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Closed headphones with the "Grado sound"
Jan 1, 2012 at 10:45 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 16
jt354

jt354

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Hey all,
 
I'm looking for a set of closed cans in the $150-200 range that are suitable for hard rock, classic rock, "dirty" jazz, and maybe some metal/electronic. Basically, I want tight, controlled bass, detailed and lively mids and highs, etc. I don't really care about flat response or amazing soundstage, and certainly don't want anything with that cold, studio monitor quality. I received Sennheiser HD25s as a gift and like them, especially for electronic music, but I'd rather have something that renders guitar tones better and is circumaural if possible. Any suggestions? I don't have an amp and can't really afford one at present, and in any case I'd like to be able to travel with whatever cans I buy. Sound isolation is important. Thanks!
 
Jan 1, 2012 at 5:39 PM Post #2 of 16
From experience and what you've described, I personally recommend the Ultrasone HFi-780s.  You can find them on Amazon for $150 & they have good isolation. Some people consider these "aggressive" sounding though so I'd test them out to see if they're for you, if that is possible. They can also be a bit uncomfortable (they have pretty good clamping force)  but stretching them out over a box for a night really helps. No amp is required either. They can easily be driven by an iPod. (I highly recommend getting one though as it will dramatically improve the sound quality)
As the bass is concerned, it is aggressive at first but it really evens out at around the 20hr burn-in mark. (From my experience)
I think they'll be a really good pair from what you've described but listen to what others suggest and see if you can test out a couple pairs before you make your final decision.
 
 
Jan 1, 2012 at 6:33 PM Post #3 of 16
In my opinion none of the cans in the price range you've suggested can quite beat an SR80i for rock, but the suggestion listed above is one of your best bets for closed.
 
Sincerely,
 
Jan 1, 2012 at 6:49 PM Post #5 of 16
 
 Sorry to be a party pooper but nothing will render guitar like a Grado.
 
 You can have alternate rock flavors with closed cans but if you want
 the real deal ~ there is only one option. Grado or Alessandro. There's
 no substitute I'm afraid 
smile.gif

 
 People put with their funny traits like 1940's design and fit for a
 reason ~ they sound like nothing else, love or hate.
 
Jan 1, 2012 at 6:50 PM Post #6 of 16


Quote:
gwarmi said:
 
 Sorry to be a party pooper but nothing will render guitar like a Grado.
 
 You can have alternate rock flavors with closed cans but if you want
 the real deal ~ there is only one option. Grado or Alessandro. There's
 no substitute I'm afraid 
smile.gif

 
 People put with their funny traits like 1940's design and fit for a
 reason ~ they sound like nothing else, love or hate.
Click to expand...


yeah...grado's are prety good :/ the ultrasone's are the closest though. you either get ultrasone's and be happy iwth the closed design. how it makes other music sound much better and s-logic. or you change your lifestyel to accompany your grado's
 
 
Jan 1, 2012 at 6:51 PM Post #7 of 16


Quote:
gwarmi said:
 
 Sorry to be a party pooper but nothing will render guitar like a Grado.
 
 You can have alternate rock flavors with closed cans but if you want
 the real deal ~ there is only one option. Grado or Alessandro. There's
 no substitute I'm afraid 
smile.gif

 
 People put with their funny traits like 1940's design and fit for a
 reason ~ they sound like nothing else, love or hate.
Click to expand...

+1
 
 
 
Jan 1, 2012 at 7:14 PM Post #10 of 16
I've heard some people say that the Sennheiser HD25-1 II are a little like Grados, but with a Sennheiser twist to it. Now, I haven't heard Grados, so I can't say if this is true or if it's complete BS - but people with experience from both Grados and these Senns might be able to chime in..
 
Jan 1, 2012 at 7:21 PM Post #11 of 16


Quote:
coq de combat said:
I've heard some people say that the Sennheiser HD25-1 II are a little like Grados, but with a Sennheiser twist to it. Now, I haven't heard Grados, so I can't say if this is true or if it's complete BS - but people with experience from both Grados and these Senns might be able to chime in..
Click to expand...



 There is certainly an element of truth there Coq De Combat, it's no perfect match but the HD-25 II has that forward punchy sound,
 it still lacks that mid range and guitar rendering though. Good phone though hence my comments earlier.
 
 If the OP is not quite satisfied with the HD-25 II as is then...well there's only one thing for it.
 
 I use my SR80i's everywhere, I just make sure to keep a trigger happy thumb on the volume control
 depending on whether I'm walking a quiet street, on the train, in a shopping centre etc etc.
 
 It's not completely unworkable unless we're talking dorm room or library use.
 
Jan 1, 2012 at 7:25 PM Post #12 of 16


Quote:
gwarmi said:
 There is certainly an element of truth there Coq De Combat, it's no perfect match but the HD-25 II has that forward punchy sound,
 it still lacks that mid range and guitar rendering though. Good phone though hence my comments earlier.
 
 If the OP is not quite satisfied with the HD-25 II as is then...well there's only one thing for it.
 
 I use my SR80i's everywhere, I just make sure to keep a trigger happy thumb on the volume control
 depending on whether I'm walking a quiet street, on the train, in a shopping centre etc etc.
 
 It's not completely unworkable unless we're talking dorm room or library use.
Click to expand...


your walking through the streets, jaming to some miley cirrus or some other embrassing song. then your turn the corner and see ur friends! THUMB MOVE MOVE MOVE!!! happens to all of us. not as extreme though. ya know :)
 
 
Jan 1, 2012 at 7:39 PM Post #13 of 16
I have both Alessandro MS1i and the new Brainwavz HM5.  If you're looking for a reasonably priced substitute, I'd try the HM5.  They don't quite have the Grado/Alessandro edge on guitars - that in your face twang.  But they do have a nice mid-range, an edgy treble, and good bass punch.  They're very enjoyable for rock - and very reasonably priced.
 
Jan 1, 2012 at 7:44 PM Post #14 of 16


Quote:
bowei006 said:
your walking through the streets, jaming to some miley cirrus or some other embrassing song. then your turn the corner and see ur friends! THUMB MOVE MOVE MOVE!!! happens to all of us. not as extreme though. ya know :)
 
Click to expand...



 Happens to me all the time :) although it's usually something even more humiliating like 'French Accordian Classics' or worse..
 
 Englebert Humperdinck ~ how could anyone keep a straight face looking at the front cover of this record 
biggrin.gif

 
 
 
Jan 1, 2012 at 8:00 PM Post #15 of 16


Quote:
gwarmi said:
 Happens to me all the time :) although it's usually something even more humiliating like 'French Accordian Classics' or worse..
 
 Englebert Humperdinck ~ how could anyone keep a straight face looking at the front cover of this record 
biggrin.gif

 
 
Click to expand...



My grandmothers favorite artist. When she walked into a record store she shouted loudly, "Now where's the good ****? Where's Engelbert Humperdinck?" 
beyersmile.png

 
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