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Closed Headphones that Tie or Edge out Grados for Metal?

post #1 of 19
8/14/11 at 3:00am
Thread Starter 

I've been in a massive internal conflict to decide if I should keep my Grado SR325is headphones. The problem is definitely not the sound, but the portability. I really need something I can lug around with me on bus commutes and not look completely idiotic wearing them. The Grado SR325 design really grabs my attention because of the minimalistic look with the flair of the Silver housing. 90% of what I listen to is either Metal or Hardcore, and the Grados are amazing at representing these(as I'm sure you know). I love the focus they put on the higher frequencies(especially making those guitars shine). They are almost perfect except the annoying reality of being open. I will be buying a solid state amp soon for $200-300, so I don't mind amping to achieve good SQ.  Does a closed headphone exist that can provide something better or similar to Metal and look good doing it? 

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post #2 of 19
8/14/11 at 3:21am

It's going to be more of a competitor to Grado SR125 than SR325, but the KRK KNS 6400 has excellent mid and high response that really makes crunchy guitars and vocals shine, not to mention drums. They're closed, lightweight, and look a bit more studio-esque than Grados. They are really enjoyable with my metal collection. But, again, SR325 might outclass them a bit even in areas where they both perform well. Not sure.

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post #3 of 19
8/14/11 at 3:38am
Thread Starter 

Not supper interested in downgrading, but thanks for the help!

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post #4 of 19
8/14/11 at 3:39am

There is the KRK KNS 8400 that is supposed to be similar, but better. At least worth an audition if you have them locally.

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post #5 of 19
8/14/11 at 4:00am
Thread Starter 

Theese seem to be studio headphones at $150. They are a little on the cheap end, and I aready own a pair of beyerdynamic studio cans. They seem like good bang 4 buck tho.

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post #6 of 19
8/14/11 at 5:02am

Heya,

 

SRH940.

 

All the forward mids and highs of a Grado. Little/no sibilance. Good impact and bass extension. Closed. Very comfortable. Portable. Easy to drive, but does benefit amplification. Detachable cord, two types. Full review in my sig if you want to know more about them.

 

Very best,

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post #7 of 19
8/14/11 at 5:34am

You are going to struggle if you want equal or superior presentation for metal than the

325i's. Agree though, wearing them out in public makes you feel like a demented

audio nerd in the eyes of others with their practical in-ears.

 

End of the day they are an indoors can as evidenced by the standard 1/4 plug.

 

You're going to have to 'settle' for another can or get a second set for on the go.

 

Maybe someone well versed in metal friendly IEM's can suggest something?

 

Otherwise, Malveaux's tip for the 940 sounds like a winner. 

 

I won't recommend the ubiquitous M50, it's ok for metal but nothing compared to

a Grado.

 

I did meet a guy once who plays in a local metal band with a really nordic metal sound.

 

He swore by his Sennheiser 280 Pro when they were mixing the final recording

so that could be one avenue for a number #2 phone.


Edited by Gwarmi - 8/14/11 at 5:44am
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post #8 of 19
8/14/11 at 6:00am

Why is Grados recommended for metal anyways...?

I heard Grados with metal and hated them. Always preferred a large soundstage and good instrument separation so I can tell where each instrument is placed.

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post #9 of 19
8/14/11 at 6:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Xymordos View Post

Why is Grados recommended for metal anyways...?

I heard Grados with metal and hated them. Always preferred a large soundstage and good instrument separation so I can tell where each instrument is placed.



     Guitar timber, nothing else comes close to a 325i for my ears during a Kirk Hammett or Joe Satriani solo.

 

     The lack of soundstage can back-fire though as you say with a recording like 'Metallica & the San Francisco Orchestra'.

 

     Cramped.

 

     


Edited by Gwarmi - 8/14/11 at 6:16am
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post #10 of 19
8/14/11 at 12:01pm

But timber can usually only be heard in slower songs. I do prefer fast solos, and I prefer the crisp sound of the audio technicas. :)

Grados just sounded much too small for me

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post #11 of 19
8/14/11 at 12:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gwarmi View Post





     Guitar timber, nothing else comes close to a 325i for my ears during a Kirk Hammett or Joe Satriani solo.

 

     The lack of soundstage can back-fire though as you say with a recording like 'Metallica & the San Francisco Orchestra'.

 

     Cramped.

 

     



Haven't heard the 325i, but I find myself grabbing my SR80i for guitar driven metal. The best balanced cans I believe for metal are the Denon D7000, It does all sub-genres really well and has a decent soundstage. So I assume the D5k and D2k would follow. Strangely I found myself using my AD700 for black metal, as it produces the best atmosphere, too bad I don't have them anymore.

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post #12 of 19
8/14/11 at 3:27pm
Thread Starter 

I was thinking about something like the Denon AH-D5000 or ATH-W1000X. How do those do?

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post #13 of 19
8/14/11 at 4:06pm
Thread Starter 

The Beyerdynamic 70p look great as well.

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post #14 of 19
8/14/11 at 4:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Xymordos View Post

But timber can usually only be heard in slower songs. I do prefer fast solos, and I prefer the crisp sound of the audio technicas. :)

Grados just sounded much too small for me



Any particular Audio Technica models? AT is a fresh field for me having never heard (and owned) anything outside of the M50.

 

@Staxxx

 

I'd imagine the entire Denon range would not be short on impact. Another can that has piqued my interest and that could be a potential answer for the OP could be the Ultrasone Pro 990. Some are saying that it plays fairly well with metal outside

of it's electronica mainstay, conversely there appears to be debate over how it presents acoustic guitar for some

Metal passages.

 

Ditto on the SR80i for metal as a portable. Fantastic on the bowls which add some much needed depth and width.

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post #15 of 19
8/14/11 at 4:56pm
Thread Starter 

Again, what do guys think about the headphones I posted?

 

How are you guys using the 80s as a portable? 0 isolation precisely my problem =( 

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by MalVeauX View Post

Heya,

 

SRH940.

 

All the forward mids and highs of a Grado. Little/no sibilance. Good impact and bass extension. Closed. Very comfortable. Portable. Easy to drive, but does benefit amplification. Detachable cord, two types. Full review in my sig if you want to know more about them.

 

Very best,



Thank you for the suggestion but they are very ugly IMO. That colour contrast really gets to me.

 


Edited by NonApplicable - 8/14/11 at 4:58pm
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