Headphone questions......

[admin_exported]

Hello All

If i get some audiophile headphones like some Grados would

i also need to get a headphone amplifier - or could i plug them straight into an ipod?

Would getting a headphone amplifier give the better sound quality?

Is an ipod still considered the best source?

thanks

Stan

 

[daveyjay]

stm_70,

Other, far more knowledgable, forum members will be able to answer your questions in a little more detail than me, but anyway:

Grado make a pair of headphones called iGrado, they are WHF award winners and only cost £40. I can vouch for the sound quality of these portable 'phones - I bought a pair for my sister a while back - they sound great. It would be a good idea to get yourself a pair of iGrados before you look at getting into the world of portable headphone amps. I don't know whether an amp would significantly improve the sound quality of the ipod/iGrado combination (always assuming that you're storing your tracks on the ipod using best quality, lossless files).

When you say 'is an ipod still considered the best source?', I assume you're talking about portable players (?). If you are, then yes, probably. If you're talking about all types of source, then no, not by a long chalk.

Or do you mean you are looking to get a properly expensive pair a headphones to use with your system and you'd also like to use them with a portable player?

 

[Anonymous]

Just be aware your ipod may not be able to power all larger harder to drive headphones very well, so try before you buy.

 

[idc]

Stan, the Grados are relatively easy to drive with low impedance and OK SPL. The ipods maximum volume will drive Grados, but to really get their full dynamics and clarity an amp is better.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Stan , I use my Grado's straight from my iPod quite a lot. They are very easy headphones to drive and I think the iPod is an excellent source if it is given good quality music files. Remember if you look at higher end Grado's you need a mini headphone jack converter. Straight from my iPod touch I need almost full volume whereas my 5G iPod is loud enough at about 3/4 volume. An amplifier gives you the benefit of a cleaner signal if you use a line out dock and also adds a bit more weight to the music to give a fuller sound IMO. I've sold all my hi fi gear since discovering headphones as I find them a more involving/relaxing way to enjoy music.

Nick

 

[idc]

Hi Nick, so you are all head-fi as well now. Is the ipod your source as per your signature? Any pictures!

 

[Anonymous]

Yes idc, my iPod is my source - TBH the quality of sound I get from my setup coupled with the portability it suits me perfect. If I can get my head around how to post pictures again I'll post some up tonight.

Nick

 

[Anonymous]

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[Anonymous]

For some reason the 3rd picture appears to be a bit on the large side on my pc. Anyways - pics as requested.

Nick

 

[idc]

Fantastic Nick, I love the simplicity and knowing with such compact and relatively inexpensive kit, we get the sound that other hifiers can only dream of.....!

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the help peeps -

IDC question for you -

I see you have a DAC, do you incorporate that into you headphone setup?

cheers again

Stan.

 

[idc]

Yes, the laptop connects by USB to the DAC then phonos to the amp and then headphones.

 

[Anonymous]

Do we ask headphone questions under this thread or start a new one?

 

[Anonymous]

nick hi again did not see a dac in the pictures

You replied to me once on I pod/Grado

I want to do exactly what you have i pod and rs-i and Grado amp

do you like the grado amp?

Question I pod frequency response is 20-2000 don't know numbers

and grado headphones go much lower like 16 or 14 on up

will all that be wasted, what does a middle of the road cd player put out

hate to see myself buying a walkman

 

[Anonymous]

No dac in pictures as I do not own one. My set up is iPod connected to Headphone amp via line out dock and then RS1's. I used to own a Denon separates system with Mission speakers but sold it all once I got interested in headphones/iPods. I don't have massive experience with headphone amps but I'm kind of a sucker for matching products/synergy hence the reason for owning the RA1- it gives a nice enough sound to me. I've no doubt better can be had but most people recommend much more expensive amps which I have no interest in. I have not gone down the dac route as I don't want to be limited to having the pc on to listen to music - my setup I can be a bit more portable with - I like to lay on the bed relaxing etc. Extremely happy with what I have - everyone who hears it is well impressed - I can't understand people saying an iPod is not a good enough source/capable of driving these headphones , I would never go back to a CD player now.

Nick

 

[PJPro]

The RA1 is rather expensive for what it is....a CMoy variant in a wooden box. See my useful threads for build instructions.

 

[PJPro]

PJPro:The RA1 is rather expensive for what it is....a CMoy variant in a wooden box. See my useful threads for build instructions.
Please see this thread for a comparison between the CMoy and the RA1. Clicky.

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