earphones VS DAP money priority

[kennyb123]

I am at this moment listening to Audioquest Nightowl Carbon headphones being driven by a Pono.  I figure I spent right around your budget for this combo, and this combo has given me many hours of delightful listenting.  Unfortunately, both have been discontinued, but the Nightowls can still be found for $399.  If you can snag a pair of these, that'll leave you half your budget for a DAP.  I'm not sure what to suggest at that price point, so I'll be interested in what others have to say.

 

So back to your question, I think I'd say they are equally important.  But headphones are a very personal thing - where comfort and reliability factor in as well.  Maybe the best bet is to find a headphone you really like and then build around them.

 

[kennyb123]

6 hours ago, porto said:

I guess I will be 50/50. Thinking on a combo made by the new Fiio M11 and a pair of shure SE535 (I clerarly prefer earphones over headphones, only for a mobility purpose ex: joggion)

 

what do you think?

 

Sorry I missed your mention of "earphone".  I use Cardas A8 Anniversary Edition earbuds with my Pono when I'm on the move and want good sound.  I prefer Bluetooth buds when working out or doing yard work - Jaybird X4 connected to my iPhone. These are my commuting buds too.  Yeah, I sacrifice sound quality, but the convenience and reduced risk of damage justify that.

 

It looks to me as though you have selected a very fine combo.  If you are going to be pretty active with your earbuds, you might want to find a set that allows the cable to be replaced.  I don't recall if that was possible with the Shure models.