Goldring DR100 - Page 2

Just for info - I have both the Goldring DR50 and DR100, as well as NS1000s. Was very surprised to find how different they sound.

The DR50s are quite detailed and clinical but lack warmth and note decay is rather fast. After burn in they opened up quite a lot, giving a much wider soundstage than the DR100s.

DR100s are much warmer in the mid range. They sound more 'full' but it's not particularly well controlled. They lose it a bit on stuff like plucked double bass and complex percussion.

The Goldring NS1000s, which use the same drivers as the DR150s, absolutely murder them both for sound quality. They' combine both the detail of the DR50s and the presence and warmth of the DR100s, while remaining well controlled.

All of the above headphones were rather sibilent at first but this has decreased over time.

Having said that - I think the DR100s and DR50s are decent for the price for the price. They take turns as to which is better for various types of music. Just best not to expect miracles from them.

Okay, Guys.. I really need just an answer. What to buy:

 

dr50

dr100

dr150

 

What is the best? Comfort and Sound quality is the most important. I listen mostly to jazz.

Since writing the impressions above I got a set of DR150s.  They seem to combine the best characteristics of the lower end DR models.  DR150 is the best of the three so get that if you have the money.  If not then the DR50 are a real bargain.  I was less impressed by DR100 although they're not bad by any means.

 

Just a note on comfort - the DR series are quite small and they clamp quite a bit, especially when new.  

 

I may have been wrong before about the NS1000s using the same drivers as the DR150s.  Goldring has Phitek, an OEM specialising in noise cancelling headphones, (same company that makes the ANC7 and ANC7b for Audio-Technica) make them.  Personally I rate the NS1000s higher than any of the DR series but they're a different type of headphone.

Edited by ear8dmg - 8/17/10 at 2:04pm

Dr150 is a bit expensive, but you mean it's worth it?

Well, I've had all 3. DR150s are the only ones I kept and I still sometimes use them in preference to more expensive headphones. I think DR50s are great value and would consider getting another set. I would not buy DR100s again.

I just got the DR100 and there is no bass at all below about 100hz. Sam Tellig's Stereophile review speaks of a slight bump in the bass. What gives?

Doesn't sound like my old DR100s.  What are you amping them with?

Tried a few amps. Same result. Other cans are fine. These suck.

I am right now listening to the 100 and 150, both with 150 cable. amp is the headmaster. the 100 is really inefficient, almost requires twice volume as the 150 to the same loud level and definitely bass light ( but there is bass present). however, the 100 is really a good headphone with extremely detailed sound and sparkling highs only heard from much more expensive headphones. I really like the 100 for their performance/price ratio when amped well. 

Hi all, just found this web site, and as im into hifi, headphones, music full stop...etc.....maybe a bit late on this post but now these are only £20 from superfi, as im sure you,re all aware of.....thinking of getting these as another spare pair......got loads of h/phones all ready..But you know how it is, can,t beat a good deal, ..When it comes to music.....cheers martyn.

The Goldring DR150 are only £30 at the moment new! I would probally jump for them instead for the extra but I havnt heard the DR100 only the DR150. Headfonia recently did a review of the Goldring DR family (DR50,100,150) thats worth a read to help your choice.

 

For once us in the UK get a bargin headphone.

hi can you let me know where the dr 150, are only £30.......cheers.mart

Sorry they seem to have jumped back up to around the £50 mark again. For about the past month they were £30 but that seems to have ended. If your in no hurry the price seems to drop every now and again so its up ti you.

Thanks for reply mate, ....UPDATE...got the dr 100 yesterday from superfi shop,.Were £50...But only had to pay £18....

Ebay still around £40 +......superfi web and shop if you,re lucky about £20

Would have got the dr 150....as also a good price, only thing was they only had one last pair uk wide.....And they were shop used..So as he would,nt price drop them, ..i. went for the new boxed dr 100

Well boxed by the way, these dr 100 are a good starting point for anyone , on a budget.....As you know they,re a bit like the senn range.....well i have a few senn also , inc, the HD 580....( a bit like the hd 600).....

The dr 100 , out of the box look very well made....almost same ear pads now as the dr 150....and good cable also....one sided, 3.5mm to 3.5mm...and is 3 m long......with a gold 3.5 to 6.5 adaptor.

Playing them via my headphone output direct from my cd player......i found i had to up the volume a bit, compared to my senn hd 580....or my Grado 325i, ........BUT for this silly money, its no big deal........i expect these wil sound better when burnt in a bit....NOT that they are bad......not as good as the other 2 mentioned, but for price....If in the uk  buy them....

Playing them with a sony mp3 player sounded very good by the way.....then again the sony does have good sound + output on the volume i might add....

So after playing some , FELA KUTI...on the dr 100.....and then MILES DAVIS , kind of blue........the miles sounded better.....poss fela a bit fast for now, with loads going on.........will report back here after playing them for a bit .....

But to end my short review , as they say, ..these are a bargin.......But so is the dr150, if you can find any...so buy now.......mart