A500's

[DoZeR]

I have been looking at getting some new headphones lately, and was eyeing up these bad boys. I'm just wondering what you guys think about them. They will be used mainly for music, with a little gaming on them for when I don't want to bother people with explosions I will only be using them at my computer, no portable usage at all. Comfort is also a big concern. I guess what I am looking for is a good recommendation for a set for around 100 bucks, these caught my eye though, and I'm willing to raise my hunderd dollar budget if you guys think they are worth it.

[DoZeR]

Also, how much would these benefit from an amp, do they sound nice unamped? I probably wouldn't get one right away, but it's something for me to think about I guess.

[number1sixerfan]

They don't need an amp to be effecient and improve upon addition of one(how much, not sure).

[XP1800]

I'll give the A500's two thumbs up. If you haven't already, pull the trigger and never...I mean never visit the audio forum again! You and your wallet will be sorry!

[DoZeR]

Oh, I've been lurking these forums for a long time. I'm surprised that I haven't bought any nice audio gear yet, after reading the posts here I'm sure I will end up buying an amp in the future, along with some nice portable cans and HDD MP3 player, I can't wait.

[PinchyCM]

if you're going for an amp, might as well get a better set of cans now....

cuz you'll upgrade later anyways. save yourself some money.

[davnport]

Originally posted by PinchyCM
if you're going for an amp, might as well get a better set of cans now....

cuz you'll upgrade later anyways. save yourself some money.

hmm... on one level I totally agree with Pinchy here. If you are going to get something, might as well get the best you can for now in order to reduce the upgrade path. Fortunately for us, headphones don't progress quite as fast as computer parts, so spending $200 on a nice set of cans won't lose value as fast. In fact, nice headphones can last a really really long time.

On another level though, I really enjoy the fact that I chose to slowly upgrade with audio. I have been able to see the differences in the upgrade path and decide whether or not it was worth it for me to jump up or down. For example, with my portable headphones, I have gone from senn mx300 to mx400 to sony mdr-ex51 and ex71 to Shure E2 and now I have both the etymotic ER-6i and the Shure E3. I like being able to compare and contrast all these headphones. In the process I haven't lost too much money either, because I turned around and sold what I wasn't using. I'm even contemplating getting some ety ER-4's to try out! The upgrade path can be fun. So really it depends on your financial situation and your patience and whether or not you feel like taking the big step or baby steps. Either way, with both the A500s or the A900s I don't think you'll be disappointed!

[Fig]

Originally posted by davnport
hmm... on one level I totally agree with Pinchy here. If you are going to get something, might as well get the best you can for now in order to reduce the upgrade path. Fortunately for us, headphones don't progress quite as fast as computer parts, so spending $200 on a nice set of cans won't lose value as fast. In fact, nice headphones can last a really really long time.

On another level though, I really enjoy the fact that I chose to slowly upgrade with audio. I have been able to see the differences in the upgrade path and decide whether or not it was worth it for me to jump up or down. For example, with my portable headphones, I have gone from senn mx300 to mx400 to sony mdr-ex51 and ex71 to Shure E2 and now I have both the etymotic ER-6i and the Shure E3. I like being able to compare and contrast all these headphones. In the process I haven't lost too much money either, because I turned around and sold what I wasn't using. I'm even contemplating getting some ety ER-4's to try out! The upgrade path can be fun. So really it depends on your financial situation and your patience and whether or not you feel like taking the big step or baby steps. Either way, with both the A500s or the A900s I don't think you'll be disappointed!

I would not aggree with this statement if:
* You have a trained ear
* If you have played with bands / orchestra / etc and know what it is supposed to sound like.

I grew up playing in orchestras / bands (of many types) and was never satisfied with the sh!tty quality of cheap headphones. Not to say that my ear is the best at pinpoint accuracy (unless you are talking about perfect pitch :P) but I know what I want to hear and knew that cheapies weren't cutting it.

Once you make the step to a high quality headphone, it is however over for you. You cannot ever go back...well...I can't at least.