Headphone questions

codyc1ark
codyc1ark Posts: 2,532
edited November 2011 in Speakers
Hey guys,

Its that time of year, where I have to throw a bunch of money away on gifts for the fam. Thankfully, my brother, the part time music producer is in to some things audio, mainly headphones. So this is the plan, my mother is going to buy him the Icon NuForce uDac-2 for a headphone amp (unless there is one in that price range that will outperform it) and on his amazon wishlist are some Grado Prestige Series SR-60i headphones. What do you headphone guys think of this combo? Should I look at other headphones and/or amps? He'll be using the amp and phones off his Macbook or home PC. Thanks for any input!

-Cody
Post edited by codyc1ark on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited November 2011
    That amp tends to be a bit forward and the Grado are definitely a bit forward, so just keep that in mind. If he's using for mixing then the Grado may not be the best choice, if he's just using to listen then it's a matter of personal preference.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • codyc1ark
    codyc1ark Posts: 2,532
    edited November 2011
    Hmmm... Any thoughts on these? http://www.alessandro-products.com/headphones.html
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • coolsax
    coolsax Posts: 1,824
    edited November 2011
    The Allesandro Grados are supposed to be really good.. just be sure if you get grados you also get an adapter to go from the big plug to a small one b/c the Udac2 takes a smaller headphone plug, and I don't think Grado provides the adapter with their headphones.
    though it looks like the lower end allesandros come with the mini plug.
    Main 2ch -
    BlueSound Node->Ethereal optical cable->Peachtree Audio Nova 150->GoldenEar Triton 2+
    TT - Pro-ject Classic SB with Sumiko Bluepoint.

    TV 3.1 system -
    Denon 3500 -> Dynaudio Excite 32/22
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    edited November 2011
    I have the Grado sr80 with a Headroom Total Airhead (upgrade to the bithead for the usb dac - http://www.headphone.com/headphone-amps/headroom-total-bithead.php) headphone amp and I LOVE the combo. I will never again purchase closed-back headphones for critical listening, although they are nice for noise-cancelling and recording/mixing purposes. The open back design makes for a very spacious not stuck in your head sound, and I would say that the grados and pretty darn neutral with great air and detail, but definitely not for bassheads. So I can't speak for the amp, but I love the grados.
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • chumlie
    chumlie Posts: 8,658
    edited November 2011
    I have a pair of Grado SR80i's and love them. Actually the best $100 i've spent on audio. When you consider bang for your buck.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    edited November 2011
    coolsax wrote: »
    the Udac2 takes a smaller headphone plug, and I don't think Grado provides the adapter with their headphones.

    The grado sr80 at least came with an 1/4 in adapter FWIW.
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited November 2011
    Headphone.com does have great products, but even better customer services. I've had many products from them, and never been disappointed by value or quality.
    Jake
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • izafar
    izafar Posts: 819
    edited November 2011
    That Grado will pair well with a tube headphone amp.
    -izafar

    Goldenear Technology Triton 1 - Benchmark AHB2 - Benchmark LA4 - Auralic Vega - Auralic Aries Mini - Marantz TT-15S1 - Clearaudio Nano
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • coolsax
    coolsax Posts: 1,824
    edited November 2011
    good to know.. i wasn't sure.. i just knew their default plug was the big one :)
    Main 2ch -
    BlueSound Node->Ethereal optical cable->Peachtree Audio Nova 150->GoldenEar Triton 2+
    TT - Pro-ject Classic SB with Sumiko Bluepoint.

    TV 3.1 system -
    Denon 3500 -> Dynaudio Excite 32/22
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • codyc1ark
    codyc1ark Posts: 2,532
    edited November 2011
    izafar wrote: »
    That Grado will pair well with a tube headphone amp.

    I have looked at a few but nothing in the 130 range... I may buy him the other cans, I'm sure he'll be happy with either.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter