mostly mp3 use.

[big jake]

I would like some help picking phones. mostly mp3 use. Would you recommend a high resistance phone such as sennheiser 650 with a quality amp(graham slee voyager) or a low resistance , cheaper phone? The more I read the more confused i get. HELP.

[Drubbing]

Depends what you're trying to achieve; what gear you currently have and what your budget is. There's little point in having swags of cash to spend, if you don't know what you want for it.

Many of the high end phones are high impedance and therefore will need a dedicated amp, so you have to work out if this is the way you want to go. It could be an expensive way to start if you don't know what you want, or what to expect from such an outlay.

At that end, sources also become far more important too, and that inlcudes the quality of your mp3s. 128kbps files are going to limit SQ if used with good gear.

I use 224/320kbps mp3s with my Beyer DT250, an amp and a DACmagic. I can't tell the difference between these and lossless, so I won't be up-ripping. So expensive phnoes don't neccesarily need CD's or lossless files. Others will disagree, so this is personal preference.

Likewise, I wouldn't be going HD650+amp+PC onboard; they will suck.

There are plenty of low impedance phones around that sound terrific and don't need amping. Suss these out.

[big jake]

I am leaning towards beyer dt770 80 ohms. Any thoughts on my choice?. I`ve read that some say they need amping to get the best out of them, others disagree, so I was thinking of giving them a bash, then possibly amping later?

[Drubbing]

Again, what's your source? Decent phone need a decent source to get the benefit.

I wouldn't get these unless you're getting an amp (to go with a good source). While sub 100ohm generally don't need amping, there are low sensitivity phones that still need power the AKG 701 is one; only 64ohm, but a real bitch, needs a top end amp to run - I think the DT beyers, while not going that far, still need amping for the lower ohm models - the DT250 aside, which is constructed quite differently.

Those who disagree probably don't have an amp either. Will they run without? Sure, most any phone will, but you won't get your money's worth - phnoe that require amping, and aren't, sound flat, dull and lifeless.

[big jake]

I pod with LOD. So whats the difference between the dt 250`s and the dt770`s? I see you amp yours

[Drubbing]

Originally Posted by big jake

I pod with LOD. So whats the difference between the dt 250`s and the dt770`s? I see you amp yours

They're just very different construction and build. The DT250 are lower end and are recommended for use with an amp.

I may be wrong about the 770/80, but those, and the 880/990 are beyers top end phones. Personally, I'd amp any of them regardless of ohms. But the 250ohm versions are a must for amping. Amping provides power and amplifies the signal; it is not a SQ improver - unless the phones require that power to run properly.

And an ipod is not really the source 770s were intended for and the iPod would be the weak link for either the HD650 or DT770. Those phones will be limited by an iPod DAC - Sure, they run, probably sound nice, but won't get any where near their capability. That's very poor VFM, for a big outlay, in my opinion.

There are plenty of really good full size phones that can sound great and deliver more to their capability off portables, and I'd look at these if you want to get the best sound with minimal fuss.