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post #19786 of 29494
10/5/12 at 11:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by renishi View Post

Hi i am currently in the process of looking for a new headphone to replace my ms1i as i couldnt use it for long hours due to its brightness, clamp force (i am wearing specs btw) and it is making me fatigue as i use them for 3 to 5 hrs daily (Gaming and music mostly). I am still new to the audiophile world so kindly forgive me for any mistake

 

I went to jaben-my to audition a few of the cans and i kinda liked the

HD 598 - everything was ok except for its detail which kinda lack its full body feel

ms2i - was smooth and excellent but it is almost as forward as my ms1i (i read somewhere that forward might also be the cause to my fatigueness)

he-300 - the unit was new and not properly driven yet so i couldnt judge it properly. It feels like ms2i but softer (maybe it is harder to drive)

 

cans that wasnt to my liking was the dt 880 250ohm, the treble is not my cup of tea. HD 650 was boring .... and the staff mention that i need an amp to actually bring colours and life to it. HD 600 is not available as it has been discontinued ~ i couldnt get much detail on he300 vs ms2i and hd 600

 

I am looking for any cans around $250-300 and would most probaly buy it from jaben although it will be much more exp compared to amazon but warranty is an issue to me.

 

Any suggestion on which would be the best choice for me?


Perhaps pairing the MS2i with a tube or hybrid amp that could tame its treble a bit will meet your needs.

Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #19787 of 29494
10/5/12 at 11:58pm

Hi, new to the forum here (hope I am posting in the right place). I currently have AKG K181s. Mainly got them for sound quality and bass, and in that sense they seem to work fine. I really like the bass boosters on the side to really help get extra bass out of my music. Unfortunately, comfort is not its strong point and the plastic is starting to crack. I often can't go for longer than an hour without my ears starting to hurt (maybe I have a big head?). This really sucks as I will often spend 5 straight hours at times modeling, rigging, or animating while listening to music.

 

So right now, I am looking into buying new headphones. Obviously comfort is one of the most important things, behind that is bass, and then I would also like to not spend more than $200, but closer to $150 would be nice :)

 

I have been looking at Sennheiser a lot lately, as a lot of people have been recommending them. The ones I have seen in my price range are the HD 558, 518, 449, 439, 429, and the HD 380 Pro. 

 

So I was wondering if anybody has any recommendations? Thanks in advance!

post #19788 of 29494
10/6/12 at 12:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by strausd View Post

Hi, new to the forum here (hope I am posting in the right place). I currently have AKG K181s. Mainly got them for sound quality and bass, and in that sense they seem to work fine. I really like the bass boosters on the side to really help get extra bass out of my music. Unfortunately, comfort is not its strong point and the plastic is starting to crack. I often can't go for longer than an hour without my ears starting to hurt (maybe I have a big head?). This really sucks as I will often spend 5 straight hours at times modeling, rigging, or animating while listening to music.

So right now, I am looking into buying new headphones. Obviously comfort is one of the most important things, behind that is bass, and then I would also like to not spend more than $200, but closer to $150 would be nice :)

I have been looking at Sennheiser a lot lately, as a lot of people have been recommending them. The ones I have seen in my price range are the HD 558, 518, 449, 439, 429, and the HD 380 Pro. 

So I was wondering if anybody has any recommendations? Thanks in advance!

Hopefully you have some kind of headphone amplifier?

 

Senn HD558s

post #19789 of 29494
10/6/12 at 12:19am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Supreme Ruler View Post

Looking for a headphone that is not more than 500 dollars for the best sound quality. Never own any real headphone so no experience about headphone at all. Listen to almost all genre. Thanks!
 


What PurpleAngel asked, plus:

 

Are you OK with open cans (they leak sound)?

 

What is the format of your music and other sounds you will putting into these cans?

 

Describe the sound signature that you are seeking?  If you don't know (and even if you do), what genres of music do you plan to run through these cans the most?

 

Do you plan to use them outside your home?  If so, in what way & with what equipment?

 

 

post #19790 of 29494
10/6/12 at 12:21am
Hybrid amp as in hippo cricri+ or fiio e10/17? Any other suggestions?
post #19791 of 29494
10/6/12 at 12:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by strausd View Post

Hi, new to the forum here (hope I am posting in the right place). I currently have AKG K181s. Mainly got them for sound quality and bass, and in that sense they seem to work fine. I really like the bass boosters on the side to really help get extra bass out of my music. Unfortunately, comfort is not its strong point and the plastic is starting to crack. I often can't go for longer than an hour without my ears starting to hurt (maybe I have a big head?). This really sucks as I will often spend 5 straight hours at times modeling, rigging, or animating while listening to music.

 

So right now, I am looking into buying new headphones. Obviously comfort is one of the most important things, behind that is bass, and then I would also like to not spend more than $200, but closer to $150 would be nice :)

 

I have been looking at Sennheiser a lot lately, as a lot of people have been recommending them. The ones I have seen in my price range are the HD 558, 518, 449, 439, 429, and the HD 380 Pro. 

 

So I was wondering if anybody has any recommendations? Thanks in advance!


How much (if any at all) are you a basshead?  From the Senn cans you listed, the HD 518 is the best combo of quality and bass presence.  The more balanced HD 558 is a better headphone over all.

 

If you want more bass than that (basshead lite territory) and don't mind recessed mids, then the Beyer DT 770 +/- Pro may be you cup of tea.

post #19792 of 29494
10/6/12 at 12:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by PurpleAngel View Post

Hopefully you have some kind of headphone amplifier?

 

Senn HD558s

Unfortunately I don't. I am a major noob in this area. I just always plug in my current headphones to my iPad, MBP, or the headphone jack on my Logitech Z5500s. 

 

Would that change your suggestion?

 

 

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by KG Jag View Post


How much (if any at all) are you a basshead?  From the Senn cans you listed, the HD 518 is the best combo of quality and bass presence.  The more balanced HD 558 is a better headphone over all.

 

If you want more bass than that (basshead lite territory) and don't mind recessed mids, then the Beyer DT 770 +/- Pro may be you cup of tea.

 

I wouldn't say I am a huge basshead, so maybe on a scale of 1-10, I am about a 5 or a 6. 

 

Which one of those you listed is the most comfortable? Because if I have to choose between a slight increase in comfort over a slight increase in bass, I would rather go with comfort.


Edited by strausd - 10/6/12 at 12:28am
post #19793 of 29494
10/6/12 at 12:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by strausd View Post

Hi, new to the forum here (hope I am posting in the right place). I currently have AKG K181s. Mainly got them for sound quality and bass, and in that sense they seem to work fine. I really like the bass boosters on the side to really help get extra bass out of my music. Unfortunately, comfort is not its strong point and the plastic is starting to crack. I often can't go for longer than an hour without my ears starting to hurt (maybe I have a big head?). This really sucks as I will often spend 5 straight hours at times modeling, rigging, or animating while listening to music.

 

So right now, I am looking into buying new headphones. Obviously comfort is one of the most important things, behind that is bass, and then I would also like to not spend more than $200, but closer to $150 would be nice :)

 

I have been looking at Sennheiser a lot lately, as a lot of people have been recommending them. The ones I have seen in my price range are the HD 558, 518, 449, 439, 429, and the HD 380 Pro. 

 

So I was wondering if anybody has any recommendations? Thanks in advance!

As PurpleAngel and KG Jag said, it would be helpful to know what genres you will be listening to to determine the best choice. From what I read it sounds like your primary concerns are comfort and bass along with overall good sound quality. The sennheisers mentioned are extremely comfortable, but will probably lack the bass you seek, especially if unamped. Depending on the genres you listen to, the Beyerdynamic DT770 might be worth looking into. Also, if you want to save some money, the Creative Aurvana Live! could work nicely for you.

post #19794 of 29494
10/6/12 at 12:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by renishi View Post

Hybrid amp as in hippo cricri+ or fiio e10/17? Any other suggestions?


As far as I know, all Fiio are solid state amps; don't know the first one you listed at all.

 

The affordable desktop hybrid amp that I like with the MS21 and 325is is the HiFiMan EF2A.  I am however, less sensitive to treble from these cans than you appear to be.

post #19795 of 29494
10/6/12 at 12:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by strausd View Post

Unfortunately I don't. I am a major noob in this area. I just always plug in my current headphones to my iPad, MBP, or the headphone jack on my Logitech Z5500s. 

 

Would that change your suggestion?

 

 

 

I wouldn't say I am a huge basshead, so maybe on a scale of 1-10, I am about a 5 or a 6. 

 

Which one of those you listed is the most comfortable? Because if I have to choose between a slight increase in comfort over a slight increase in bass, I would rather go with comfort.


It's hard to know what your scale means without some reference points.  If you want headphones that have strong bass without going into true basshead territory and that are easy to drive, the Ultrasone HiFi 780 may work for you.  The Beyer DT 770 may require more power than you currently have, depending in part on which version (Ohm rating) you buy.  The Ultrasone is fairly comfortable for long listening sessions, the Beyer is very comfortable--and very big.  They are both closed cans, unlike the Senn HD 518 & 558--which leak sound and don't isolate as well from noise in your listening environment.

post #19796 of 29494
10/6/12 at 12:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by hipster2010 View Post

As PurpleAngel and KG Jag said, it would be helpful to know what genres you will be listening to to determine the best choice. From what I read it sounds like your primary concerns are comfort and bass along with overall good sound quality. The sennheisers mentioned are extremely comfortable, but will probably lack the bass you seek, especially if unamped. Depending on the genres you listen to, the Beyerdynamic DT770 might be worth looking into. Also, if you want to save some money, the Creative Aurvana Live! could work nicely for you.

Dubstep, screamo, electronic, and rock.

 

And how do you think the bass on the HD 558s would compare to my AKG K181s? Better or worse? What about the 518s?

Basically I am looking for bass that is of the same level as my current headphones, with just better comfort and something that will last long.

 

 

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by KG Jag View Post


It's hard to know what your scale means without some reference points.  If you want headphones that have strong bass without going into true basshead territory and that are easy to drive, the Ultrasone HiFi 780 may work for you.  The Beyer DT 770 may require more power than you currently have, depending in part on which version (Ohm rating) you buy.  The Ultrasone is fairly comfortable for long listening sessions, the Beyer is very comfortable--and very big.  They are both closed cans, unlike the Senn HD 518 & 558--which leak sound and don't isolate as well from noise in your listening environment.

 

I think my AKGs are closed. But with the volume up, I put them around my leg and could still hear a lot of sound. Would it be worse with the Sennheisers?

 

And as far as reference points go, in terms of bass my AKGs are the only reference point I can give, sorry :/


Edited by strausd - 10/6/12 at 12:45am
post #19797 of 29494
10/6/12 at 12:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by strausd View Post

Dubstep, screamo, electronic, and rock.

 

And how do you think the bass on the HD 558s would compare to my AKG K181s? Better or worse? What about the 518s?

Basically I am looking for bass that is of the same level as my current headphones, with just better comfort and something that will last long.

 

 

 

I think my AKGs are closed. But with the volume up, I put them around my leg and could still hear a lot of sound. Would it be worse with the Sennheisers?

 

And as far as reference points go, in terms of bass my AKGs are the only reference point I can give, sorry :/


I think your 181's are closed DJ style cans, beyond that I really know nothing about them and have never heard them.

post #19798 of 29494
10/6/12 at 12:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by KG Jag View Post


I think your 181's are closed DJ style cans, beyond that I really know nothing about them and have never heard them.

Haha uh oh! I hope that doesn't mean they were a bad choice...

I just looked at the Beyer and Ultrasone ones and they both look very nice and way more comfortable than the ones I have now. Although the mention of ohm levels has me kind of worried that I would choose one that wouldn't be right without more audio equipment.
EDIT: Just looked at some reviews on Amazon. Some people complained about the comfort of the Ultrasone, but everybody seemed to like the comfort of the Beyer. But the only problem is that everybody is saying to use an amp. So I guess my next question would be what is the best pair for comfort and bass that wouldn't require an amp? How would the Sennheiser HD 449, 439, or 429s do in that area?

How good is the bass in the Ultrasone? Like, if you had to say what genres of music those would be really good for, as opposed to super high end headphones that are essentially perfect for everything, what would you say?

And I have heard that too much bass adds to discomfort. So in that sense, maybe it would be better to go for the 558 or 449.
Edited by strausd - 10/6/12 at 1:17am
post #19799 of 29494
10/6/12 at 1:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by strausd View Post

Dubstep, screamo, electronic, and rock.

 

And how do you think the bass on the HD 558s would compare to my AKG K181s? Better or worse? What about the 518s?

Basically I am looking for bass that is of the same level as my current headphones, with just better comfort and something that will last long.

 

 

 

I think my AKGs are closed. But with the volume up, I put them around my leg and could still hear a lot of sound. Would it be worse with the Sennheisers?

 

And as far as reference points go, in terms of bass my AKGs are the only reference point I can give, sorry :/

 

I have really no knowledge of the AKG you have, but this is what I pulled from joker's portable can review:

 

Sound (8/10): Head-to-head comparisons with the K81DJ are inevitable but I will try to be as general as I can. In a nutshell, the K181s alleviate a lot of the issues I had with the sound of the K81s but just don’t go quite far enough. They are more balanced and less dark than the K81s. The low end is still very powerful but the K181s do a better job of controlling it and it is even more extended than with the K81s. The bass also feels like its integrated better into the overall sound. Additionally, there is a bass toggle switch, but after playing with it for a bit I decided that it is better kept in the “low” position for fear of altering plate tectonics. The midrange is very clear and boasts a good amount of detail and very natural tonality. It seems slightly forward compared to the K81s but this is likely the result of the K181s’ better bass and treble control. The treble is equally natural and very smooth. Though it lacks the distinctive sparkle of the K81, there is not a hint of harshness or sibilance with the K181. Amplification has an effect on the K181s, but not so much that I would recommend getting an amp just for them. I have also been using them with a DHC Cryo K702 cable, which sounds brilliant with these. It really helps with the treble rolloff issue that these share with the K81s. Overall the K181s are still far from being flat, neutral monitoring phones but they can be quite fun, especially with the club-type music for which they were so obviously designed.

 

Since you like the bass end turned up, I think you need a bassy can which the Sennheiser is not. The HD558 is a great can, but you may find it lacking in bass. Also they are open, which means that the back of the headphone cup is a metal grill which allows air (and sound) to pass in and out freely. This means that if you turned on the Sennheisers and put them on you leg like you said with the AKGs, they will be at least as loud, but probably much louder. Open cans have lots of benefits, but isolation and leakage is not one of them.

 

Like I said before, the Beyer DT770 should work well depending on how loud you listen. I had the 250ohm and ran in straight from my computer before I finally got an amp, so I know it can be done. There is the 80ohm version though which would be even easier to drive.

post #19800 of 29494
10/6/12 at 2:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by strausd View Post


Haha uh oh! I hope that doesn't mean they were a bad choice...
I just looked at the Beyer and Ultrasone ones and they both look very nice and way more comfortable than the ones I have now. Although the mention of ohm levels has me kind of worried that I would choose one that wouldn't be right without more audio equipment.
EDIT: Just looked at some reviews on Amazon. Some people complained about the comfort of the Ultrasone, but everybody seemed to like the comfort of the Beyer. But the only problem is that everybody is saying to use an amp. So I guess my next question would be what is the best pair for comfort and bass that wouldn't require an amp? How would the Sennheiser HD 449, 439, or 429s do in that area?
How good is the bass in the Ultrasone? Like, if you had to say what genres of music those would be really good for, as opposed to super high end headphones that are essentially perfect for everything, what would you say?
And I have heard that too much bass adds to discomfort. So in that sense, maybe it would be better to go for the 558 or 449.

Senn HD558, not a bass heavy headphone, but does have good over all sound.

 

Asus Xonar DG sound card, $26

Comes with a half-way decent headphone amplifier and Dolby headphone surround sound.

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Head-Fi.org › Forums › Help and Getting Started › Introductions, Help and Recommendations › ++ FULL-SIZE HEADPHONE RECOMMENDATIONS THREAD++ CLOSED: Please post a thread in the Introductions, Help and Advice forum