headphone help

AZjake,

As always you will get many good suggestions limited only by our vast differences in personal tastes. That said, I have owned and reviewed many headphone/amp combos and the one I have KEPT (in fact I have TWO of this system- don't ask, I am insane), and which ALWAYS is eminently musical, with plenty of detail, resolution, power and finesse is my Moth Audio S-2A3 amplifier and a set of Sennheiser 650s (or you can use Grado RS-1s but they are much more expensive). The Moth also has the added benefit of being a damn good integrated amplifer you can use with efficient speakers to get terrific sound.

The Moth is built like a freakin tank, can be found used for between $1250 and $1500. The 650s will set you back about $300 and you have money left to buy a Cardas cable for the phones.

Just one of many suggestions.

Good luck in your journey.

Grado, Grado! Which ones you choose are up to your ears as you have more than enough budgeted for any of them with a good amp. I have recommended the Grado line to a number of friends and they all love them. I totally dig my SR225s.

Grado's if you like dynamics and a forward presentation...to ME thats not a good thing with phones. I had SR 225 and 325i's...Personally I love the Sennheiser 600 or 650..the difference is not dramatic. 600's are a bargian at under $200. here and ebay. They have much better bass and more air around the instruments. They are indeed a bit more laid back, so it all depends on your wants and preferences.

I use a ASL MG DT OTL Mk3 amp and it provides all the magic needed for true reference tunes. I would suggest you pass on the Cardas cable and go for the Moon Audio Blue Dragon cable. Its a perfect match for the Senns IMO.

Ive owned several Stax electrostatic earphones as well, and they are very good, but you really need to get into their upper Signature models to appreciate them. The lower models tend to be less refined and exhibit less airyness,dynamics and bass. The 4040 Sign. is an excellent set up and good place to start, but the cost is signifigant especially compared to the Senns and a good amp and cable, which makes it less attractive given the Senns/amp/cable combo's performance.