Amp/DAC for laptop use.

[matt_d_19]

I owned the MS2 for tears and loved them. After upgrading to the Pros I still used them from my portable until I bought the DT250 and found the sound more to my liking.

If you're after lots of energy and fast hard hitting bass I think you will like the MS2.

Ok. Thanks. I am after lots of energy and fast hard hitting bass, but maybe I should try something a little more neutral first. The MS2 are still the ones that I want, but I have to start thinking about the DT250s. Hmmm.

[cloughie]

What about the DT860 on special?

[matt_d_19]

What about the DT860 on special?

I saw that. It's a good price, but I only really want something with a recommended tag.

[matt_d_19]

Does anyone have any more feedback on any of the amps or the headphones (MS2 and DT250)?

Thanks to everyone for your replies.

[Drubbing]

What about the DT860 on special?

I saw that. It's a good price, but I only really want something with a recommended tag.

When it was $399, it might not have deserved one. At $269, it could be a different story. Ask Marcus.

I hear what you're saying about hard hitting bass. But be careful what you wish for; you might get it. People either love or hate the MS2 and you may well be in the former category, but it had a high return rate at Headphonic, so is now exempt from the 20 day trial.

The DT250 is almost the opposite style; laid back, good bass and mids and slighty recessed highs. Sounds boring. Isn't. It also means they are good for extended listening, as they won't wear you out. They handle all music well because they respond more to it, than impose a signature on it. But as often said, there's no WoW factor (as with the MS2) - their quality creeps up on you.

I got the MS1 and wanted the MS2, but they wore me out just auditioning them, whereas I couldn't stop listening to the DT250. For a nice open phone, I got a Grado RS2 instead, which I find more refined in the highs than the MS2.

[matt_d_19]

What about the DT860 on special?

I saw that. It's a good price, but I only really want something with a recommended tag.

When it was $399, it might not have deserved one. At $269, it could be a different story. Ask Marcus.

I hear what you're saying about hard hitting bass. But be careful what you wish for; you might get it. People either love or hate the MS2 and you may well be in the former category, but it had a high return rate at Headphonic, so is now exempt from the 20 day trial.

The DT250 is almost the opposite style; laid back, good bass and mids and slighty recessed highs. Sounds boring. Isn't. It also means they are good for extended listening, as they won't wear you out. They handle all music well because they respond more to it, than impose a signature on it. But as often said, there's no WoW factor (as with the MS2) - their quality creeps up on you.

I got the MS1 and wanted the MS2, but they wore me out just auditioning them, whereas I couldn't stop listening to the DT250. For a nice open phone, I got a Grado RS2 instead, which I find more refined in the highs than the MS2.

Ohhh. The RS2 is around $500 shipped from ebay. Can we trust them, though???
Where did you get your RS2 and how much was it if you don't mind me asking? And what's the sound like?

Thanks.

[Drubbing]

Ohhh. The RS2 is around $500 shipped from ebay. Can we trust them, though???
Where did you get your RS2 and how much was it if you don't mind me asking? And what's the sound like?

Thanks.

Long story. Here: viewtopic.php?p=41172#p41172

As nice and good as they are, I wouldn't pay Aus RRP or north of $500 for them.

[matt_d_19]

Ohhh. The RS2 is around $500 shipped from ebay. Can we trust them, though???
Where did you get your RS2 and how much was it if you don't mind me asking? And what's the sound like?

Thanks.

Long story. Here: viewtopic.php?p=41172#p41172

As nice and good as they are, I wouldn't pay Aus RRP or north of $500 for them.

Ok. So you wouldn't pay $520 for them (price on eBay).

About the MS2, are they so energetic that one audition is too tiring? Wow. Hmmm. I wish I could test them, but I'm in Melbourne.

Also, why are the DT250 so cheap overseas? They're about $200 on eBay and Amazon, whereas the rrp for the MS2 is $300. they're not on Amazon, so I can't directly compare prices with the info I have.

[Drubbing]

3 Auditions.

DT250 are cheaper OS because Beyer makes it so.

[matt_d_19]

3 Auditions.

DT250 are cheaper OS because Beyer makes it so.

I don't know what to do now. Any other opinions from anyone?

[Drubbing]

Unfortunately, more opinions will only confuse you more; such is the nature of trying to buy phones based on other people's tastes. You can always try and return any of the phones suggested, and leave the MS2 til last. Pricey freight wise, but you don't end up stuck with phones you don't like.

[matt_d_19]

Unfortunately, more opinions will only confuse you more; such is the nature of trying to buy phones based on other people's tastes. You can always try and return any of the phones suggested, and leave the MS2 til last. Pricey freight wise, but you don't end up stuck with phones you don't like.

I don't think the extra cost is worth it. Just try and get it right first shot. And that would kind of exploit their policy - almost knowing that you will return the headphones.

Also, How would the DT250 compare to the DT880?
And what about the Sennheiser HD650? Has anyone tried it or know where I could get it? It's $450 on eBay, but can I trust them?

[Drubbing]

[quote="Drubbing"
Also, How would the DT250 compare to the DT880?
And what about the Sennheiser HD650? Has anyone tried it or know where I could get it? It's $450 on eBay, but can I trust them?

With the 880 and 650 you're into mid-high range source and amp territory. Cube won't cut it. The Matrix will run either, but you'll need a quality source.

[matt_d_19]

Ok. I'll stick with the MS2 or the DT250 to avoid spending money on a better amp and DAC.

Now that I'm thinking about the RS2i, how would the sound compare to the MS2? Fuller and warmer? Will the bass have as much impact?

Thanks for all your replies

[matt_d_19]

Oh. Sorry. I read your story on the RS2s and that has cleared it up for me.

Here's the seller I'm looking at:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Grado-RS ... 3cbcddb7b1

Do you think it's safe?