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Open headphone to compliment my collection?

post #1 of 17
2/22/12 at 5:58am
Thread Starter 

Hey, 

 

I'm looking for an open headphone to add to my collection with a signature that will compliment the LCD-2r1, D7000 and Edition 8. I'm a bit of a basshead and have always gravitated towards closed headphones so I'd like a can that displays the advantages of open headphones without being too bass anemic. I know the LCD-2 is open, but it doesn't sound that open to me. Previously, I've owned the HD600 (found it a bit boring and not exactly spacious sounding) and the HD598 (I quite liked these but would like something a tier higher).

 

I listen to a variety of music, but also a lot of electronic, Muse and Radiohead. Budget is fairly open (I can always save up) and they will be powered either by the Schiit Lyr or Audio-GD FUN (don't really want to buy any more amps but am considering the Bifrost DAC soon).

 

Thoughts on cans I've looked at so far:

 

HD800 - would probably have far too little bass for my taste

Beyer T1 - most interested in this, but worried after reading purrin's thread on these

Q701 - supposedly less bass anemic than the K701

DT990/600 - reasonable quantity of impactful bass is appealing, ear bleeding highs and very recessed mids are not

 

Anything else worth considering? 

 

Cheers!

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post #2 of 17
2/22/12 at 6:39am

I've heard good from bass heads about the DT990. I have the 880s so I can't comment specifically.

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post #3 of 17
2/22/12 at 1:31pm

The Q 701 is a great can for money, but it looks like a step down for you.

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post #4 of 17
2/22/12 at 1:33pm

Maybe try the HE-500?

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post #5 of 17
2/22/12 at 1:36pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks guys.

 

I'm still looking at the Q701 and DT990 at the moment having done quite a bit of reading on the T1. This review is particularly interesting...http://www.head-fi.org/t/592630/akg-q701-vs-dt990-600-ohm-comparison-review

 

The HE-500 from what I've read seems fairly similar to the LCD2?

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post #6 of 17
2/22/12 at 1:41pm

Heya,

 

Beyer T1 for sure. Sparkle, Bass, Sound Stage. Big price too. But it seems like the logical route for you.

 

The Q701 will be shy on bass compared to what you're used to, very shy compared to what you're used to. The DT990 will have all the bass you're after, and sparkly treble. It will have a sound stage that you're not used to at all, so it will give you a different experience that is quite different for sure. It's a good headphone. But judging from what you're coming from, I can only think, you may just end up wanting something else.

 

I think the HD800 or T1 will really fit your bill. Sounds to me like you're wanting a touch of sparkle, a huge sound stage to contrast what you're used to, some airiness, and bass capability.

 

The HE500 and LCD2 are very similar indeed. The HE500 has more sparkle to it, and the LCD2 might have just a hair more bass presence. I liked the HE500 better myself. But sound stage on any planar is not going to rival that of a really expanded dynamic (like HD800, Q701, T1, etc).

 

Very best,


Edited by MalVeauX - 2/22/12 at 1:50pm
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post #7 of 17
2/22/12 at 1:48pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks Mal, could you elaborate on that a bit? I always like reading your posts.

 

Oh, and I think you should apologise to my wallet for that recommendation.biggrin.gif

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post #8 of 17
2/22/12 at 4:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by shamrock134 View Post

Thanks Mal, could you elaborate on that a bit? I always like reading your posts.

 

Oh, and I think you should apologise to my wallet for that recommendation.biggrin.gif

 

Heya,

 

Sure, what specifically are you more interested in?

 

Very best,
 

 

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post #9 of 17
2/23/12 at 12:23am
Thread Starter 

Sorry, I didn't notice your edit! Looks like T1 is pulling ahead.

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post #10 of 17
2/23/12 at 12:50am

T1. good enough bass to keep you satisfied while having all the nice qualities of a detailed open can.

 

the DT 990 is inferior to the other headphones and  i don't think you will get much of a difference since it sometimes also has that closed sound to it.

 

the T1 is the most different and has a good amount of bass to it as well.


Edited by Dubstep Girl - 2/23/12 at 12:52am
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post #11 of 17
2/23/12 at 2:00am
Thread Starter 

Thanks. I was worried about reports of the ultra bright and bass light T1s that were floating around and the bad quality control with driver matching etc though.

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post #12 of 17
3/2/12 at 7:05am

Have you ever considered grado's high-end line?


Edited by customcoco - 3/2/12 at 7:45am
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post #13 of 17
3/2/12 at 7:28am
Thread Starter 

I've not really considered them or read about them at all actually. I've never heard a Grado before and I've probably been put off by the usual "only good for rock",  "brighter than the sun" sort of comments usually associated with them.

 

Which models specifically?

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post #14 of 17
3/2/12 at 7:54am

The high-end grados (gs1000i, ps1000) don't sound at all like the "classic" grados. Proof is that I've never liked any of the rs1s rs2s I've heard where I'm fond of the ps1000 and of the gs1000i.

 

As you are a basshead the gs1000i may not be for you. but the ps1000 is pretty awesome on the lower register (lower midrange included) It has plenty of definition and "oomph" in the bass.

 

As I said above the high-end models aren't like the other models, they're not bright and they do not crave for air in the soundstage.


Edited by customcoco - 3/2/12 at 7:55am
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post #15 of 17
3/2/12 at 8:15am
Thread Starter 

Ouch, just looked at the price and I could buy 2 Beyer T1s for the same price as a PS1000 here in the UK.

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