MDR-SA5000... Can they be bettered? - Page 2

Thank you very much for taking the time for this break down. The DT48 seems to have all the elements of the SA5k I enjoy, but lacking, at least compared to the 880, what I was hoping to gain on top of what the SA5k had to offer. I guess that was a bit of an unrealistic goal.

I will definitely have to try and find them used. They seem very interesting.

Thank you again

I will definitely agree with you on the bass. Very present, clean, and as you said, non bloated. The bass doesn't bleed. While this will ensure the can is never "warm" sounding, it also makes the bass seem a little inorganic. So I really enjoy the SA5k to hear what the bass is actually like in a song, but it is not as emotionally engaging as a less accurate can.

The soundstage, to me at least, is more of a Grado on steroids. It is not very 3D to me at all. Very 2D, actually. Layered, if you would, instead of say spatial like the HD 600. Detail is hiding behind detail, instead of being more resolute, and less detailed. I think this is where my fatigue may lie. Aside from being a bit bright, there is "sifting" that needs to be done to isolate the massive amounts of detail you are presented with.

I guess what I am looking for is a SA5k meets HD 600?

I saw a DT 990 on sale used somewhere for around 180 US. Is the DT 990 comparable, or better in your opinion to the 880/48?

It is a little off topic, but budget is a key factor too ^___^

Haha advice and opinions are just as much a curse as a blessing it would seem ^___^. I am unsure what to think as well. I wish I could audition all these phones, but I know of no store near me that would carry the DT48.