sparkling highs for vocals help $150 budget

Quote:

Originally Posted by gopanthersgo1 

hello head fiers I really need some advice for a pair of budget 150 dollar set of cans that will sparkle on the highs for vocals and piano, mostly vocals though.I really want them to be open back, and have easily heatable vocals,as well aa decent sound stage.thanks for helping

For your budget might wanna look at the brainwavz HM5/Fa-003 or the SRH 440 with 840, I like my 440 especially after some mods I did which opened up the bass, I really love the pianos and vocals with that can :) In comparison the piano on my HD558 sounds quite pale.

If OP is looking for the treble/mids emphasis on vocals, then I think lower-end Grados will do the trick best.

Dont have any idea about grado's but if he wants forward mids with harsh treble then I guess that fits the bill as most people describe grados like that.

Haven't heard them myself, but the Audio Technica ATH-A700 Headphones appears to meet your needs.

$200 will get you the Grado 225i's, which do female vocals very well 

and have highs than can sparkle.

How about a used pair of Sen hd598's?

Quote:

Originally Posted by gopanthersgo1 

so do the grados go around my ear or on them?

 

On, and I wouldn't describe them as warm. I also wouldn't say they're harsh.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gopanthersgo1 

so do the grados go around my ear or on them?

 

On them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevilDog 

 

 

On, and I wouldn't describe them as warm. I also wouldn't say they're harsh.

Agree with both statements. 

I owned Grado 225's for years, sold them, and have had my 225i's since just about the time they were released.

And I've found that they become warmer over time.

Also, better electronics and source material make them sound even warmer.

They're incredibly clear and dynamic headphones.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gopanthersgo1 

ok, thanks fo the input, i will try to go to a headphone center in Austin and try them, any other headphones that i should try?

I'd just get the Grado's from a dealer that accepts legitimate returns. ;-)

But you might want to listen to the Audio Technica ATH AD700,

ATH AD900's,

and Ultrasone 2400's. 

The 700's could give you what you want and they're only about $100.

the other two are a touch over $200.

You'll also want an amp in any event; and a good inexpensive portable

goes for around $65.00.  Something like the JDS Labs cMoy 2.03BB,

FiiO E11, or Electric Avenues PA2V2.

Edited: model numbers in bold

Quote:

Originally Posted by gopanthersgo1 

hello head fiers I really need some advice for a pair of budget 150 dollar set of cans that will sparkle on the highs for vocals and piano, mostly vocals though.I really want them to be open back, and have easily heatable vocals,as well aa decent sound stage.thanks for helping

Heya,

Try and find a used (second revision) Hifiman HE-300. Also look into a used Shure SRH940. Maybe look into an AudioTechnica AD700 or better yet, a used/new AD900. Also see the TAD400.

Very best,

Just get a studio monitor type headphone. It should be very easy to find one in that price range, but they are mostly closed. Some good cans for vocals are the Sony MDR-7506, KRK KNS 8400, Beyerdynamic DT250. If you want an open can with big soundstage, a decent open can in this price range is also the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro but their recessed mids might not be to your liking. Perhaps a used DT880 would do, as their mids are not as recessed.