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  3. 1323362084

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
inna
7,296 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
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
The MOST important thing in headphones is COMFORT. If they are uncomfortable does not matter what they sound like.

I own the senn hd 650, AKG K702 and Beyer HT 880 pro.
they sound great and are very comfortable. You forget you have them on.

For portable use, I also own, and highly recommend, the Koss Sportapro and senn px100.

I also own the Grado sr60. I didn't like them. Not very comfortable. They are the entry model for Grado. They currently reside in the closet. Maybe one half hour of use.
inna
7,296 posts
 
Well, I wouldn't call Grado particularly comfortable, especially that cable in front of you sometimes trying to get in your face, but they are not uncomfortable either.
Perfect comfort is not everything though unless you listen for hours straight. I never listen for long because music playing in my head puts me to sleep quite quickly. But Grado could improve comfort, that's for sure.
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