considering purchase of Crack

[John Roman]

After recently reading the Guttenberg review about the Crack OTL my interest has been peaked. I'll likely just go with the Crack and the speedball upgrade but am wondering what headphones are recommended? I was just looking at a pair of Sennheiser HD 650's on Amazon ($460). Seems a little pricey given the amp is about $320. Any advise?
Regards, John

[STURMJ]

I have been using Beyer Dynamic DT880 (Premium-250ohm).  I cant compare them to the HD650, which seems to be preferred.  I have been very happy with them.  From what I can tell from reviews the HD650 might have a bit more emphasis on bass.  There are not many suitable headphones commercially available, there is a list under the headphones section of the forum.  Also there are rumors of a upcoming kit from Bottlehead  and you could put your own together.

[ironbut]

For headphones that are fairly common/popular, I suggest buying a pair used. If you check out the "for sale" forums on Headfi.org, there's almost always a pair or two in mint-minty condition for well under $300. There's also the HD600 (which I actually preferred to the 650) for under $200 used. Heck, I sold mine for $120 about a year ago and they were in great condition.

[Doc B.]

  Also there are rumors of a upcoming kit from Bottlehead  and you could put your own together.

Regarding the headphone that I have been experimenting with, I prefaced the project by asking if there would be any interest in a headphone kit that would require an amp specifically designed for it, not necessarily the Crack kit. So far it is just an experiment with no guarantee that we will end up with a product.

As far as headphones that will work with Crack there are quite a few Sennheisers, quite a few Beyers and some AKGs that will work well. Since these are all brands that are considered upper crust types I'd say the choices, though perhaps few relative to the zillions of headphones that are out there, are good ones. I understand the desire to not spend more money on headphones than on the amp, and in that case Steve is right on with his suggestion of used HD600s. However the very best match to my ears so far and regardless of cost is Crack and HD800s. Beyer T-1s are very good too.

[Paul Joppa]

Of course, you can always order the Crack/Speedball pre-built. Or install giant boutique capacitors. That should raise the price to be greater than the headphones.

 :^)  posting does not convey attitude very well - that was supposed to be a funny; you can laugh here!

[Levent]

+1 for HD600 (well that is what I use with Crack) and I don't feel any need to upgrade.   If you are in San Diego area you are welcome to stop by and listen.

[John Roman]

Thanks for the offer Levent, but I'm in the bay area. Took the plunge on a Crack and Speedball. Now just need to buy some phones.
Regards, John

[Bones13]

There are the Senn HD580s out there as well, much lower price than the 600/650s.  Used is also good.  If no one above has referenced both Head-Fi.org and audioasylum.org , both with classified/for sale sections with headphones (an many other things) for sale.