++ FULL-SIZE HEADPHONE RECOMMENDATIONS THREAD++ CLOSED: Please post a thread in the... - Page 1694  

Quote:

Originally Posted by dotandvir 

Hi,

I am thinking of buying my first desktop headphone rig.

I currently own both a grado sr150i and b&w p5. I drive them with a a budget unforced icon2 dac.

I like the sound from the p5 but the foam is uncomfortable after a while. The sound from the grades tires me after while and I miss some info when actively listening.

I listen to all kinds of music although mostly small bands, lots of guitar, piano and occasional vocal.
Sources are streaming and flac.

I have a budget of up to 1500 USD for a complete system including a respectable amp and dac.

Ideas are welcome as well as a discussion on how to spread the budget.

Dotan

I have never heard of the SR 150i.  Is that what you meant to say?

You need to tell us the sound signature that you seek.

Have you seen this?

http://www.head-fi.org/t/634201/battle-of-the-flagships-57-headphones-compared-update-hifiman-he-400-added-12-24-12

Given your generous budget, you might want to start your search with the HE 500 and/or LCD-2.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Koerhijo 

-Price: $250 - $400
-Style: Open-Back
-Genres: VERY varied, though specific in Electronica and Rock
-Previous headphones: Grado SR80i, Sennheiser HD-518, and HE-400
-DAC/Amp: Schiit Stack

-Reasons: I currently am using the HE-400. While I find it enjoyable on Electronica music, it seems to lack on rock songs overall, especially ones with screaming. I enjoy the bass clarity, but overall the bass might be a tad bit much. I'm not complaining, but I'm not looking solely for things with excellent bass. However, I definitely liked the clarity of the bass, if that makes sense. If this isn't the term I should be using/if I'm wrong, let me know.

-What I'm looking for: I'm looking for a pair of open-back headphones designed for Electronica and Rock, but should be considered a 'genre master'. I want a headphone that is has very high clarity (open sound stage, instrument separation, neutral-sound). I also want it to similar to the HD-518 in overall presentation, but less bass (relative to the other sounds).


I've been thinking of the Sennheiser HD-600/650, but want more suggestions or confirmation that these would be perfect choices.

Electronica is not my thing, but you might want to check out the DT 880.  It is one of those genre masters.  However it is bright while the HD 518 is dark--or maybe that's what you want.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KG Jag 

Electronica is not my thing, but you might want to check out the DT 880.  It is one of those genre masters.  However it is bright while the HD 518 is dark--or maybe that's what you want.

I will definitely look into the DT 880. I assume you're talking about the 600 ohm version. As for bright vs dark, I don't believe I care. I enjoy both my HD 518 and my Grado SR 80i, so I'm not entirely sure I have a preference there (or don't know I do).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Koerhijo 

Quote:

Originally Posted by KG Jag 

Electronica is not my thing, but you might want to check out the DT 880.  It is one of those genre masters.  However it is bright while the HD 518 is dark--or maybe that's what you want.

I will definitely look into the DT 880. I assume you're talking about the 600 ohm version. As for bright vs dark, I don't believe I care. I enjoy both my HD 518 and my Grado SR 80i, so I'm not entirely sure I have a preference there (or don't know I do).

The 600 Ohm version is the best, if you can drive it properly.

    Quote:

Originally Posted by KG Jag 

The 600 Ohm version is the best, if you can drive it properly.

Would the Schiit Magni work for the DT 880 600 ohm, or would I need something stronger?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Koerhijo 

    Quote:

Originally Posted by KG Jag 

The 600 Ohm version is the best, if you can drive it properly.

 

Would the Schiit Magni work for the DT 880 600 ohm, or would I need something stronger?

I think the Schiit web site tells you what it will drive.  It's new and I don't have one.  My Asgard 1 will push it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidsh 

I mostly like a natural and coherent sound. Everything has its place, bass, mids and treble. But if I have to choose I would choose a mid centric or dark headphone rather than u-shaped or bright headphone.

Hmm. Well, I don't know if there are any dark or mid-centric Ultrasones. I seem to remember KG Jag saying the HFI 780 was the most neutral among them. He can give you more information on that. In general I think most all of the Ultrasones are U-shaped and a bit bright. My PRO 750s definitely are and I'm not much of a fan of brightness but I still quite like them, so that tells you something. That said, I use them mainly for portable listening or for when I want that great bass texture and quantity. If I used them as my all-day/everyday headphones I would probably get a bit fatigued by the brightness. Although you could always EQ them. Overall I really like them. They're comfortable, durable, and sound great. The bass is amazing and there are certain songs/genres where they're even better than my other, generally "better" 'phones.

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidsh 

 

Also, one last question. Are the ultrasones durable for portable use?

Yup. They're nice and durable. They also come with a hard(ish) case. I took my PRO 750 on my trip to NYC over the new year holiday and used it a lot and was quite happy with its comfort, durability, isolation, etc. for portable use. Its a tad large for a portable headphone but I prefer that anyway because I don't like on-ears all that much.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trunks159 

Portable Headphones:
I've been researching a ton and I've come down to these two:
v-moda m100 and Sony MDR 1R

I don't know about you, but after many of my searches, I keep coming full circle back to the M-100. I think it's time to look at the specific in-depth reviews of this newer V-Moda headphone. I have seen a few negative reviews, but also many good ones. I wonder if possibly the folks who thumbs down the M-100 are higher end Audiophiles that have experienced the best of the best. I figure the M-100 will be equivalent or better than anything I've heard thus far, so I it will be great for me. I want the bass of the LP2's but I don't want to compromise the integrity of the entire soundstage just to have bass...

KG Jag, Thanks for the link, and the heads up about the preferences of this forum :)

Here's what I'm after folks...

-Price < = $300 or so
-I want to listen to music with heavy bass, but keep somewhat decent overall quality. (I'm not a bass-head but somewhere near that)

-I'm looking for decent punch and quality lows that really resonate.

-Need closed cans / isolated for office use.

I have a Fiio E11 portable amp to help power higher resistance headphones.

I really like Sennheiser, but realize they don't have a lot of options for bass with closed cans. I have nearly purchased the M-100 many times but haven't pulled the trigger.

Here is a list of all the headphones I was looking at:

-Sennheiser Momentum

-Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

-Sennheiser HD 380 Pro

-Sennheiser HD 449

-Audio-Technica ATH-PRO700MK2

-Audio-Technica ATH-M50

-Pioneer SE-MJ591

-V-Moda Crossfade LP2 LE

-V-Moda Crossfade M-80

-V-Moda M-100

-Bose AE2i

-Klipsch Mode M40

-M-AUDIO Q40

-Shure SRH 750

-Shure SRH 840

-Denon AH-D400

-Sony MDR-X10

-Sony MDR-XB800

-AKG K272 HD

Please help me cross some of the lesser suited cans off my list.