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I'm looking for a nice set of cans.


Yep Audiogon is one of the few places on the internet where that is not a dirty remark.
My current set of headphones broke in half the other night. So I�ve decided to step up my head phone game and buy a really good pair of head phones. Something I can use on my main system but also when I�m traveling.
After some quick research I realize that I am very behind and out of my element with headphones. I don�t know the pros and cons of open back vs closed. Which brands are currently the best? I�ve looked at Sennheiser, B&W, and Grado but I�m open to any brand as long as the quality is there.
My uses are primarily for travel. In the car, train or plain I�d like something that can block out ambient noise and not annoy the people next to me with music leakage. If I had to prioritize my needs it would be, 1: Sound Quality. 2: noise canceling 3: staying at or below $300.
Thank you for your help and thoughts.
Ag insider logo xs@2xkenm80

Showing 3 responses by nonoise

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,540 posts
 
headroom.com
headfonia.com
headfonics.com
head-direct.com

All of these sites are great starting points for an in depth education on all things headphones, IEMs, portable amps and DACs. From there you can jump to other sites to your hearts pleasure.

As for blocking out ambient noise, there are some IEMs that can do the job quite nicely. Comply foam tips are very good at this as they can lower the outside noise by 25-30db (the same material that shooters use). IEMs can also reduce the geek factor of headphones in public, unless you're not concerned about that.

I presently use my iPod Touch, a Fiio E17 DAC/AMP and a pair of Brainwavz M3s that practically seal out the outside world. An incredible sounding rig for not much lucre. Case in point: today, after a walk, I started my car twice thinking it didn't turn over when it fact it did. Nothing like grinding ones stater motor.

All the best,
Nonoise
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,540 posts
 
There is a LOD (line out from the dock) which is also made by Fioo. They have several models (l1, L3, L9, etc.) depending on build quality and whether the connector is L-shaped or straight in. It connects to the AUX input on the bottom of the unit.

I've found MiccaStore to be one of the better distributors of Fioo products. In fact, the L3 connector they sent with my E17 didn't work and they sent out another without my sending back the original first. Great customer service.
They also threw in a free Toslink cable when I ordered--I don't know if the offer still exists.

Also, there's a guy over at eBay who goes by the moniker AudioMinor who's been making LODs for years now and his prices are the best I've seen. Comparable work goes for several times his price. I ordered his basic LOD for $26 and the next best I could find from others was well over $100. 22 AWG silver plated cooper wire with a silver plated over brass Neutrik connector. The only downside is he's over in Ankara, Turkey and it takes about 3 weeks to get his LOD. The good thing is he ships for free and is recommended by listeners at some of the sites I mentioned.

If you're handy with a soldering iron, you can look up on YouTube on how to make your own. Of the 30 pin connector, only three are needed: positive, negative and ground. I'm just not that handy so I opted for the one from AudioMinor.

By the way, it sounds really good with the L3 connector and in a couple of weeks I'll post my findings on how well the LOD from AudioMinor sounds.

All the best,
Nonoise
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,540 posts
 
Kenm80,

I'm sorry but I missed your second question about connecting via USB.
Yes, you can. There are inputs for SPDIF (coax or toslink) as well as AUX.
Here is a link to a great look at the Fioo E17:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bj_-bYA53E

It sounds really good out of my iMac.

All the best,
Nonoise
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