[kelly]

(In honor of MacDef...)

I think a FAQ like thing shoudl include general/overall consensus type opinions about how the headphones perform.

Examples might include:

Sennheiser HD600:
HD600 is Sennheiser's top of the line dynamic headphone. It is a popular choice despite the general belief that a dedicated headphone amplifier is required to truly take advantge of them. The overall sound of the HD600 is characterizes as warm and somewhat forgiving.

Many have said the HD600 has a somewhat recessed upper midrange that makes vocals seem as if they're placed further back on the stage. There's also a slight midbass hump that some people find rewarding while others find that it muddy's the bass. Several aftermarket cables exist for this headphone and some argue that the flaws mentioned here can be lessened greatly with the use of them. The HD600 retails for $450 but can be found for as little as half that at some mail order companies.

Sennheiser HD580:
The little sister of the HD600 is actually a slightly older model and became classic among audiophiles and headphone enthusiasts. This headphone shares the same personality traits as the HD600 but is slightly less refined and articulate. On a strict budget, finding a pair of HD580 used from someone upgrading to the 600 is a real bargain.

AKG K501:
The AKG K501 is the anti-HD600. Its "light and airy" nature give up a great deal of texture and detail. Unfortunately this headphone is also somewhat demanding of am amplifier. Many have argued that the K501's bass in unacceptably below average and many great HeadFi arguments have centered around this. The 501 retails for $249 and can be found for just over $100 in some places.

Sony MDR-V6:
The V6 is a popular headphone. Its closed design and solid construction make it a popular candidate for studio and road use. It also folds to make it easily portable. Many criticize the V6 as having poor imaging and soundstage and harsh treble, yet the V6 seems unbeatable in closed headphones in its price range. The V6 retails for $100 and is easily found for $60 on various web sites.

Etymotic ER-4S:
This headphone receives a lot of talk on HeadFi and almost all of it positive. It's difficult to get past the idea of canal-headphones--almost all of us were immediately put off by the idea of putting something in our ears. However, with its ability to block 25db of noise and a flat and neutral presentation with clear seperation and imaging, the ER-4S is ideal for airplanes and noisy environments. Suggested retail is $329 but most places seem to sell for $269.