[caddie444]

Hello!
 
I am looking for opinions on which headphones are the best for use in monitoring orchestral compositions. I currently work with Cubase 6 and various orchestral libraries. My budget is $300ish. I do not need overwhelming bass, but just solid monitoring headphones that do not add anything extra to the sound so I can get a clear picture of what I am creating.
 
thanks!
 
Caddie444
 
P.S. Also any advice regarding a $200ish DAC would also be appreciated

 

[LFF]

I would highly recommend the Fischer Audio FA-003. They are inexpensive and neutral.

 

[radiohlite]

i use ER4s with sibelius 6
 

 

[Acix]

You can try the K-702, here is more info: http://www.head-fi.org/t/393139/k702-in-the-studio
 
EDIT: About DAC+ hps amp, the Apogee's are great, the mini DAC, and the Duet/2 (the mini DAC works on PC as well). other good option will be the Grace m902/3. The Apogees and the grace will drive the K-702 well, but if you'll add hps amp like the  SPL's you'll notice the differences.
 
 
The K-702 are more for pro studio / mixing, but if you're looking just for some laptop hps, the K271MKll, or the GMP 8.35 will do the job well.

 

[nikp]

Quote:

Hello!
 
I am looking for opinions on which headphones are the best for use in monitoring orchestral compositions. I currently work with Cubase 6 and various orchestral libraries. My budget is $300ish. I do not need overwhelming bass, but just solid monitoring headphones that do not add anything extra to the sound so I can get a clear picture of what I am creating.
 
thanks!
 
Caddie444
 
P.S. Also any advice regarding a $200ish DAC would also be appreciated

Sounds like the Etys to me.
 

 

[caddie444]

Etys?
 
Would it be worth it to save up and grab some HD 600's or HD 650's?

 

[NamelessPFG]

He meant Etymotic. They're known for balanced armature IEMs like the ER-4P and ER-4S.
 
I'm tempted to recommend Stax, but their equipment likely exceeds your budget, especially if vintage setups aren't being sold second-hand at the moment. (Getting a Lambda-series model for $300 or less with a driver unit is tough, but doable if you're in the right place at the right time.)