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Sub AU$300 phones for mid-fi

post #1 of 19
2/25/10 at 11:15am
Thread Starter 
I'm having a dilemma at the moment, I have a great system ready to go: Modded Jaycar SCHA and an AMB Gamma2. I don't, however, have any headphones!

TBH I do, except they currently dont work and from all opinions are the cans that benefit from amping.

I just sold a pair of HD650's which I think would fit the bill but I don't wish to get another pair.

The HF1 have been holding my attention for a very long time, but then a Stax SR-5NB came up for an IC and made me look into it. (bit more expensive)

Other cans of interest:
  • AKG K240
  • AKG K340
  • Grade SR225

And ones within my price range:
  • Denon D2000
  • AKG 701
  • Audio-Technica ATH-ESW9A

I know it's all apples/oranges, so here's the best summary of what I'm looking for. Something really detailed, yet no level of the spectrum too highlighted (balance I guess) and obviously a phone that will respond to the gamma2+Jaycar. I don't mind open or closed.

I listen to alot of alternative music. Metal, classical, rock, acoustic, house. Killswitch Engage, Opeth, Nine Inch Nails, A Perfect Circle, Tool, Tommy Emmanuel, Daft Punk, Barefoot Truth, John Butler Trio.

So, what would your choice be for some really rewarding cans under AU$300 to justify/utilise the great setup that is currently gathering dust!

Thanks,
Matt.
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post #2 of 19
2/25/10 at 11:21am
And you have an amp for the stax you are considering??
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post #3 of 19
2/25/10 at 2:08pm
hmm i listen to daft punk A LOT. and i must say. I have a PFR-V1, it's absolute magic. I literally have the sense i can feel some instruments, something i never had with other cans or iem. It also feels like the music is "just there".

Another can worth considering is the mdr-sa5000 If it is anything like the PFR-V1 than it wil definitely go nicely with music such as Daft Punk
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post #4 of 19
2/25/10 at 6:40pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jjinh View Post
And you have an amp for the stax you are considering??
Yeah comes with an amp. Cheers.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Justice Strike View Post
hmm i listen to daft punk A LOT. and i must say. I have a PFR-V1, it's absolute magic. I literally have the sense i can feel some instruments, something i never had with other cans or iem. It also feels like the music is "just there".

Another can worth considering is the mdr-sa5000 If it is anything like the PFR-V1 than it wil definitely go nicely with music such as Daft Punk
The MDR-SA5000 is very tempting, although a bit on the expensive side.
I'll look into it thanks!
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post #5 of 19
2/25/10 at 7:45pm
If really detailed is your thing, I second the recommendation for the SA5000. It's the fastest, most microdetailed dynamic headphone I've ever heard. And quite comfortable too.

It has its flaws though. The bass is a little recessed, the mids fairly flat and newscasteresque. Ultrasone are an alternative for those that like a bassier, more present sound signature, but at the cost of some detail and some speed.

SA5000 really shines with a slightly warm solid state amp. I'm not sure how the Jaycar is voiced (I've actually got a loaned Jaycar amp at home, but I haven't done much critical listening yet), but the best companion amp I ever found was the M3.
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post #6 of 19
2/25/10 at 7:53pm
It's pretty hard to find a balanced headphone. The D2000 which I have [and currently do not like... it's a love hate relationship] are far from balanced. The K701 doesn't really mesh with rock or metal although I'll listen to those genres with the headphone. Thought of an AD900? I have the AD1000 and they are my most detailed can. I have a AD2000 on the way so it will be interesting to see just how much better it is as most reviews and impressions seem to make the AD1000 sound gimped next to its big brother.

Also, what were you doing up so late on a school night?
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post #7 of 19
2/25/10 at 8:05pm
AD2000 is pleasant with rock, particularly progressive/alternative, because their mids are so emphasised. But I wouldn't call them very detailed, or neutral.
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post #8 of 19
2/25/10 at 8:06pm
Bugger. Oh well, I'm hoping the AD2000 will be the phone for me. I'm having a bit of a hard time find this magical phone.

I do like forward mids so it should be good ... or at least I hope so hahaha.
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post #9 of 19
2/25/10 at 11:51pm
Thread Starter 
Let us know how the AD2000 go .

Quote:
Also, what were you doing up so late on a school night?
I'm a night person.


I'll keep an eye out for some used SA5000 as well.
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post #10 of 19
2/26/10 at 5:12am
Yeah I'm not a morning person. Luckily I only have 1 early start this semester.
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post #11 of 19
2/26/10 at 9:37pm
Thread Starter 
Found a cheap pair of HF1, shipping to Australia killed the deal as usual.

I'll be keeping a very close eye on any SA5000s that come up.
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post #12 of 19
2/26/10 at 9:46pm
Yeah how much was shipping? 50USD? More?
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post #13 of 19
2/26/10 at 10:00pm
For classical and acoustics I'd look at the K702/600/DT48/501
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post #14 of 19
2/26/10 at 11:31pm
Thread Starter 
Shipping was US$60...

Thanks for those suggestions bubba, the guy at the local hifi shops has a pair of K701... how much different are the K702s?
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post #15 of 19
2/26/10 at 11:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mattcalf View Post
Shipping was US$60...

Thanks for those suggestions bubba, the guy at the local hifi shops has a pair of K701... how much different are the K702s?
They share the same driver..The 702 are black with a detachable cable. But some 701/702 owners claim they sound different. I'd PM ACIX.. He is a huge 702 fan & can link you to a thread where a person A/B both 701/702. I only owned the 701. Very good for large orchestra performances.. With a slight layer of warmth on acoustic instruments..
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