HD600 and drums/percussion

[anoobis]

The question's simple enough; as ever I suspect the answer won't be!

How well do the HD600 reproduce drums and percussion instruments?

I can only give impressions since I don't have much experience with the live instruments. To me, the tonality seems very good but occasionally drums aren't as snappy or tight as I think maybe they should be. But my judgement may be coloured by lighter, tighter (overly so?) 'phones.

So do they do a good job and/or will a better amp improve this? I'm using an Arietta.

[Tiemen]

I had a HD580, and it delivered thunderous, poundering drums with a lot of slam. Sounded great to my ears.
Percussion reproduction was good, but could use some more 'speed'. That is, to my ears.

[anoobis]

No musicians out there who know what drums should sound like (and whether the tone and tightness on HD600 is any good)?

[AzN1337c0d3r]

Originally Posted by Tiemen

I had a HD580, and it delivered thunderous, poundering drums with a lot of slam. Sounded great to my ears.
Percussion reproduction was good, but could use some more 'speed'. That is, to my ears.

What he said pretty much.

Forgot to add my musical experience, 8 years playing a Viola in a symphonic orchestra, and I'm a metalhead. Also listen to a lot of trance.

Most of my musical collection has some kind of drums in it I guess.

[hawkhead]

Well having had a brief "flirtation" recently (now sold) and as an ex drummer I would say utter rubbish.

Take for example Frampton Comes Alive (25th Anniversary Edition)

Poor detail:
Cymbals that are muffled (you can't really hear when Siomos is striking the bell, the decay from the rim - nope)

Similarly I can hear the sticks bouncing off the skins in certain parts - forget that with Hd600

I was very disappointed

[Golden Monkey]

Amplification...

[MaloS]

The tone on HD600 is good, although lacking in bass extension so you won't hear the kick-bass correctly. The driver is also pretty slow, so the snap / decay does not show itself as much as it should. Amplification, especially balanced, will help, but will not ultimately resolve the slowness of the driver.

[majkel]

Regarding drums - Ultrasone Edition 9, basing on the drumer's opinion.

Other musicians also say Ultrasone or Grado, Pro 750 and RS1 respectively.

[anoobis]

Thanks for the replies. I don't think there's anything there that entirely contradicts my original thoughts.

I still think a bit more tightness would help but am also starting to think that too much tightness essentially takes away reverb and makes things just as artificial.

I can accept that there may be better 'phones out there for drums but that's only one aspect of the whole sound and I don't want to compromise too much on other areas.

Now I think I've understood this area, watch for a thread requesting advice on what to go for next!