Which headphones of Drop's currently available?
I have some rewards points to burn but there's no obviously good options on Drop right now for headphones Contenders Ultrasone - maybe? I don't own any Ultrasones, so curious. Looks like garbage travel headphone which could be useful also. Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro. - Maybe? I have the DT 880 Good price point, really uncomfortable headphones but could be interesting to try the upgraded version. E-MU - strong contender but $400 is a bad price point for what it is. Which of the above would you choose and why? Nothing else on Drop is relevant to my interests, because Already own 6xx 820 800 s Ether cx Garbage / Consumer grade Meze 99 - garbage bass canons, hard pass No gaming headphones obviously Sennheiser wireless - no to wireless/bluetooth Hifiman - I have 2 of drop hifimans and they make really bad cheap shit on Drop, hard pass on HE-R7DX Aeon - I own the closed, Drop refuses to address #padgate so no reason to buy open Beyerdynamic 177x - wireless, nope Too similar 8x / 560s...
Mar 28, 2024
The Grados, to my ears, are fantastic rock headphones. Up front, intense and per the constant reviews bright sounding. But they're great. The HD650/6XX is a great all around can, but shines on jazz, blues and accoustic tracks, IMO.
I can't speak to classical.
My advice would be to get a qualityamp, a decent DAC, good source material and enjoy your music!
For amping, I've used everything from an 80gb iPod to a solid state dedicated headphone amp. The Grados sounded similar on all the solid state amps.
The HD-6XX/650 benefited from better amping, however. The bass was more full/better controlled and the mids and highs were more pronounced. The HD-6XX wasn't as "laid back" as before. In not so many words, it had more balls. Not as much as the Grados, but it was a different can, IMO.
If I was in your situation, and you know that you'll upgrade in a month, regardless if the Modi/Magni combo sounds great to your ears, looking into the Schiit Jotunheim might be wise. I haven't listened to it myself, but I've heard great things as far as synergy with the HD-6XX/650. Again, just what I've read over at SBAF...but they seem trustworthy in my experience.
Myself, I'd start with the Modi/Magni and enjoy the upgrade path. Both will pair well and likely make you quite pleased with your headphone purchases.
As far as tube amps go, I don't have much experience. I've demoed some tube amps, but nothing for extended listening. It sounded different, more liquid(?), but I didn't like the heat generated by the amp and the issue of changing tubes was a bummer.
The Bottle Head is a DIY assembly and I don't have the time to worry about soldering and possible trouble shooting.
Hope that helps, sir.