Looking for info on headphones

I've also just headed down this path - wanted the option to listen to music at reasonable volumes when the house is otherwise under a noise ban - ie my 2 year old is sleeping! I picked up a pair of AKG K702s for $270 and an Audio-gd headphone amp for $335 plus delivery. The combination is still burning in but already sounds staggeringly good. My only previous headphone experience was with Ultimate Ears in-ears with my iPod and a pair of lower model Senns. The AKGs sound far more transparent than these others. They definitely need amplification, however - though I'm sure your headphone output from your amp would more than do the job.

It's likely true that a dedicated headphone amp is going to sound better than the amp built into an integrated amp, at least if you spend a reasonable amount of money. I had a very nice Headroom amp with the Sennheiser 600's for awhile and it sounded great but I found myself not using the headphones often enough to justify the amp.

To your question about considering the impedance when picking the phones, I would think what's most important is that you find headphones you really like first, then if you find you enjoy the experience, find an amp that matches the phones. Because of the issues of fit and the clarity of the sonics, opinions about what makes a great pair of phones seem to be even more personal than for other gear.

Sfa

Thanks... I am begining to see that "to each their own" aspect.

Hens

That combo of yours sure seems attractive enough. I saw a couple reviews on both the Sen 600 & the AKC 701.

In reading some online reviews one note was put which gave me some pause… it regarded connecting the ??? HPs to standard amp speaker connections, instead of ¼ or mini jacks.

That sort of connection, was for older HP systems, right? Or is that an option for current modles, AKC or not?

Thanks, Jim

Jim- the AKG K1000s run off speaker output terminals. They have very high impedence and require several watts (maybe 5-10) to sound their best. They are awesome cans, but since they are open to the air, front and back, they are not for everyone. They will also cost you way more than $200; they are discontinued and used pairs in good condition generally fetch about %750-$1K. For $200 the AKG 701s or Senn 600s are very nice. The Senns are more laid back. Both are very comfortable to me and there are upgrade paths in terms of cabling. They will both require a dedicated amp to sound their best (can run off tape loop or some have their own loop. Sfar's recommendation is good.

swampwalker

Are the AKC & Sen models 'open air' types?

I believe I'd prefer not to hear minor or normal nearby things when listening via headphones... thermos, fridge, the neighbor's Ever-ready battery powered puppy, the Avon lady, off track but nearby SCUD missles, etc.