hd25 vs. m-80 - Does isolation levels work both ways?

I can't vouch for the M80's but the HD25's at normal volume levels would be perfectly ok in a library as they offer very good isolation levels indeed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by joejoesim 

Thanks, but I'm afraid that the hd25 won't be carried well on an iPhone with no amp... That's my other concern.

My HD25 does fine with my iPhone 4, not sure about how the sound might change/improve with an amp.

Unlike Thing Fish I cannot vouch for the HD25s, the M-80s at even around normal level listening will be fine or libraries, sound leakage is not truly an issue with these unless you are blasting music because they are semi-open and have vents but nothing too much leaks.

And as for being driven by Apple products they really dont benefit from amping as much as some people say the HD25s do, so thats good for you. I beleive if you look at Head-Fi TV episode 4 Jude compares these two.

Either way they are both popular and good cans. I am ordering my Senns soon..

hey check out ljokerl portable shootout http://www.head-fi.org/t/433318/shootout-98-portable-headphones-reviewed-sony-mdr-pq2-and-philips-oneill-sho9560-added-01-02-12 and this comparison between some good portables http://www.head-fi.org/t/574617/review-comparison-beyerdynamic-dt1350-t50p-sennheiser-hd25-1-ii-hd25-13-ii-pioneer-hdj-2000-v-moda-m80-aiaiai-tma-1/345#post_8124451

Quote:

Originally Posted by joejoesim 

Thanks, but I'm afraid that the hd25 won't be carried well on an iPhone with no amp... That's my other concern.

The HD25's are very sensitive and can easily be driven by an ipod or an iphone. I can assure you of this 100%

Just thought I should chime in on how the two differ when it comes to the sound sig of these cans. I love both and find both to complement each other very well.

In a nutshell, the HD25 have a slightly brighter, punchier, more aggressive sound and narrow soundstage but good depth. Very good instrument separation, layering and great prat. Slightly recessed mids but not too shabby. The M-80 has a slightly wider soundstage, adds a bit more air and body to the music. Its treble is polite/less fatiguing. Mids are fabulous and very natural. Bass also has good punch while having a bit better extension. The M-80 has a more laidback feel to the music.

Another thing I should mention, the HD25 clamps a bit more than the M-80. I think you'll be pleased by whichever headphone you choose since both are very good all-rounders and very fun to listen too. Hope this helps. :)

I just did a quick test with my M-80s by taking them off and covering the open end of the cups with my hands to simulate what they would be like on my head. Only at higher volumes is there very noticeable leakage. At normal listening levels, around 50% for me, I can't notice anything unless I put my ears right next to the cans. At anything below I'd say 65% of max volume is nearly unnoticeable. At 100%, there's noticeable leakage, but its not unbearable. If you were in a library, you could probably get away with listening at 70~80% max volume. 

With iPods, the bass distortion caused by the terrible preset EQ settings is noticeable, but it seems to be handling them better as I burn them in. Overall, they fare pretty well with iPods unamped. With my laptop's sound card EQ settings (realtek HD, nothing fancy), they are amazing. Comfort levels at first may be an issue with some people, but overtime the steelflex band will conform to the shape of your head and eventually you can go hours without even noticing them anymore, even with glasses on.