What are reference grade headphones?

Can we get a bit of context for that statement?

It could be talking about one of two things:

First, it could be talking about a pair of headphones that can be used as a reference point for judging other headphones.  This is a term that critics in almost every area use.  When I was a DVD critic, we used to talk about reference discs, that you could use to determine the quality of a home theatre system.  Likewise, if you are trying to judge headphones, you want to have a reference pair--one that you know well and is of high enough quality that it gives you a comparison point.

The other possibility is that it is referring to a pair of headphones that is accurate enough to be used as a reference point for the music that it plays.  In studio, headphones are one tool that can be used to determine if a track is mixed right, and you want to use reference grade equipment to ensure that everything is right.  Often, real studio designed/reference grade headphones are actually less preferred for listening to music, even though some of us tend to prefer that balanced sound.  In that context, studio headphones are often contrasted with "hi-fi" headphones, which aren't designed to be precise and accurate so much as they are designed to make music sound really pleasant to the ears.

Yes, awesome explanation!

Quote:

Originally Posted by joelpearce 

In that context, studio headphones are often contrasted with "hi-fi" headphones, which aren't designed to be precise and accurate so much as they are designed to make music sound really pleasant to the ears.

High fidelity means a high quality accurate sound reproduction (in other words, neutral) and it is definitely not a contrast to studio headphones. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by PRL 

"reference grade headphones"

It's marketing nonsense. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graphicism 

It's marketing nonsense. 

 But some IEMs/HPs such as the UERMs are actually reference monitors.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikp 

 But some IEMs/HPs such as the UERMs are actually reference monitors.

 

Which is likely just a case of so many headphones are called reference one actually might be.

A search on Amazon for 'reference headphones' and the first to come up:

Denon AH-D5000 Reference Headphones

SRH940 Professional Reference Headphones

Two complete opposites, bass heavy and bass light.

 Just a marketing term for John Grado's 'reference series', only two headphones in the category

 RS2i and RS1i ~ really fun, coloured headphones that lend themselves to string instrument music,

 particularly guitar for rock and classic rock.

 Are they reference quality? The most common definition for 'reference' would suggest a very flat,

 neutral, 'colorless' headphone like the Sennheiser HD800.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gwarmi 

 

 Just a marketing term for John Grado's 'reference series', only two headphones in the category

 

 RS2i and RS1i ~ really fun, coloured headphones that lend themselves to string instrument music,

 particularly guitar for rock and classic rock.

 

 Are they reference quality? The most common definition for 'reference' would suggest a very flat,

 neutral, 'colorless' headphone like the Sennheiser HD800.

Isn't the HD 800 known for a somewhat recessed midrange and forward treble?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saintly 

 

Isn't the HD 800 known for a somewhat recessed midrange and forward treble?
 

 

It's known for a lot of things depending on what you plug it into ~ when someone reports harsh treble, recessed mids, ~ I always ask

about their recording of choice and the details of the rig.

No headphone is more finicky about the source and amp (especially the amp) than the HD800 ~ like a chameleon it changes from

amp to amp, you really have to hear it for yourself, it's quite remarkable.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gwarmi 

It's known for a lot of things depending on what you plug it into ~ when someone reports harsh treble, recessed mids, ~ I always ask

about their recording of choice and the details of the rig.

 

No headphone is more finicky about the source and amp (especially the amp) than the HD800 ~ like a chameleon it changes from

amp to amp, you really have to hear it for yourself, it's quite remarkable.

I've heard the same thing and it's definitely at the top of my to-try list.  It was between the T1 and HD800 and I chose the T1 for its more balanced presentation and warmer/lusher sound.  Sometimes I wonder if I made the right choice; so many what-ifs.

Have you had the chance to hear both?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saintly 

I've heard the same thing and it's definitely at the top of my to-try list.  It was between the T1 and HD800 and I chose the T1 for its more balanced presentation and warmer/lusher sound.  Sometimes I wonder if I made the right choice; so many what-ifs.

 

Have you had the chance to hear both?

 

Yep, I've racked up about 25-30hrs or so on both so I'm only now starting to get a picture of what the T1 and HD800 are about ~ The T1 is more of an audiophile

cliche I think ~ it's very flat sounding, does not throw an artificial soundstage nor does it add any excessive bass, not that the HD800 does in this instance but I

find the HD800 more satisfying on that front with the right gear.

I also think the T1 is far more adaptable in regards to different rigs and source material ~ it never really changes it's character nor does it misbehave if the

material is less than supremely mastered.

If you like the T1's signature then yes you made the right call ~ the HD800 is a Head-Fi tinkerer's dream, it will satisfy you in the end or drive you nuts :-)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gwarmi 

Yep, I've racked up about 25-30hrs or so on both so I'm only now starting to get a picture of what the T1 and HD800 are about ~ The T1 is more of an audiophile

cliche I think ~ it's very flat sounding, does not throw an artificial soundstage nor does it add any excessive bass, not that the HD800 does in this instance but I

find the HD800 more satisfying on that front with the right gear.

 

I also think the T1 is far more adaptable in regards to different rigs and source material ~ it never really changes it's character nor does it misbehave if the

material is less than supremely mastered.

 

If you like the T1's signature then yes you made the right call ~ the HD800 is a Head-Fi tinkerer's dream, it will satisfy you in the end or drive you nuts :-)

Do you mean you find the HD800 to have more bass than the T1?

Your description of the two matches the impression I came got when reading about the two.  Vocals are huge in my music preferences so I opted for the more forward midrange.  I've also always favored a warmer and richer sound.  Coupled with the fact that I'm no good at tinkering with different amps and such, the less finicky T1s may very well be the right choice for me.

I do really value detail and clarity though and I get the impression that the HD 800 may surpass the T1s in that regard.  Not that the T1s are lacking at all (to my ears, at least) in terms of resolution, but I always wonder what I'm missing out on.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saintly 

I've heard the same thing and it's definitely at the top of my to-try list.  It was between the T1 and HD800 and I chose the T1 for its more balanced presentation and warmer/lusher sound.  Sometimes I wonder if I made the right choice; so many what-ifs.

 

Have you had the chance to hear both?

 

I have the chance to compare them side by side and the HD800 drove me nuts (in a good way). Imo, the T1 sounds too close to the DT880 Premium (much better than the Pro though). I would go for the HD800 just for the gigantic soundstage - a great illusion isn't a bad thing.