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HD280, or RP-21? - Page 2

post #16 of 37
8/22/07 at 9:25pm
Thread Starter 
Nonetheless, I appreciate the input from everybody. No need to nit-pick at each others posts.
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post #17 of 37
8/22/07 at 9:26pm
I owned the HD280 Pro for almost 3 years, and had the RP-21s for a week (sold them after buying the AKG K601). The RP-21 is better.

The HD280 Pro is a great can, but only after they've been thoroughly broken in and burned in. For the first few months, I struggled with their tight grip, their anemic bass, and strident highs. My well-worn pair is now wonderfully squishy and neutral-sounding, with impressively low (but still anemic) bass - but it was quite difficult getting to this point. The headband has also cracked quite a bit.

The RP-21 are a little smoother, with a greater quantity of bass. The HD280 has a more expansive soundstage and resolve more details. For a richer, more satisfying sound, I would go with the RP-21s.

Be sure to get some vinyl or leather replacement earpads for the RP-21, because the stock earpads are much too shallow for comfort, especially if you wear glasses.

Let me know if you would like to know anything else.
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post #18 of 37
8/22/07 at 9:44pm
Thread Starter 
Thank you for the info.

With regards to the pads, Beyer pads fit, correct? (think I saw that somewhere in an FS thread) I've always admired the designs they use.
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post #19 of 37
8/22/07 at 10:10pm
Your in Florida. I picked my RP-21s at a local music store here in Tallahassee. Go to the Audio Equation website and see if there are any dealers in your area.
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post #20 of 37
8/22/07 at 11:27pm

Re: The HD280

Quote:
Originally Posted by hopemanjk View Post
oh, it feels like i am wearing those head cover they give you at the shooting range.
That's an excellent description, although, I still like them. I've not had any problems with mine, headphone cracking etc.
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post #21 of 37
8/22/07 at 11:48pm
I agree with Max F that Finding a local dealer for the RP21 is the best way to go as the best price you will find online is $99. If you do decide to buy online, FullCompass has free shipping.

The Beyer pads fit. You can find Vinyl at Full Compass or Beyer USA and Leather at Beyer USA. Big improvement.
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post #22 of 37
8/23/07 at 12:13am
I have owned and listened to both extensively. Go for the hd280 if you need isolation, go for the rp21 if you don't. I have also heard the beyer pads on the rp21 help them feel more comfortable.
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post #23 of 37
8/23/07 at 12:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by hopemanjk View Post
oh, it feels like i am wearing those head cover they give you at the shooting range.
Of course, they isolate almost as well as what they give you at the shooting range. IMO, they're the next best thing to IEMs for isolation. SQ and durability are another story. The plastic is busted off of my headbands and I've hardly used them.

Edit: I got a RP21 for less than $90 shipped on eBay and they're showing up in the FS forums. The tarnish is starting to wear off of the FOTM. I like the sound, I just wish they isolated better. I don't really see the purpose of closed cans that don't isolate, unless you're near an mike.
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post #24 of 37
8/23/07 at 12:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chipp View Post
Thank you for the info.

With regards to the pads, Beyer pads fit, correct? (think I saw that somewhere in an FS thread) I've always admired the designs they use.
Not the velour pads though. The bass disappears. I listened for about 10 seconds with velours before I went back to stock.
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post #25 of 37
8/24/07 at 11:07am
I couldn't be happier with my HD-280 for the money, great sound quality, comfortable, and no problems with build quality after 6 months.

Never heard the RP-21, but I don't see how you can go wrong with the HD-280.
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post #26 of 37
8/24/07 at 12:50pm
HD280 does not have enough bass for me. I never use them anymore.
Sony V6 has better SQ, more comfortable, and cheaper to boot.
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post #27 of 37
8/24/07 at 4:59pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by scompton View Post
Not the velour pads though. The bass disappears. I listened for about 10 seconds with velours before I went back to stock.
Good info, thanks.

Quote:
Originally Posted by silverrain View Post
HD280 does not have enough bass for me. I never use them anymore.
Sony V6 has better SQ, more comfortable, and cheaper to boot.
I had assumed that the Senns and Equations were in a bit higher league than the V6, but I'll add them to the shortlist, too. Anywhere I can save a buck or two is something I'm interested in, and I knew that the MDR's were no slouch.
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post #28 of 37
8/24/07 at 6:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chipp View Post
Good info, thanks.



I had assumed that the Senns and Equations were in a bit higher league than the V6, but I'll add them to the shortlist, too. Anywhere I can save a buck or two is something I'm interested in, and I knew that the MDR's were no slouch.
I tried a MDR V6 today at a Sony Style store. They sounded pretty good but didn't isolate at all. It was a very short listen so I can't compare them to anything else. I was looking at how they isolated.
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post #29 of 37
8/26/07 at 10:07pm
Thread Starter 
Well, I just finished placing my order for a set of RP-21's. I'm giddy like a schoolgirl.
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post #30 of 37
8/26/07 at 10:46pm
I use the 21's all the time, very well broken in, and I am very pleased. With some adjustments to the foam and earpads I find them strong on the bass but not flabby but telling if there is too much bass upstream. They are much more open sounding than I would have thoght for the price and for closed cans. Great bargain in my opinion.
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