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Grado vs Sennheiser vs Audio-technica

post #1 of 10
2/11/12 at 4:00pm
Thread Starter 

I am looking to buy over-the-ear headphones to listen to music on my phone and laptop (netflix, too).

 

I generally play through the pandora app and listen to 90s rock to modern rock. Sometimes I will play hip hop as well where a little bass emphasis would be nice.

 

I would like them to be visually appealing as I may take them with me.

 

I have been looking at the Sennheiser HD558, Grado SR225i, and Audio-Technica ATH-M50 (which I don't think look as nice -- personal opinion).

 

Which of these, or is there another, that you recommend?

 

I get that the beats are the 'cool' looking headphone out there and modern, but I keep reading they lack quality.

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post #2 of 10
2/11/12 at 4:05pm

 

 SR225i is a far more capable headphone than the HD558 and M50 in my opinion, I'm often reminded of the lack

 of clarity and separation with my humble SR80i up against my M50 - M50 would get the nod though for mid bass

 impact and extension in terms of quantity though..

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post #3 of 10
2/11/12 at 4:08pm
Thread Starter 

So of the three, the sr225i should give me better sound, assuming that we're not considering bass?

 

I have never used headphones other than the standard apple white ear buds. I just want something that is going to sound better than these and hopefully produce more bass as well.

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post #4 of 10
2/11/12 at 4:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by t5nitro View Post

So of the three, the sr225i should give me better sound, assuming that we're not considering bass?

 

I have never used headphones other than the standard apple white ear buds. I just want something that is going to sound better than these and hopefully produce more bass as well.

 

 Good impact though on the 225i and most Grados for that matter, it's just the lingering extension is more prominent

 on the M50. 


 Only thing to consider is the 'Grado Sound' - it's either love or hate - they're forward, fast, clear and very involving with a 

 certain level of brightness, you either embrace it or loathe it.

 

 The HD558 and M50 have a more 'run of the mill' type sound that tends to be more generally accepted - but they're

 not the better headphones for detail and clarity that's for sure.

 

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post #5 of 10
2/11/12 at 4:19pm
Thread Starter 

I may want to stay away from Grado then. I do not have a store around here that sells them for me to try first.

I have also been reading that they are not that comfortable.

 

I may end up going with the sennheiser.

 

How do the SRH440 by Shure compare to the HD 558 by Sennheiser? I think these are the two I will pick from.

I noticed the srh440 are a closed design so people around me should not be able to hear much, right?


Edited by t5nitro - 2/11/12 at 4:49pm
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post #6 of 10
2/11/12 at 5:23pm

That's right. Closed headphone will not allow people to hear what you are listening to as much as open headphones will. 

 

Don't quote me on this, but I remember trying the Shure 440 and thought they really did lack the bass and I really did not enjoy them. I only tried them once though so other people will probably tell you more about them. 

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post #7 of 10
2/11/12 at 8:08pm
Thread Starter 

I think I am going to go with the closed design ath-m50s.

 

Is this a good choice to upgrade from some apple earbuds if I want a decent over the ear headphone?


I can only assume the bass will be better in these than in the sennheiser, considering it is closed design.

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post #8 of 10
2/11/12 at 8:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by t5nitro View Post

I think I am going to go with the closed design ath-m50s.

 

Is this a good choice to upgrade from some apple earbuds if I want a decent over the ear headphone?


I can only assume the bass will be better in these than in the sennheiser, considering it is closed design.



 Coming from apple earbuds - the M50 will be a big sonic revelation - they're very tough too, yet to see a case of a broken pair.

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post #9 of 10
2/11/12 at 8:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by t5nitro View Post


I can only assume the bass will be better in these than in the sennheiser, considering it is closed design.



Better is relative. The M50 has more bass impact (feel and boom) than an open Sennheiser and is a bit bassier overall, but the quality of the bass (tonal accuracy) is better on the Sennheiser.

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post #10 of 10
2/12/12 at 2:40am

I got the new HD428 Sennheiser and they still are breaking in after 70 hrs playing time, the bass is getting better as well with no headphone amp.

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