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Newb Needs First Cans, Help! $300 budget.

post #1 of 21
1/30/12 at 3:11pm
Thread Starter 
Hello all,

Its official I've been bitten by the audio bug. It started when I wanted a decent IEM. Did some research here and found the re0. Then I ran into the hf3 at Best Buy and could not resist the price. Yeah I know the two are pretty similar, but could not resist the value. So I experienced my audio epiphany and now have decided that I need a pair of full-headphones, and thus, have been scouring these forums. I have some ideas about what I might like, but I want to start open ended and not lead recommendations in any direction.

Firstly, please excuse my lack of audio verbage, as I am still learning. I love the sound of both my re0s and particularly my hf3s. The clarity and mids mmm mmm. However, there are sometimes when I think to myself man this sounds spectacular, but I'm not having fun listening to this. Also, I don't consider myself a bass head by any means, but there are times when I wish the bass on these had a little more impact. The other compliant I could have is that both have a similar stage and sometimes I think I want something that could immmerse me more in the music. So I want to find a headphone that will compliment these IEMs.

What I like
(excuse my ignorance if I classify something as the wrong genre):

I listen to alot of alternative, rock, indie, & piano rock. But I feel alot of the alternative I listen to has become more electronic. I do listen to techno, as well. I wouldn't mind gaming with these cans on my ps3 either.

Alternative/Rock:
Incubus, Modest Mouse, Killers, Phoenix, Audioslave, Angels and Airwaves, Led Zepplin, Pink Floyd, The Police, MUSE, Oasis, Queens of the Stoneage, Radiohead, RHCP, Breaking Benjamin...I go as hard as Metallica

Electronic Pop/Rock
Foster the People, Two Door Cinema Club, Naked and Famous, Passion Pitt, M85. I also like techno

Piano Rock
Coldplay, Jack's Mannequin, Something Coporate, Billy Joel, Elton John, The Fray, Keane

Indie
Muford and Sons (obsessed), Vampire Weekend, Forence and the Machine, Bon Iver, Band of Horses, Fleet Foxes, Civil War Kids

What I want in a headphone
Considering the above, I want something that has the clarity and mids I love with the hf3s, but can be a little more engaging and provide that extra bass I'm looking for when I'm feeling more electronic. However, this bass cannot come at the expense of my mids especially not vocals. Like I said, my priority is not bass, but there are some instances I have wished the hf3s had more impact even in some of my rock tracks. Furthermore, I want something with a big sound stage, but still won't make me feel detached from the vocals. Since I am just diping my toe in and know how infectious this hobby is already becoming, I may need to think about room for scalling upward.

All of this for the measily grand total of $300. I could possibly be talked into a bit more, but the increase would need to come with major benefits. I am open to any suggestions be it modding be it buying used, or waiting for a sale. I am a patient man if the juice is worth the squeeze.

My setup
Well I don't really have one. I plan to use my onboard motherboard soundcard and my android galaxy nexus for now. I'm not opposed to an amp; however, I might prefer something that will sound good unamped that I can later supplement with an amp. As far as my tracks go they are mixed many of them unfortunately as low as 128 kbps. I plan on working to rectifying this.

Sorry for the long read. I just wanted to provide as much detail as possible. Thanks for your help in advance. I love this place!
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post #2 of 21
1/30/12 at 3:37pm

Can you state another couple of preferences .....

 

Open or closed?  Do you need isolation - both noise in and noise out?

Circumaural or on-ear?

Will you use these portably as well as stationary?

 

I listen to a lot of music that is similar - probably not as much techno/electronic. and not really into metal.

 

BTW - judging by your music tastes - see if you can get to listen to any of the tracks from Seether's "One Cold Night" album - it's an acoustic/unplugged album - a lot of the music from it is on youtube.  I think it's something you'd be into wink.gif

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post #3 of 21
1/30/12 at 3:51pm
Thread Starter 

I have no preference as to open or closed, as I will predominately be using these in my home.  Isolation is not necessary.  Where I live is pretty quite, but it would not be unwelcomed.  I really don't mind how they sit on my ears.  Honestly, I haven't worn enough headphones to say which I would prefer; however, definately would like comfort.  Will listen to them while I work, so I could use them for several hours, but probably would not have a marathon audio session like some listeners here.

 

I have heard a little Seether.  What I have heard I have liked.  I'll definately check that out appreciate the recommendation.  Always looking for new stuff to listen to.

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post #4 of 21
1/30/12 at 4:31pm

OK - in an open can - clarity, mids and sound-stage - I'd suggest (from my own experience):

Senn HD598 - slightly more fun, doesn't have a lot of bass impact, very good soundstage

Senn HD600 - very balanced and natural, maybe not as much sparkle as you are used to - but great for genres you mentioned.  Very clear sound.

Beyer DT880 - quite balanced with small lift in lows and highs - would give you the sparkle and clarity with bass impact.  Mids can sometimes be a tiny bit recessed.

 

All 3 of above are very comfortable.  The HD598s you can get by without an amp.  The HD600s and DT880s (250 ohm+) will really need one.

 

If you're looking for a closed, very comfortable can - and don't want to break the bank, I'd really recommend the Brainwavz HM5 (a Fischer Audio FA-003 clone).  It is very comfortable, very isolating, quite well balanced.  Best of all it is pretty cheap (<$150) and does not need amping.

 

There is always the Grado / Alessandro sound as well for rock (these are very open) - and as long as you don't mind the comfort (they do take some getting used to being on ear) - I haven't found many cans as fun for classic rock.  They are bright, energetic, and fast.  You can also extensively mod them to bring out more.

 

With your range - if you don't want to wory about amp/dac to begin with - maybe consider 2 cans - one open, one closed.  In that case - I'd suggest HM5 and Alessandro MS1i - which would provide a good contrast.  That way you've got a couple of entry point options at ~ $250, and can buld from there.

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post #5 of 21
1/30/12 at 6:32pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for all the input. I was happy to see the HD 598, as that was one registering high on my radar with the research I've done so far. I'll have to look a little closer into the HM5 and Alessandro MS1i. Anyone else?

Thanks for the Seether recommendation. Really enjoyed that album it will be getting some more listens from me. Did they also do a cover on Simple Man. I thought it was excellent.
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post #6 of 21
1/30/12 at 8:52pm
Thread Starter 

Bueller?

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post #7 of 21
1/31/12 at 5:49am
Thread Starter 

Bump

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post #8 of 21
1/31/12 at 5:57am
Thread Starter 


 

Quote:
Originally Posted by CC Lemon View Post

Someone should really pick up the pair of ATH-AD900 from headroom's B-stock. Open box for $169. They've been up there for quite a while and they've been slowly lowering the price. They were above amazon's price when I ordered, so I went with amazon at $230 (with overnight shipping because of prime) and they've been absolutely worth it. I can't imagine they'll get cheaper before someone picks them up... I'm really surprised no one has yet.

 

The AD900 was one I noted when researching many of the attributes I would like.  I spotted this in the deals thread.  This seems to be quite the offer.  How would this do?  I know one of the complaints about this set is the lack of bass, but given my description above, would they fit the bill?

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post #9 of 21
1/31/12 at 3:59pm
Thread Starter 

Do I need to I need to shorten the OP.  Why no responses?

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post #10 of 21
1/31/12 at 7:07pm
Thread Starter 

......

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post #11 of 21
1/31/12 at 7:22pm

This is what sometimes happens when you run your own thread.  You're actually far better to post in this thread which gets a lot more traffic:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/529144/buying-headphones-seeking-guidance-dont-start-a-new-thread-ask-for-advice-here

 

Yes - it's a huge thread - but you will get answers.

 

BTW - it's regarded as bad form to continually bump your own thread several times a day ...... I mean 5 times in the last 24 hours ..... ?

 

Good luck.

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post #12 of 21
1/31/12 at 7:30pm
Thread Starter 

My bad.  I was worried it would sink into the abyss with all the threads going on here.  I'll take it to the your recommended thread.  I appreciate the help and the etiquette tip.  I certainly don't want to become that guy on my first outting.

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post #13 of 21
1/31/12 at 7:42pm

+1 for Grado/Alessandro. My SR225i has to be one of my favorite cans for Rock because the Guitars sound fabulous. I actually prefer them to the more expensive SR325i because I didn't like the way the Highs sounded. And yea HD598 are awesome! I have to disagree with Brooko on the HD598 being "fun" sounding IMO. On the other hand, Shure SRH940 are similar sounding to the HD598 but I feel it's more fun to listen to. Bass is good with relatively good extension, Mids are really crisp and Highs has a good amount of sparkle without being too bright. I really like the SRH940.

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post #14 of 21
1/31/12 at 8:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by planx View Post

+1 for Grado/Alessandro. My SR225i has to be one of my favorite cans for Rock because the Guitars sound fabulous. I actually prefer them to the more expensive SR325i because I didn't like the way the Highs sounded. And yea HD598 are awesome! I have to disagree with Brooko on the HD598 being "fun" sounding IMO. On the other hand, Shure SRH940 are similar sounding to the HD598 but I feel it's more fun to listen to. Bass is good with relatively good extension, Mids are really crisp and Highs has a good amount of sparkle without being too bright. I really like the SRH940.


Compared to Senns usual house sound, I found the 598s more forward and they have been generally regarded as more 'fun' - bit like the red-headed stepchild of the family (before anyone takes offence - I was a ginga when younger ok wink.gif)

 

The ony reason I didn't recommend the 940 was that it (to me and quite a few others) has something very 'off / unnatural' sounding in the mid-bass.  For the genres he listed it's likely to be apparent.

 

YMMV

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post #15 of 21
2/1/12 at 10:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brooko View Post


Compared to Senns usual house sound, I found the 598s more forward and they have been generally regarded as more 'fun' - bit like the red-headed stepchild of the family (before anyone takes offence - I was a ginga when younger ok wink.gif)

 

The ony reason I didn't recommend the 940 was that it (to me and quite a few others) has something very 'off / unnatural' sounding in the mid-bass.  For the genres he listed it's likely to be apparent.

 

YMMV



I find the Mid-Bass hump to be very insignificant for me because I find that my Fiio E7/E9 DAC/AMP combo to level out the hump. Just my experience. Also Amps will benefit both the HD598 and SRH940, but IMO it will benefit the HD598 more. With that said I prefer the SRH940 more because of it's closed design and because it is more travel friendly due to its Closed design and it folds. I really don't like bringing my SR225i and other open cans out in public because it leaks sound in and out.

 

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