around the same price, you could get m40x's with Brainwavz pads, either angled or straight. SHP9500 are great allarounders. They're pretty great with all kinds of music and media. I use them for TV. Since they don't require power, I can use them on my PS4. I also use the V-moda Boom pro mic with them because they use a standard connector. V-moda cables are perfect for them. I didn't like the original cable. It reminded me of watching a censored movie on TV. :/ And they're open-back and have breathable pads which makes them perfect for when you want over-ear headphones on a summer day. They're versatile and open for modding if you want to get into to them. With the Boom Pro mic, it cost me $100. They often go on sale for $65-$75. A regular V-Moda cable goes for $10, I think. For IEM's, outside of a Massdrop Thinksound Blue Box, I really like going on eBay and getting a pair of Sony MDRXB50s for $20. Be sure to check the listings, Some come with all the tips, some don't. Either way, I use Comply foam tips with them because I wanted to be able to run and move without sacrificing bass response. And they have a mic for more functionality and convenience. Sound-wise, I like them because compared to any other extra bass head/earphone, it isn't bass in your face all the time. It only delivers when the song calls for it, making them a pretty good fit for most types of music. And for $20 you won't feel bad about them getting lost or breaking. I treat mine kinda of badly. I rarely use a case, if i do it's a pouch. I throw them around. I put them in my pocket with my keys and wallet, and they're still perfect. The venerable Koss Portapros retail for $50 but go on sale for $25 from time to time. Probably is and always will be the best deal in sound. No one offers that quality sound, for that price, with cheap replacement pads, and a lifetime warranty and great customer service. The Thinksound Rain2 and 3 are fantastic. Neutral but interesting. Wood cups give it a rich sound. Thumpy ,impactful bass. Warm and lush. Goes well with female vocals. Great imaging. Was at checkout at the market. Forgot my music was on, and totally thought I was eavesdropping on a conversation some guys were having 8 feet away. It was a skit. They don't pair well with foam tips. They're low profile, but not enough to lay on your side. There's no way to tell the left from the right without shining a light, unless you mod it. Maybe some Sugru? Often goes on sale for $75-$90. I found them cheaper on their website, compared to Amazon, which was weird. Honestly, if your limit for iems is under $100, I don't know if you can get better. Massdrop's blue box was a great deal. I wasn't lucky enough to get the ms or the rain3, but it was still half off. They can be worn above the ear or normally. The mdrxb90 is a fun purchase, because they're a Japanese exclusive that is no longer made. Got mine for $75 on Amazon. Nice case (soft, but sturdy), flat cable, lots of tips and not just sizes but styles. The hybrid foam and rubber was my fave. Like the XB50, it's only bassy when it calls for it. No awkward congestion. It's actually less obnoxious than the xb50, but more refined. Kinda big though. But they're pretty. Not peaky in the treble but still fun. The MEE Matrix 2 and 3 are great for bluetooth option. especially with brainwavz pads. They don't exactly excel at anything. But they also don't suck at anything. On the 2's, I get some audio lag when streaming from my pc to ipad. But I just adjust the latency. Not a problem, just not convenient. And I don't know about the 3's, but the blue power light on the 2's in a dark room is insanely bright. Had to cover it with electrical tape. And they easily last the 20 hours they claim on the box. And that's at fairly loud volume, enough to drown out the world. I don't know if there's a built in standby mode. I've left them, nothing playing over night many time and never had a problem with power. They're great for doing chores (no cables to snag), the bath,..
None of these are really great for treble heads. I mainly like the cheaper stuff to see how much sound and build quality I can get for as little money as possible. And of my nine(?) heaphones and 7(?) iems, these are my faves.
Jun 8, 2017
BlueCrowned
5305
Jun 8, 2017
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mugglesThank you for the great info!
Jun 8, 2017
piercjenkins
88
Jun 8, 2017
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VigrithWhat do you think of the Audio-GD NHB-11?
Jun 8, 2017
mattris
1260
Keyboard Club Member
Jun 9, 2017
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BlueCrownedCheck out the DAC/amps from iFi: absolutely superb gear.
Jun 9, 2017
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