goaliechris
Active Member
Hi all,
I am looking to break into the HP arena. I'm just now starting to read some of the reviews on headfi and that's, well, overwhelming (and helpful). I used to the have a pair of Shure SE530s (thanks to Flint's recommendation years ago) until my then 4 year old son accidentally pulled off one of the buds. Since then, I bought a decent budget pair of Klipsch S4 for travel while listening to my iPod. Now, I'm looking to upgrade my listening and thought I would come to the experts. My main "source" will continue to be either my 120 GB iPod (Apple Lossless used) or my Mac. I'm comfortable continuing to use the Klipsch for travel as they can get beat up a little bit.
So what I am looking for is a home setup and I think I want to try cans. I have ZERO experience with them but from what I have heard is that they have a larger soundstage. I will be listening at a desk at home. I'm comfortable spending up to $500 on a great set. Does buying great HPs mean that I cannot plug directly into my iPod and that I need to have a separate amp? I know there is a resistance issue/limit and that greater sound awaits using an amp. However, is it normal to use an iPod as a source with an amp? I am not against a better pair of IEMs but I think for longer listening periods, the cans might be more comfortable.
Finally, if you were starting out and had my budget (assume $200 for an amp), what would you choose?
Chris
Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays!
I am looking to break into the HP arena. I'm just now starting to read some of the reviews on headfi and that's, well, overwhelming (and helpful). I used to the have a pair of Shure SE530s (thanks to Flint's recommendation years ago) until my then 4 year old son accidentally pulled off one of the buds. Since then, I bought a decent budget pair of Klipsch S4 for travel while listening to my iPod. Now, I'm looking to upgrade my listening and thought I would come to the experts. My main "source" will continue to be either my 120 GB iPod (Apple Lossless used) or my Mac. I'm comfortable continuing to use the Klipsch for travel as they can get beat up a little bit.
So what I am looking for is a home setup and I think I want to try cans. I have ZERO experience with them but from what I have heard is that they have a larger soundstage. I will be listening at a desk at home. I'm comfortable spending up to $500 on a great set. Does buying great HPs mean that I cannot plug directly into my iPod and that I need to have a separate amp? I know there is a resistance issue/limit and that greater sound awaits using an amp. However, is it normal to use an iPod as a source with an amp? I am not against a better pair of IEMs but I think for longer listening periods, the cans might be more comfortable.
Finally, if you were starting out and had my budget (assume $200 for an amp), what would you choose?
Chris
Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays!