What headphones are people using with their Caiman SEG

[vandergraafuk]

Hi all
As the SEG has a headphone amp. I was wondering what cans people are using. I just might treat myself to a pair. Looking around the 200 ish mark. I did plug in some old sennheiser hd477 in last night but now I know why I don't use them. LOL

[Bourneendboy]

Hi all
As the SEG has a headphone amp. I was wondering what cans people are using. I just might treat myself to a pair. Looking around the 200 ish mark. I did plug in some old sennheiser hd477 in last night but now I know why I don't use them. LOL

I'm using Sennheiser HD600's. After being slightly dissapointed when first plugging into the SEG, all seems to be coming on well now (I have about 50hrs on it from new now).

[perlogalism]

I'm using a pair of AKG K550 II's. They sound great to me but might be a bit cheap for you ;)

[vandergraafuk]

I don't mind cheap so long as it sounds good. ��

[struth]

amazon had a set of sonys half price or so..down to under 100.

[wee tee cee]

I tend to find senns tend to work really well with stan dacs. A second hand pair of 650s should be in budget.

Like anything else try them on in the shops to make sure they fit you first.

I just traded my 650s and a caiman 2 to brian of this parish. He is over the moon with them.

I use 700s outwith your budget methinks but sublime with the C2.( i added a Cappella which ups the game even further)

As a cheaper option look on the Thomman site at superlux cans. They are vfm fantastic....668b/330/440/660. I have them all, the only caveat i would add is you buy the replacement felt ear pads as the pleather origionlas are uncomfy and make your ears sweaty.

If yer just trying cans to see if you get on with them your not spending 2 ton!!!!

Stan is a very keen headphone man and helpful. You could do a lot worse then e mail him and ask for advice.

[StanleyB]

Headphone wise, I would look at the Beyerdynamics DT990 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Beyerdynamic-Pro-Headphones-Black-Limited-Edition/232027294102?epid=1375459749&hash=item3605e78996:m:msRZwIfICerCGQll8MIWSVQ
This is the 80 Ohms version, which will suit the SEG quite well. I have the 250 Ohms version, and I love the sound it produces.

[Landloper]

When not using a dedicated HPA I use either Sennheiser HD650s or HD700s out of the SEG. Kind of depends on what type of music the SEG is converting, top quality recordings allow for a better set of cans. If you find yourself using headphones a lot you might consider adding a [I]Beresford Capella which gives greater flexibility and superb price to performance.

[Pieoftheday]

[QUOTE=wee tee cee;920182]I tend to find senns tend to work really well with stan dacs. A second hand pair of 650s should be in budget.:spew: 2nd hand headphones,I just couldn't do it:(

[worrasf]

Beyerdynamic DT 990 600 ohm and Grado GS 1000


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Landloper]

Just as a coda to the SEG and headphone question, some users [me, for instance] may have missed the variable gain facility housed behind the volume knob. This adds flexibility and means that choosing a pair of headphones for the SEG is easier as you can match the gain to complement the impedance of any set you may wish to try out. I was able to fine tune the gain to suit my Sennheiser HD700s [150 Ohms].

There are full instructions on how to do this on www.beresford.me/S/instructions.

Basically turn off the unit, set the volume to 0, then pull off the volume knob (takes some steadily applied force).

You will then see:

22087



The screw on the right can be turned with a flat head screwdriver: left to reduce gain, right to increase gain.

Here is the default setting:

22088

Here is the screw set to maximum:

22089

Matching the SEG's gain to HP impedance allows the unit's headphone out to perform at its full potential.


[* Double click the photos for a larger view]

[Bourneendboy]

Just as a coda to the SEG and headphone question, some users [me, for instance] may have missed the variable gain facility housed behind the volume knob. This adds flexibility and means that choosing a pair of headphones for the SEG is easier as you can match the gain to complement impedance of any set you may wish to try out. I was able to fine tune the gain to suit my Sennheiser HD700s [150 Ohms].

There are full instructions on how to do this on www.beresford.me/S/instructions.

Basically turn off the unit, set the volume to 0, then pull off the volume knob (takes some steadily applied force).

You will then see:

22087



The screw on the right can be turned with a flat head screwdriver: left to reduce gain, right to increase gain.

Here is the default setting:

22088

Here is the screw set to maximum:

22089

Matching the SEG's gain to HP impedance allows the unit's headphone out to perform at its full potential.


[* Double click the photos for a larger view]

Great post!

Good to see what is behind the volume knob and that it looks like it can be pulled with a bit of force as there is a locking nut holding the volume assembly in place. I'm loving my new SEG, but really dislike the plastic knob!

[StanleyB]

I'm loving my new SEG, but really dislike the plastic knob!
If you scratch the silver colour off the knob you should see some bare metal instead of plastic.

[Bourneendboy]

If you scratch the silver colour off the knob you should see some bare metal instead of plastic.

Oh, it is metal, thanks for correcting me :)

[wee tee cee]

Any chance of sharing where you set the gain screw to suit 700s- mine opened up just now!

[wee tee cee]

John,
Many thanks for that post-spot on.

Set the gain for the 700s ...bloody good head amp.

If I get my Cappella back from Brian will send it down to the big man for the upgrade.

Bang for buck the seg is terrific.

[tim1750]

I had the Beyerdynamic DT 770 80 omhs and found them a little brash then I switched to the Fostex t50rp mk3 and although not as good in the bass it is a lovely all round headphone but you'll need to change the earpads

[Landloper]

Sorry, Tony. Only just noticed your question and i see you've found the best setting for yourself.

Mine is set pretty low so the volume is normally around 2 0'Clock.That leaves a bit is reserve but with no chance of damaging the 700s or my hearing. Makes all the difference to the SEG's performance with cans, from the headphone out as convenient extra on a DAC/Pre-amp to a pretty decent performer. I do usually use an HPA, though I could easily live with the SEG paired with 700s if I hadn't already laid out for a few magic boxes to feed the cans. As you say, bang for buck is high.

[I'd had the SEG a few months before I bothered to read the manual and noticed that the gain could be adjusted :doh:]

[MasterTape]

I'm having a very hard time getting the knob off. Opening the dac seems more convenient but that "warranty voided if torn" sticker over the screw keeps me away thus far.

Any neat tricks? A tight pinch with a well gripping cloth doesn't seem to be enough.

I only have a humble pair of K550's that are very easy to drive. I'd like some more play in the knob than to about 9 o'clock :)

Edit

Found a sticky glove that did the trick. Useful feature, crank is now "safe ish crank" and lots of fine adjustment until then.

[StanleyB]

Just open the DAC (four screws at the side of the case) and then rotate the gain control spindle from inside the DAC. Don't worry about the warranty sticker for things like that.

[MasterTape]

Thanks, that'll make things easier next time :)