[jaydillyo]

Hello. First let me apologize if I shouldn't be posting this here, but this is the only circle that I've ever participated in.  Everybody in the GR circle has proven to be friendly and helpful in the past.

I have had a true "aha" moment.  At work we have a MOTU 828 mkII that we use to help test out some of our software.  Recently I started using it as the audio output device on my workstation (Mac Pro).  I'm using a set of Grado SR 80s and the difference between the MOTU and everything else I have available (built-in audio, iMic, Presonus Firebox) is startling.  There is so much more separation between instruments and vocals.  I can listen much louder without fatigue (perhaps I shouldn't be, but I can).

It's left me wondering, how much better does it get?  What accounts for the difference?  DAC, preamp?  How much better can it get with different headphones?   

I'm not really concerned with including budget in this discussion...yet.  There will probably be some new equipment in my future though.

-- jaydillyo

[SoCalWJS]

First off -Welcome to AC! 

Many others will chime in, I'm sure. The sky's the limit with headphones - many prefer them to speakers in fact. There are many forums dedicated entirely to headphones. There are different styles of headphones (open, sealed, noisecanceling, electrostat, etc) and each has its' proponents who tout the advanage of that style.

Finding a good match between headphone and headphone amp is the critical part. I heard the HiFiMan HE-500's with a limited production amp ("Darkstar") at CanJam/RMAF that was a very impressive combo, but WAYYYYYY out of my pricerange.

Definitely check the "Headphone Mania" subforum here as well as some of the other larger sites - you will quickly see how passionate and diverse the opinions are. Good luck in your quest!

[Danny Richie]

You are just touching the hem of the garment.

The difference you heard in going from a $199 Presonus Firebox to the MOTU unit is nothing compared to the levels of fidelity that can be reached with some of the top level DAC's. There is also a huge difference using different sources.

I am using a Mac Mini as a hardware device and it has had a ton of mods performed by Mach 2 Music, plus off the grid enhancements, PI Audio battery buss, external hard drivers, higher quality cables, etc.

You are just getting started.

And welcome to AC.

[HAL]

My second system I use with my PC Music Server and DIY DAC is a Borbely SE HPA, and a pair of HE500 phones.  Great sounding setup. 

Danny is on the money.  You are starting a journey to great sound.  Listen carefully to music you know and let it be your guide.

[Douger]

Congratulations on starting with Grado, I am one of their fans.  They sound more like live music to me than others I have heard.
That said, I am not an expert. I did get the bug seriously last year after 10+ years of enjoying Grado SR60's and SR225's.
Enjoy the expertise here in 'Headphone Mania' where most people are also very nice and helpful (I don't know of any who aren't).

You may then be made aware of "Head-fi.org" where the watchword is "Welcome to head-fi. Sorry about your wallet..."
Also nice people, but some anti-Grado sentiment... Listen to your ears and enjoy!

[SoCalWJS]

Congratulations on starting with Grado, I am one of their fans.  They sound more like live music to me than others I have heard.
That said, I am not an expert. I did get the bug seriously last year after 10+ years of enjoying Grado SR60's and SR225's.
Enjoy the expertise here in 'Headphone Mania' where most people are also very nice and helpful (I don't know of any who aren't).

You may then be made aware of "Head-fi.org" where the watchword is "Welcome to head-fi. Sorry about your wallet..."Also nice people, but some anti-Grado sentiment... Listen to your ears and enjoy!

I remember that the first time I went to that site - started laughing thinking "how bad can a pair of headphones be?".

.... boy did I learn....


 

[Danny Richie]

I think Gary Dodd has made a few headphone tube amps that are battery powered too.