Fostex TH900 Impressions & Discussion Thread - Page 6

Does it have to be sealed? I ask because the TakeT H2+ has a similar level of detail, clarity, and balance as the Omega II with the exception of a tremendous bass presence. Its bass is the closest I've heard come to fullsized speakers in a headphone. I also find it outclasses the Omega II in terms of its sense of presence. I've never heard another headphone render music with quite so much a sense of physicality.

Audio-Technicas for me have far too much coloration in one area or another for me to really enjoy, although admittedly I haven't heard the most prized versions like the W11R or the L3000.

Yeah.. that's what writes off the LCD-2 and HE-500 as possible choices. I'm also looking for something that's at least somewhat portable that I can drive from my HM-801, so definitely no H2+ on that front, and no HE-6 either.

The problem is, he's looking for something sealed that is closer to neutral but still has bass emphasis. The Ultrasone Signature Pro fits this descriptor in my opinion. Both it and the Edition 8 seal/isolate better than just about any other closed headphone in their class, and unlike the Edition 8 it's less bright up top. It comes the closest to being neutral of any of Ultrasone's previous efforts, but it still has a definite bass emphasis without being a bass monster like the Edition 9.

Denons aren't really sealed. They leak like crazy. Not so sure about the JVC Victor DX1000, though the DX700 will probably be closer to neutral.

A much less expensive alternative to consider is the oft-overlooked Kenwood KH-K1000. It is a very balanced sounding headphone from what I understand.

That will probably be the three best canditates, but for now it's just all guesswork.

Lack of coloration makes me think of the K701, but that one is open as well. Wasn't my cup of tea either, I know I love a colored midrange with a bit of warmth, I have that preference with speakers and amps as well. Not too exaggerated though of course.

Lack of coloration is one thing, but the K701 basically has no bass response at all. Compared to it, the Omega 2 sounds like a subwoofer. I should stress that I'm not looking for an Audio-Technica ES10 like sound here, those had great bass but there was so much of it that it completely rolled over the mids and they sounded about as clear as a Louisiana swamp. I'm looking for something more along the lines of the stock Denon D5000, just without the recessed mids and the grain in the highs. I really don't like "U" response headphones. I'm looking for more of a "D" - strong but not over powering bass that's in line with a balanced and full midrange, and highs that are a bit warm and perhaps a bit rolled off. I quickly tire of the typical dynamic headphone treble spike that's supposed to stand in for detail - which is why Beyer is usually out.

I haven't been impressed by Ultrasones I've heard in the past, but admittedly I haven't heard the Edition 8 or the new Signature Pro. I just don't really get the feeling that either is worth the money. Standard Ultrasones I think range from mediocre to awful. Comfort is more important to me than isolation. As long as there's at least a bit of it, that's good enough. I have my Denon NC-800 for when I really need isolation. I'll look into the Kenwood, thanks for the suggestion MF.

I can see where you're coming from with regard to Ultrasone, but if you get a chance to listen to the Signature Pro, I'd recommend trying it. I think it's the company's best effort so far and much better than any of the standard PRO or HFI models. I think they've actually listened to criticisms for once.