Good headphones (ALL rounders)

Quote:

Originally Posted by JuanseAmador 
Hi all, I need some headphones for all genres, but mainly grunge, rock and alternative.

Budget: $250

I had these in mind...

HD598

HD280 PRO

K701

Q701

SRH940

HDR7506

ATH-AD700

ATH-A700

ATH-M50WH

ATHE-SW9A

Which ones should I choose and why? I will be using a Sony receiver as an amp.

If you can recommend others please do it!

Does it matter if their open or closed?

The ATH-AD700 is very bass light,so I'm guessing that's off the list?

I'm going to "guess" the AKG Q701 is going to have the best over all audio quality (for an open headphone).

Quote:

Originally Posted by PurpleAngel 

Does it matter if their open or closed?

The ATH-AD700 is very bass light,so I'm guessing that's off the list?

I'm going to "guess" the AKG Q701 is going to have the best over all audio quality (for an open headphone).

I'll go with the Q701's from that list as well--provided the unidentified Sony receiver will properly power them.

BTW--the white (what a sonic difference that makes!) M50--and maybe more--is closed.

You might want to consider the Vmoda M80.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phifer 

AKG K550 or Q701 depending on if you prefer open or closed cans.

      x 2

Quote:

Originally Posted by JuanseAmador 

I prefer open for a better soundstage, and are the akg's bassless, or is small?

With the Q701, I'm going to "guess" the bass is decent and clear, but not an ear thumper.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JuanseAmador 

It's a 2003 model hahahaha but it's powerful

That's the thing about modern receivers.  Lots of power for the speakers does not necessarily mean lots of (or even much) power through the headphone jack.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PurpleAngel 

With the Q701, I'm going to "guess" the bass is decent and clear, but not an ear thumper.

Correct--I have never heard anyone who has heard them with working ears to say that it has too much bass.

If it's mainly for rock have you considered either the Grado 225is or 325is? I haven't listened to them but I hear that Grado is exceptional for rock music. Other than that I actually own the HD 598's they would not be a bad option. They have a very large soundstage with great instrument separation and some nice sounding mids. They are a decent all rounder but I find the bass to be a bit lacking. Not in the sense that is is necessarily bass light, there is just an issue with distortion on bass heavy tracks. I have also found the HD 598's to have a very butter smooth/polite sound and I just can't really see them being a better fit for your grunge and alternative music than some of the other options. Despite this, I think the HD 598's do well with a good variety of music and even excel at acoustic and jazz music. All in all, they would certainly not be terrible but from the sounds of it Grados might be more up your alley I think.