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Selecting headphones and a headphone amp

I would like to pick up headphones and a headphone amp to use on my BAT system (2 VK-55’s, VK-32SE and VK-D5SE). I love the warm sound of tubes. I have two turntables and listen to analog 75% of the time, so the amp has to accommodate analog and digital. My musical interest includes classic rock, blues and jazz. Distractions are not an issue, so the headphones may be open or closed. I would appreciate your advice and recommendations in selecting equipment, as I am clueless on matching headphone equipment and overwhelmed by the available equipment choices. Thank you for your assistance.
bgmyers
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Be awara that clicks pops and crackles of analogue playback are more audible in headphone set up.

Start with AKGK701. Probably the best value so far on the market. For the tube headphone amp I'd choose Vincent.
tonykay
1,314 posts
 
STAX. At least, give them a listen. They may not be for you but if they are you will never look back. Great value as a used item, as they last a lifetime. Another choice to check out are the Audeze line of orthodynamic headphones. They're very comfortable and offer surprising sound quality.
inna
7,923 posts
 
I like Grado phones too but not much for rock; blues, vocal, jazz should be fine. Still they are a bit too soft for me and emphasize midrange. The higher you go in Grado line the better. 325i is where you want to start and move from there. As for headphone amp, it depends on how you want your sound to be and price.
I don't like Sennheiser at all though I haven't heard their newest phones. They sound "digital" to me as opposed to Grado.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
i may only listen to Grado for 10min and than get tired of having them on my ears. extremely uncomfortable especially compared to senn, akg or bayerdynamics.
isochronism
2,893 posts
 
AKG K-1000. DO (!) a quick search on these, and you will understand. I did and became very interested and mindset for a pair, someday. Well, I found a pair from an excellent member here, and received them two days ago. Suggested 8 watts min, as per my research. My 300b amps are too far apart for their wiring, so I tried with my 45 amps, and they are more than enough on quiet music, Excellent!! Bass..?? not too lacking. 300b's were my initial intent. I will try them soon! Your amplification has plenty oomph+. No extra amp ($$) needed... Good luck
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