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I'm totally lost.... or maybe too hard to please or maybe a basshead? Sennheiser hd212 -> ATH -...

post #1 of 6
9/5/12 at 3:24pm
Thread Starter 

Hi,

 

I'm a long time lurker and this is my first post so please don’t be harsh on me. Please keep in mind that this is my personal opinion and experience. Your mileage may vary.

 

 

Few weeks ago I got myself pair Audo-technica’s ATH-M50 and they were great. However their clamping force was much to handle. I’ve tried every possible way of stretching them posted on this forum yet I was only able to keep them on my head for 15 minutes. Max. I loved the heavy bass and harsh treble as they reminded me of an upgraded version of Sennheiser’s hd212pro which I have owned two pairs over the years and completely destroyed in daily use to the level of being unrepairable. ATH-M50 had the fair amount of detail, were accurate and “slightly” bass happy.  I just couldn’t stand the clamping force so I had to return them. Weeks of research had lead me to AKG’s K550. Oh boy they couldn’t be more different than ATH-M50. They are a totally different even though the frequency response looks quite similar. They have a gigantic soundstage, details that put’s the ATH-M50 to a shame and the trebles are amazing. Bass can also go to subsonic levels but is somehow recessed and absent I really have to pay attention to hear it.

 

Now at this point I don’t know if I’m a basshead or do the AKGs simply lack it. However whenever I play “Angel” by Massive Attack on AKGs, I smile. Every single subsonic hum is there. I can feel the drum kick hitting my brain. It’s very pleasing, while on M50s it was overbassed to the point that it was tiring.

I was lucky to get the AKGs for a very good price but I don’t if I should keep them. I was raised by a bass heavy headphones: Sennheiser HD212pro, Creative ep-630 (don’t laugh for what they are they are quite good), Sennheiser cx300 and maybe I’m not ready for a “reference” style sound. I love the comfort of K550, fit and finish and probably everything else except the fact that the bass is slightly recessed, hidden. It’s there ready to crack icebergs but hiding somewhere behind the midrange and highs.

 

Now at this point I’m thinking about either keeping them and learning to love them or returning them.

 

My question is there something that can satisfy me with an open, detailed sound with a punchy bass?  

 

To answer that question you need to know few things:

 

I’m a cable serial killer – I kill connection cables quickly as I use my headphones every day.

The cans have to be closed as I use them at night while my wife is sleeping.

My head is quite big so tightly clamping headphones are a no go.

I use headphones both for music and gaming.

I listen mainly to electronic music (all genres from ambient, minimal, glitch, IDM, breakcore to most extreme harsh noise wall).

I listen to music mainly from my iPod, Phone, and laptop with an external Focusrite Saffire soundcard, oh and from my TV when I’m playing  games.

I don’t use any EQs.

I don’t have a headphone amplifier.

I prefer sturdy constructions as I’m often on the go.

I’m planning to spend less than £200.

 

Is there something else than M50 and K550 that fits my needs? Am I missing something? Should I give AKGs a chance or should I search further?

 

Thanks for all the help and suggestions!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

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post #2 of 6
9/6/12 at 1:01am

The Beyerdynamic dt770 80 ohm is a good closed option. The Beyerdynamic 880 32 ohm is a good semi-opened option. The dt 990 32 ohm is a good open back option. These all have the "Beyer Sound" .... somewhat bright. They all have respectable bass, are very comfortable, and are well built. Any of these will perform better with power but will operate from your gear. You might consider one of those small Filo headphone amps. They are inexpensive and will improve sound quality.
 

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post #3 of 6
9/6/12 at 1:14am

You will definitely need a headphone amp with the beyers to get them to sound good. You'll also get no isolation - except for a  little from the dt770's.

Your much better off with something easier to drive like the HD-25.  They are tough as nails, isolate beautifully and have a similar  sound signature to what your after. & They should be in your price range.

 

Another option could be Ultrasone HiFi-780. These rock pretty hard and again are easy to drive & isolate.

Good luck.

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post #4 of 6
9/6/12 at 5:48am

Heya,

 

Get a used Denon D2000. And find someone here who does aftermarket cable modifications, I recommend BTG Audio, and have it re-cabled to have a detachable shorter cable (this will allow you to damage cables, pull them out, etc, and not harm your headphones, and simply replace cables when you blunder things up; but also it lets you get more durable cables that will take more punishment). The D2000 pretty much fits your bill though. Loose, soft, ultra plush and comfortable, and excellent for what you want--great sound stage, closed (but not super isolating, but more isolating than an open air headphone), incredible sub-bass for electronic, sparkly treble, etc.

 

Alternatives: AudioTechnica A900X, Beyer DT770, Ultrasone PRO 750.

 

Very best,

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post #5 of 6
9/6/12 at 5:51am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for your feedback. As I have mentioned before I destroy connection cables rather quickly. While m50 and k550 look like the cable could restrain a wild hog, hd25 look a little too flimsy for my taste. Oh and they cost more than I paid for k550. I will check ultrasones though. Do they clamp hard?
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post #6 of 6
9/6/12 at 11:47am
Thread Starter 

@MalVeauX

 

Denons seem a bit too flimsy for my taste. I'm afraid I will destroy them quite quickly. Also I'm not into second hand headphones and new ones with a cable mod are not in my price range. I will check and research your other recommendations, thanks!

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