New to headphones - So which ones?!

[d_a_n1979]

As we've recently moved into our new house, and it's a semi, my stereo system is now bieng sold as it just can't be used to its fullest

I'm going to have our old sofa put into my home office and I'm after a decent headphone and DAC/headphone amplifier set-up to connect to my MacBook Pro etc...

Budget of say max £150 for the headphones and the same for the DAC/headphone amp

Currently looking at the Grado SR80i's for headphones and the Aune X1DAC/headphone amp (ideally I'd like to use the digital out on my MBP)

Any other suggestions? 8)

 

[dalethorn]

I think the Grado are open-back, yes? You would be OK with hearing sounds around you nearby? And other persons would be OK with hearing your music, since the Grado is fully open?

 

[d_a_n1979]

Doesnt matter if they're open or closed backed; sorry should have said!

They'll be for my office/den so there'll only be me in it and the door will be shut as well etc...

 

[dalethorn]

Doesnt matter if they're open or closed backed; sorry should have said! They'll be for my office/den so there'll only be me in it and the door will be shut as well etc...

That Aune X1 may be relatively inexpensive, but it's going to pump out some very high quality detail. Personally, I'd up the headphone ante, to maybe a Soundmagic HP100 or HP200, where you'd get better balance, detail, and much greater comfort.

 

[d_a_n1979]

Thanks Dale

The Soundmagic HP's look very interesting

I've already got their in-ear headphones which I find really good!

 

[plastic penguin]

Hello stranger.

How about these... a snip. http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/4-/8240767/688143373/Goldring-NS1000-Active-Noise-Reduction-Cancelling-Headphones/ListingDetails.html

 

[d_a_n1979]

Hello stranger.

How about these... a snip. http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/4-/8240767/688143373/Goldring-NS1000-Active-Noise-Reduction-Cancelling-Headphones/ListingDetails.html

How-do Sir...

Thanks but no thanks! Brother had these and TBH they were awful; light and thin we both thought and that was with them well run in (around 200 hours)!

As soon as he moved to the Grado SR80i's there were huge differences in sound!