Advice on Best Headphones for my iPod Setup please

[pulp3au]

Hi. I'm new to this forum, so forgive me if this has been asked before. I searched the forum but didn't find a satisfactory answer for my particular case. I have an iPod Touch 4th Generation, an E17 Amp/Dac from Fiio, an L9 line out from Fiio and the only missing element is getting the right headphones for my setup. I listen to rock (as in The Rolling Stones etc.) and Heavy Metal (as in Motorhead) mostly but not exclusively -- for instance I love Adele and Florence + The Machine) as well as some punk rock such as Iggy Pop and the Stooges, Sex Pistols etc. But its mainly rock and heavy metal for me. I like a nice driving bass beat, but not too overpowering so it "pops" in my ears like hip hop tends to. More a natural but definite bass sound. I was thinking of getting the
Denon AH-D5000 Reference Headphones and that would be around my price range (i.e., around $400 - $450 or so). Or maybe the Beyerdynamic T70 Premium Stereo Headphones.

I didn't mean an insult in any comment I made about $1000 headphones -- I understand that people do a lot of research and looking around before spending that, and there's nothing wrong with spending $1000 on headphones, I would if I could. Also, portability is not a problem or question. I just use over-ear headphones sitting down. Never on the move, with the iPod.

So, I was hoping that the collective wisdom here could please suggest what would be the right headphones for my setup.? If I'm making a $400 or more investment in headphones, I want to make sure they get the most out of my ipod music (which is all high quality bitrates though not lossless) with what I buy. I realize people don't blink an eye at a $1,000 investment in headphones for their music, and while I admire that, I can't afford it.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I should add that I'd like to get as close as possible to an audiophile experience as possible given the limitations of using an ipod.

Also, would I need a headphone adapter plug for the headphones and, if so, what adapter plug so I could use the headphones with my iPod would you recommend?

 

[markw]

"The right" headphone depends on whatyou like.

There's a bunch of good ones out there in your price range. Grado, Sennheiser, AKG, Sony as well as many others come to mind.

You've just got to listen to 'em and decide for yourself. Nobody knows what you will like except you.

And, most good headphones come with adapters.

 

[afterlife2]

Great headphones for Rock, Jazz, Pop etc and less than your budget too: Amazon.com: Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones: Electronics

 

[FirstReflection]

Hi there! Welcome to the forum

I'm a headphone lover also and I made what was supposed to be a "fun" little post in which I described most of my current, favourite headphones and earphones. You can check out that thread here: http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/lifestyle-portables/79388-few-my-favourite-phones.html

Now, keep in mind, that's purely my opinion and tastes. It is by no means a comprehensive list of all the headphones out there or any sort of "slam" against any headphones that I didn't list. But for the moment, those are just some of my favs in various form factors and price brackets for different purposes. It might or might not be useful to you

The thread went in an unintended direction, getting into a bit of discussion about headphone amps. No need to worry about that though Your FiiO amp should do a nice job of driving pretty much any of the 'phones I listed - except for maybe the very high impedance Sennheiser HD800, but those are out of your intended price bracket anyway, so it's a non-issue

For what it's worth, if you're ok with some closed-back, over-the-ear headphones that are comfortable, but can get a bit hot during a really long listening session - and despite being closed-backed, don't really block out a ton of outside noise - I would totally get behind the Denon AH-D5000 for you! Given what you described in terms of the sort of sound you enjoy, I think those particular headphones would fit the bill really nicely for you. They've got some really kickin' bass, but not ridiculous or bloated like the stupid "Beats" headphones or anything. Just a really full and extended, but still tight and clean low end that I personally LOVE for movies AND music.

It would be best to be able to audition a number of headphones in this price range though. This ain't chump change, and it's worth it to get something that you really personally love. But I will say that I doubt you'd be disappointed with the Denon AH-D5000. They're certainly one of my favs

 

[96cobra10101]

If you get a set of good cans, should maybe exploit their potential and get a FLAC player also.

 

[majorkickstart]

Headphones

Not sure how set you are on the typical "headphone", but I was in your predicament a few months back, and I shelled out some money for a pair of custom in ear monitors by Ultimate Ears, and it was the best investment I've ever made sonically.

I can hear EVERYTHING, and I mean everything in the mix. I definitely plan on getting their highest end in ears with 6 drivers soon, but with just 2, it makes such an incredible difference.