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Searching for Good Headphones & Headphone Amp

I currently use an Audio Refinement integrated amp coupled with Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Monitors. However, as my PhD-aspirant fiancée (in the middle of her dissertation) more often than not needs total quiet in our small apartment (save for when we share listening sessions!), surprisingly I find myself in need of good headphones under $100 (new only) and an headphone amplifier.

For headphone amps, I’ve read good things about Channel Islands at 6moons, but have never bought anything from CI. I don’t need anything overly ambitious, and I don’t want to spend a disproportionate amount on the amp compared to the price of the ‘phones. However, I do need these sooner rather than later, lest I be too long without listening!
ivyinvestor
arni
313 posts
 
You can't go wrong w/ Grado SR80 at $95 new. CI has been getting good reviews, but there is a lot to choose from at its price range, such as Gilmore, Headroom, and Grado amps.
Good luck,
Arni
ekistler_sj
60 posts
 
I have a pair of Grado SR-60 headphones, and I have no complaints. In your price range (which was my price range too) I don't think you can do any better than the entry-level Grado products. I suggest that you check out headfi.org and headwize.com - they are dedicated to all things headphone.

I can't help you much with the amp. I recently purchased an older Rega Ear, but I have only a couple of hours of time on it thus far. Hope this helps.
bruce30
12 posts
 
Ivyinvestor,
You and your Fiancee share listening sessions? Lucky man! Do you two fight over the "sweet spot"...just kidding. Anyway, to try and answer your question, I've heard some really fabulous set-ups from Antique Sound Labs with my Grado's (SR-60@$75.) The A.S.L.'s can be a little pricey go to:
www.divertech.com/aslhb1.html @$299.00 US However, this amp has a seperate power supply and triode amp. section! If you are interested in using your fabulous Audio Refinement integrated-A.S.L. also makes a handy little gadget called the "UHC Signature Headphone Listening Device" @$150.00 US (NOTHING will remind you more of your current set-up as it uses everything you have except your Tyler Linbrook monitors with a "step down" transformer to convert impedance. If you want a really good solidstate amp. checkout the modern day classic Creek OBH 21 @295.00 US.
I hope I wasn't too late. Good Luck with your headphone/amp. mission! -Bruce30
acidtripwow
2 posts
 
The Grado 80s are ok but you may want to look at the $69 Grado 60s which sound warmer and not as bright as the 80s. I've owned the 60s, 80s, 325s, and RS1s. The Grado's are open though so the sound will leak out and other people will hear them. For closed headphones under $100 you can try the Sony MDR-V6 which are pretty good for the money. Also, try the MDR-XD400 which is good too. They are both closed so the sound won't leak.

For headphone amps around $100 your choices are limited. You can try the DIY guys who make nonbrand name stuff. Or try Headroom. I think they make one for around $150.

Hope this helps.
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