[kreggurree]

I am a little new to audiophile gear and this will be my first purchase beyond my sennheiser 201's. As the title says I am looking for a headphone \ dac combo to use with my laptop (and maybe sansa clip to).
 
My sources :
Laptop
Sansa Clip Zip
 
What  I own :
Sennheiser 201
Steel series 7H (a £20 bargain, I am aware of how poorly the audio compares at full price)
 
I am a little unsure if I want to go the route of IEM's instead, as they are compact and can be used in any situation, I worry about durability and sound quality for price. As really I don't listen too much when walking these days (I can get a cheap pair for running) My listening mostly happens at home and on long journeys on trains and planes. But I like how little space they would take up in hand luggage.
 
Any way the things on my radar are:
DT770
ATH M50
Grados?
Some £100-130 IEM's
 
Fiio E17
 
What are your suggestions? and whats the right split between dac and headphones at this budget point?

 

[TwinQY]

You're going to need to provide more details on your sound preferences, what genres you listen to. If you're walking around though, the Grados leak like no tomorrow. I used to use them for portable cans, and people just gave me angry stares all the time. Didn't even turn them up loudly. 

 

[kreggurree]

Oh yeah I totally forgot to do that in this thread.
 
I listen to Classical (particularly Orchestral, Piano and cello), Prog Rock (Porcupine Tree), Acoustic Guitar (Iron and Wine through to Andy mckee and antoine dufour), Jazz. 
 
I don't like thumping bass but I like it tight and with some weight  (if that makes sense), I love the feeling of immersion.
 
I don't intend to walk around listening to music (I might ocasionaly if I had some IEMs but not important to me). Mainly at home and on longer travelling situations. I wish I could afford to have and open pair and something more portable as open are no good for sitting on a plane or train with people around (such as the Grados). Though if open really are that exceptional I would consider keeping my audiophile l quality at home.

 

[TwinQY]

Quote:

Oh yeah I totally forgot to do that in this thread.
 
I listen to Classical (particularly Orchestral, Piano and cello), Prog Rock (Porcupine Tree), Acoustic Guitar (Iron and Wine through to Andy mckee and antoine dufour), Jazz. 
 
I don't like thumping bass but I like it tight and with some weight  (if that makes sense), I love the feeling of immersion.
 
I don't intend to walk around listening to music (I might ocasionaly if I had some IEMs but not important to me). Mainly at home and on longer travelling situations. I wish I could afford to have and open pair and something more portable as open are no good for sitting on a plane or train with people around (such as the Grados). Though if open really are that exceptional I would consider keeping my audiophile l quality at home.

 
IEMs wise, the GR07 do drums for rock fantastically, also good all-round. Good weight and texture on them. Build is rugged (solid plastic, good cables, maybe a bit too smooth feeling and flexible). 
 
Cans wise, maybe the KRK KNS8400 or the SRH840 for classical and acoustic. Rock sounds better on the SRH840 because of the mids though.