Recommend me a decent set of Earphones

Boscher · 27 Jul 2006 at 20:20

Hi guys,

Looking to get a very decent setup.

At the moment I'm simply using a pair of sennheiser PC150's in a Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Platinum.

Looking to upgrade my Earphones, new Cable for them, and possibly an earphone amp too.

Was thinking potentially Sennheiser HD650's as they seem to be getting great reviews.

Budget is around £400 but reasonably flexible, use will be a good few hours per night, listening to varied recent music and a tiny bit of gaming (but that's not important). Really looking to hear a big difference from my current setup and would like crystal sound and to hear every little thing if possible

Thanks in advance

danoliver1 · 27 Jul 2006 at 20:53

First thing i would recommend doing is swapping that audigy zs for something music orientated eg an Audio Audiophile 192, E-MU 0404 or E-Mu 1212m.

As for headphones sennheiser hd 595s are very good un amplified. Hd 600s or 650 if your going to get a headphone amp.

look at the Pro-ject Headbox MK II Headphone Amplifier for a cheapish amp or one of the creek models.

If i were you id get the emu 1212+headbox mk2+hd600s £130+£80+£190=£400

I use an xfi music edition + sennheiser hd595s to great effect music is much more dynamic than my old audigy zs

Boscher · 27 Jul 2006 at 22:22

Thanks for the fast reply, good advice

Budget is not a big deal so much so spec my for £600 if you can and we'll include a proper music orientated sound card, (I had a feel this audigy 2 was getting old

I use my Logitech Z5500's occasionally so I will need an optical Out port on the sound card.

CHeers

budge1972 · 27 Jul 2006 at 23:00

Ive been using a set of sennheiser HD 580,s for a while now and would definately recommend them if you can get hold that is.

They also seem to be snapped up quick on "the bay" too.

Best cans i,ve ever owned

10/10

squiffy · 27 Jul 2006 at 23:15

For £400 you might be able to pickup a set of Grado RS phones, they're over £400 when new but if bought second hand (I paid £350 for my RS-1's) might be able to get RS-1's if discounted. Grado 325i are available for about £180.

Grado sound is quite lively, more forward than Sennheiser range. Can be a little uncomfy on the ears though. But I find them cooler than Senn's (totally enclosed so ear lobes get baking hot, unbearable in this weather)

I would definietly change that soundcard, ideally buy a headphone amp regardless