Getting into audiophile headphones.

[kucharczykt]

I've been wanting to get into audiophile gear for a while but due to the sh*t show that is the pc market I decided to upgrade my audio instead of my pc and I want to know what gear I will need for a 200-300 USD budget. Obviously I will need a pair of headphones but I would also like to get an amp. I currently have a laptop so a sound card is irrelevant, is there somthing else I should get for a budget setup besides headphones and an amp? Recommendations are appreciated. Sorry if this was long or redundant.

[SenKa]

Sennheiser HD600's and a Fiio BTR-5 can be had for that easily. fantastic combo, it's what I use. Don't forget to buy a replacement cable for the sennheisers so that you can use the 3.5mm jack, or get a 1/4 to 3.5mm adapter.

 

Other misc advice if you pick that combo:
Apparently HD600's sound like trash with anything but the factory pads. So, if you need to replace them (like I did) buy those. They are easy to find and not very expensive.

The cable only plugs in to the headphones one way, dont force it.

If you read the spec sheet for the BTR-5, they do not rate it for the power output requirement of the HD600's. It is agreed upon the BTR-5 is fairly under-spec'd for what it can provide, so ignore the factory rating. It's fine

[kucharczykt]

5 minutes ago, SenKa said:

Sennheiser HD600's and a Fiio BTR-5 can be had for that easily. fantastic combo, it's what I use. Don't forget to buy a replacement cable for the sennheisers so that you can use the 3.5mm jack, or get a 1/4 to 3.5mm adapter.

 

Other misc advice if you pick that combo:
Apparently HD600's sound like trash with anything but the factory pads. So, if you need to replace them (like I did) buy those. They are easy to find and not very expensive.

The cable only plugs in to the headphones one way, dont force it.

If you read the spec sheet for the BTR-5, they do not rate it for the power output requirement of the HD600's. It is agreed upon the BTR-5 is fairly under-spec'd for what it can provide, so ignore the factory rating.

I assume you mean used becuase a new pair of hd 600's are something like 600-800 dollars alone.

[Tigerleon]

1 minute ago, kucharczykt said:

I assume you mean used becuase a new pair of hd 600's are something like 600-800 dollars alone.

Then the HD 58X from drop.com are better as I said. Now an amp isn't needed and these can even be powered off of a phone without any major loss in quality and volume.

[SenKa]

Just now, kucharczykt said:

I assume you mean used becuase a new pair of hd 600's are something like 600-800 dollars alone.

Correct, second hand on Ebay. I got mine for $150, normal going rate is closer to $200. 

[SenKa]

Just now, Tigerleon said:

Or maybe the HD 58x's which offer far better performance for the money. They also have more low end extension and bump and apparently sound better for more genres of music. These won't really need an amp but do benefit from one. 

Better performance per dollar I can't speak to, but 580x's and their derivatives are fantastic for their price. 

[Tigerleon]

27 minutes ago, kucharczykt said:

I would also like to get an amp

An amp/DAC combo in this case would be better. Offering much cleaner sound output and still giving great amp for any headphone. I'd recommend something like the sound blaster G6 or a cheaper alternative a G5. It has got input for 3.5mm mic as well.