++ FULL-SIZE HEADPHONE RECOMMENDATIONS THREAD++ i.e. Don't start a new thread: ask for advice... - Page 1629

Quote:

Originally Posted by dryvadeum 

Definitely buy better headphones.

X10

Quote:

Originally Posted by dryvadeum 


Definitely buy better headphones.

Quote:

Originally Posted by eucariote 

 

X10

Alright that brings it to the LCD-2 and the GS1000i then, anyone have any opinion on these two? Or any other pair that's right around $1000?

Quote:

Originally Posted by bumonskateboard 

Quote:

Originally Posted by dryvadeum 


Definitely buy better headphones.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by eucariote 

 

X10

Alright that brings it to the LCD-2 and the GS1000i then, anyone have any opinion on these two? Or any other pair that's right around $1000?

You can't properly drive the nearly $1,000 planar LCD-2 without a decent (probably desktop) amp--so strike it.

If I were you, I'd get the HE 500 and something like the new Asgard 2 desktop amp.  This assumes you already have a good DAC--built in or otherwise--and are OK with heavier planar cans on your head for the length of your listening sessions.

Also study this:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/634201/battle-of-the-flagships-57-headphones-compared-update-hifiman-he-400-added-12-24-12#user_HE400

Looking for a recommendation or two here, as a starting (or maybe even ending) point in my search for a new headphone:

I'm looking for a closed-back, around the ear headphone with good isolation, that would pair well with a variety of DAPs.  My list of portables includes a 5.5g iPod, HTC Rezound smartphone, Cowon J3 and Z2 (I'm hoping to maybe add the forthcoming FiiO X3, when it becomes available).  I do have a portable amp/DAC (E17), but would like to see if there's a headphone that would work well enough without it.

Musical tastes: metal, prog-rock, new prog, symphonic rock, some pop, jazz, new age, classical.  NO rap, hip-hop, etc.  I'm not what you would consider a "bass head", but I do enjoy full, deep bass when and where appropriate.  I prefer to explore the complex intricacies of music, not be shallowly entertained by a beat.

My budget is in the $200-$350 range (used), though I may stretch that a bit if a really good deal on higher-end set of cans came up.  But, these will be somewhat portable, and I don't want to feel bad about possibly (mildly) abusing an expensive set.  A couple I've got my eyes on are:

Audio-Technica ATH-M50 (on the lower end)

Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro Limited Ed. (32Ω)

Ultrasone Pro 900 (on the upper end, but maybe something slightly above it)

Am I headed in the right direction?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hard Head 

Looking for a recommendation or two here, as a starting (or maybe even ending) point in my search for a new headphone:

 

I'm looking for a closed-back, around the ear headphone with good isolation, that would pair well with a variety of DAPs.  My list of portables includes a 5.5g iPod, HTC Rezound smartphone, Cowon J3 and Z2 (I'm hoping to maybe add the forthcoming FiiO X3, when it becomes available).  I do have a portable amp/DAC (E17), but would like to see if there's a headphone that would work well enough without it.

 

Musical tastes: metal, prog-rock, new prog, symphonic rock, some pop, jazz, new age, classical.  NO rap, hip-hop, etc.  I'm not what you would consider a "bass head", but I do enjoy full, deep bass when and where appropriate.  I prefer to explore the complex intricacies of music, not be shallowly entertained by a beat.

 

My budget is in the $200-$350 range (used), though I may stretch that a bit if a really good deal on higher-end set of cans came up.  But, these will be somewhat portable, and I don't want to feel bad about possibly (mildly) abusing an expensive set.  A couple I've got my eyes on are:

 

Audio-Technica ATH-M50 (on the lower end)

Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro Limited Ed. (32Ω)

Ultrasone Pro 900 (on the upper end, but maybe something slightly above it)

 

Am I headed in the right direction?

I would say that you are not. 

All three cans you listed are bass oriented--if not basshead lite (or more for the 900), they are right next to it.  At least the first two have recessed mids.  This is a bad fit for jazz, classical and new age.  For me it's also a bad fit for rock. which generally lives in the mids with guitars and vocals.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hard Head 

Looking for a recommendation or two here, as a starting (or maybe even ending) point in my search for a new headphone:

 

I'm looking for a closed-back, around the ear headphone with good isolation, that would pair well with a variety of DAPs.  My list of portables includes a 5.5g iPod, HTC Rezound smartphone, Cowon J3 and Z2 (I'm hoping to maybe add the forthcoming FiiO X3, when it becomes available).  I do have a portable amp/DAC (E17), but would like to see if there's a headphone that would work well enough without it.

 

Musical tastes: metal, prog-rock, new prog, symphonic rock, some pop, jazz, new age, classical.  NO rap, hip-hop, etc.  I'm not what you would consider a "bass head", but I do enjoy full, deep bass when and where appropriate.  I prefer to explore the complex intricacies of music, not be shallowly entertained by a beat.

 

My budget is in the $200-$350 range (used), though I may stretch that a bit if a really good deal on higher-end set of cans came up.  But, these will be somewhat portable, and I don't want to feel bad about possibly (mildly) abusing an expensive set.  A couple I've got my eyes on are:

 

Audio-Technica ATH-M50 (on the lower end)

Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro Limited Ed. (32Ω)

Ultrasone Pro 900 (on the upper end, but maybe something slightly above it)

 

Am I headed in the right direction?

I have all three of those here in the house and I've been cross comparing them with a four way desktop amp. For my money the Ultrasones take first place. Best Bass I've ever heard (almost too much) and better imaging than the others with a wider sound field. Probably due to the SRS feature. My second fave was the ATH-M50. Do not care for the DT770 Pro as it has the least Bass of the 3, but it did have better highs and separation than the M50s. Hope that helps a little. 

I will probably keep the Ultrasone 900's but I still have to try at least one open back model. Probably the Hi-Fi Man M500s as I've heard they have the best Bass. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by KG Jag 

You can't properly drive the nearly $1,000 planar LCD-2 without a decent (probably desktop) amp--so strike it.

 

If I were you, I'd get the HE 500 and something like the new Asgard 2 desktop amp.  This assumes you already have a good DAC--built in or otherwise--and are OK with heavier planar cans on your head for the length of your listening sessions.

 

Also study this:

 

http://www.head-fi.org/t/634201/battle-of-the-flagships-57-headphones-compared-update-hifiman-he-400-added-12-24-12#user_HE400

I'll keep that in mind, if I was going to get the Asgard 2 amp I'd be going to a desktop amp, do you think it would drive the LCD-2 well? It'd be a little over my budget but I could most likely handle it, or do you think the LCD-2s really need a nice $1000+ amp? Either way I have heard great things about the HE 500.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KG Jag 

Do you want to keep the recessed mids of the M-50?

 

What equipment will be powering these cans?  Will you be using an amp?

 

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

 

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

Thank you for responding. I just got the notice today. Sorry for the delay. 

1. iPod with E11 Amp

2. Dubstep, Pop, Rock, Country 

3. These are for Home use

I am currently auditioning three headphones. M50, Ultrasone 900, DT770. Of the three I like the Ultrasone 900 best because of the combination of great Bass and wide sound field. The highs are a tad sibilant at times, and I think I'd like to try an open back model with great Bass. I'm told the M500 has the best Bass of any open back headphone? Is that a fair statement?

Quote:

Originally Posted by KG Jag 

I would say that you are not. 

 

All three cans you listed are bass oriented--if not basshead lite (or more for the 900), they are right next to it.  At least the first two have recessed mids.  This is a bad fit for jazz, classical and new age.  For me it's also a bad fit for rock. which generally lives in the mids with guitars and vocals.

OK.  This is useful!  M50 and DT770 scratched off my list.  I am concerned about mids being recessed, however, given that my goal is to use it with a DAP (and without amplification, if possible) perhaps a more bass-forward headphone works to my advantage?  I dunno... I may be wrong about that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bareyb 

 

I have all three of those here in the house and I've been cross comparing them with a four way desktop amp. For my money the Ultrasones take first place. Best Bass I've ever heard (almost too much) and better imaging than the others with a wider sound field. Probably due to the SRS feature. My second fave was the ATH-M50. Do not care for the DT770 Pro as it has the least Bass of the 3, but it did have better highs and separation than the M50s. Hope that helps a little. 

 

I will probably keep the Ultrasone 900's but I still have to try at least one open back model. Probably the Hi-Fi Man M500s as I've heard they have the best Bass. 

I do want to find a headphone with a fairly open soundstage and good imaging.  One thing I can't sacrifice is the closed back and good isolation... Don't want to annoy the girls in my home with my music, and there are times when I'm listening in a fairly noisy environment.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hard Head 

 

OK.  This is useful!  M50 and DT770 scratched off my list.  I am concerned about mids being recessed, however, given that my goal is to use it with a DAP (and without amplification, if possible) perhaps a more bass-forward headphone works to my advantage?  I dunno... I may be wrong about that.

 

I do want to find a headphone with a fairly open soundstage and good imaging.  One thing I can't sacrifice is the closed back and good isolation... Don't want to annoy the girls in my home with my music, and there are times when I'm listening in a fairly noisy environment.

Of all the closed back Headphones I've tried the Ultrasone 900s have by FAR the best soundstage and separation and the LEAST amount of midrange fall back. No contest.  Probably due to the unique driver placement they employ. The M50 sounds positively "in your head" in comparison. The DT770 Pros have a nice sound stage (not as wide as the 900s though) but lack the Bass impact of the M50 and the 900 (900 wins in that regard). 

Quote:

Originally Posted by bareyb 

Quote:

Originally Posted by KG Jag 

Do you want to keep the recessed mids of the M-50?

 

What equipment will be powering these cans?  Will you be using an amp?

 

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

 

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

Thank you for responding. I just got the notice today. Sorry for the delay. 

 

1. iPod with E11 Amp

2. Dubstep, Pop, Rock, Country 

3. These are for Home use

 

I am currently auditioning three headphones. M50, Ultrasone 900, DT770. Of the three I like the Ultrasone 900 best because of the combination of great Bass and wide sound field. The highs are a tad sibilant at times, and I think I'd like to try an open back model with great Bass. I'm told the M500 has the best Bass of any open back headphone? Is that a fair statement?

If you're referring to the HE 500, probably not in the sense that you mean it.   Each of the other cans you mentioned have bass enhanced well beyond neutral.  The HE 500 has excellent quality extended bass, but its in the context of balance sound and neutral sound signature.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bumonskateboard 

Quote:

Originally Posted by KG Jag 

You can't properly drive the nearly $1,000 planar LCD-2 without a decent (probably desktop) amp--so strike it.

 

If I were you, I'd get the HE 500 and something like the new Asgard 2 desktop amp.  This assumes you already have a good DAC--built in or otherwise--and are OK with heavier planar cans on your head for the length of your listening sessions.

 

Also study this:

 

http://www.head-fi.org/t/634201/battle-of-the-flagships-57-headphones-compared-update-hifiman-he-400-added-12-24-12#user_HE400

I'll keep that in mind, if I was going to get the Asgard 2 amp I'd be going to a desktop amp, do you think it would drive the LCD-2 well? It'd be a little over my budget but I could most likely handle it, or do you think the LCD-2s really need a nice $1000+ amp? Either way I have heard great things about the HE 500.

The LCD-2 has a darker sound signature than the HE 500.  The brand new Asgard 2 will drive the LCD-2.  What I can't tell you is whether or not it is a good match.  People here will probably be posting about that here on the (larger) forum before too long.

Hello,

I posted this same question in both the Ultrasone 900 and 2900 Appreciation thread since I need people with experience on both of these headphones. I’ve asked this question on another non-audiophile forum but getting some pretty generic responses.

I’m looking for a new pair of headphones. I’m using them for computer gaming primary but I love listening to electronica music as well. I consider myself the “Compromised Gamer” and I want headphones with good directional sound but has great bass to go along with it.

I’ve narrowed it down to 2 choice. Either the Ultrasone Pro 900 or the Ultrasone Pro 2900. I currently own an Ultrasone HFI-700 and very impressed with it but want to upgrade. I know the 900's are closed-back and the 2900's are open-back. I don’t care about sound leakage or whatnot. I am looking for the highest quality sound with good bass. I haven’t seen many comparisons between the two headphones. I've noticed though that the 2900's are not nearly as popular as the 900's. The 2900’s are more expensive than the 900’s though. Does anyone have any experience with these two headphones? Which would be better primary for gaming if price isn't a factor?  Thanks.