KRK KNS 8400 vs Other?

Quote:

Originally Posted by col902 

I have been looking at closed back headphones ~$150, and the 8400 looks like a good choice. I listen mainly to classic rock, acoustic, and a little bit of pop. I will be listening straight out of an ipod. I would like them to be really comfortable. I like having a lot of detail, and not too much bass, but enough so that it is there. Will anything be better than these in sound quality for what I listen to at $150? 

Not that I've heard! Nothing that comes to mind that fits your requirements. There is also the KRK KNS-6400 but it does not come with memory foam pads. Most people around here seem to prefer the 8400 though.

BTW B&H has the 8400 for $119 and 6400 for $70. You could buy the 6400 along with some 8400 memory foam pads for a total of $100. B&H doesn't have any 8400 pads in stock though unfortunately..so there goes that idea.

You could also try the Creative Aurvana Live for $65, but IMO it's a huge drop in sound quality and not circumaural for some.

Quote:

Originally Posted by col902 

thanks! just one question, do you prefer the sound signature of the 6400 over the 8400? if so, could you explain why? also, do these need a lot of burn in?

I prefer the 6400, but the 8400 is technically better and most people on here seem to prefer the 8400. I listen to a lot of pop music and female vocals so I prefer the 6400 because of it's slightly more forward (sounding) mids. The 8400's mids are a bit laid back IMO (not recessed!). Both are very good headphones. I compared both for a few hours and prefer the 6400. I do use memory foam pads on my 6400 though.

Here's an old review I did of the 6400:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/560605/krk-kns-6400-review-impressive-99-giant-killer

BTW the 8400 seems to have better extension in the treble and bass.

Overall the 6400 was just a bit more fun to listen to, but I don't run a studio.

Speaking as one of the "other" people:), I found the 6400s to be fatiguing in terms of both sound quality and comfort.  I definitely preferred the 8400s.  I found them to be very well balanced and extended at both ends of the spectrum.

I  can get the KRK 8400 free from my credit card rewards program, but they also have the Sennheiser 448 and ATH-700 available too.  For warmth and detail, which one would work best?  I'm not a bass-head at all, it just has to be there, balanced properly with everything else.  I listen to a lot of jazz (bop), strong female vocals (Diana Krall, Metisse, Melody Gardot) and classic rock (Beatles, Pink Floyd, Rush.)

Out of those three? Without even hearing the other two, I'd definitely go for the 8400. :)

Haven't heard the 448, but I had the A700 quite some time ago, and I think the 8400s are definitely a good way to go.