Which headphone (revision 2)

I think the HD-558 would be a better option than the 598.  They have the exact same drivers and looking at the graphs below they are darn near identical.

http://graphs.headphone.com/graphCompare.php?graphType=0&graphID[]=2851&graphID[]=2861

The AKG Q701 provides a much needed, yet small, bass boost to the K701 so that would be my AKG suggestion.

Between the two I think the AKG Q701 is build better, but the headband on the HD-558 is more comfortable.

Here is a chart of all three:

http://graphs.headphone.com/graphCompare.php?graphType=0&graphID[]=2851&graphID[]=2861&graphID[]=2931

Of the three the HD-558 is the least expensive and they sound about just as good as the others.

I give the HD-558 my vote.

Quote:

Originally Posted by c2h6 

Taking on advice from a previous thread i have chosen 3 sets of headphones which i am to choose from

 

Help would be lovely

 

Hifiman HE-300 (rev 2)

Senheiser HD598

AKG K 702/701 (i have read they are similar - one slightly less warm with a detachable cord)

 

Opinions and advice would be lovely

 

 

Additional info

 

*mostly run of computer but also through an cheapish amp system

* i want versitility to listen to all kinds of genres at a high standard (i.e. rock, acoustic, hip hop, blues)

 

CHEERS

Heya,

I would go with the HE-300 revision 2 out of that lot if you want the most universal/versatile of the bunch. The HD598/K701/2 do not have the mid-bass capability of the HE-300, so they sound thinner in general. The HE-300 sounds rich and full. The others in this list are less full sounding, a little more shy sounding, and more focus on only mids/treble, and less so much the entire balance from top to bottom. I'll get burned for saying that probably, but it is what it is, mid-bass is as crucial as mids and treble as far as I'm concerned, and if you think something lacking any frequencies in the response range sounds "flat" then our definitions are wrong. I'd suggest getting the headphone that sounds more like what a speaker sounds like, with a more rich and full bodied sound that is good for casual music enjoyment. That said, the HE-300 would be the one I would suggest. The HD598 as the follow up. Otherwise, I would suggest other headphones like the Beyer DT880 ultimately.

Very best,

The HE-300 is terrible.  It is thin, tinny, and full of distortion.  I will never recommend a headphone with those qualities.

Here are the charts:

HE-300

http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/HiFiMANHE300Rev2.pdf

AKG Q701

http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/AKGQuincyJonesQ701.pdf

The Q701 has a smoother and more flat frequency response.  It has more accurate 30 Hz square wave response seen as less of a severe slope as seen on the HE-300.  The 300 Hz square wave on the Q701 is also much closer to an actual square wave.  The HE-300 is all over the place.  The HE-300 has more ring in the impulse response.  That is just what the charts tell us.  The sound supports the graphs and the HE-300 remains a poor choice for anyone looking for a serious, accurate, and enjoyable headphone.

The audiophiles over at Headroom agree.  They give the HE-300 which I bet if you asked them in person would be generous.  While the AKG Q701 receives 5 stars and has perfect reviews.  My one and only gripe about the AKG Q701 is that the headband is a tad uncomfortable, but a little added foam fixes that in a hurry.

"So you are saying that there is very little difference between the HD558 and HD598 besdies aesthestics and price?"

Yes!

Quote:

Originally Posted by NA Blur 

The HE-300 is terrible.  It is thin, tinny, and full of distortion.  I will never recommend a headphone with those qualities.

 

Here are the charts:

 

HE-300

http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/HiFiMANHE300Rev2.pdf

 

AKG Q701

http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/AKGQuincyJonesQ701.pdf

 

The Q701 has a smoother and more flat frequency response.  It has more accurate 30 Hz square wave response seen as less of a severe slope as seen on the HE-300.  The 300 Hz square wave on the Q701 is also much closer to an actual square wave.  The HE-300 is all over the place.  The HE-300 has more ring in the impulse response.  That is just what the charts tell us.  The sound supports the graphs and the HE-300 remains a poor choice for anyone looking for a serious, accurate, and enjoyable headphone.

 

The audiophiles over at Headroom agree.  They give the HE-300 which I bet if you asked them in person would be generous.  While the AKG Q701 receives 5 stars and has perfect reviews.  My one and only gripe about the AKG Q701 is that the headband is a tad uncomfortable, but a little added foam fixes that in a hurry.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MalVeauX 

 

Heya,

 

I would go with the HE-300 revision 2 out of that lot if you want the most universal/versatile of the bunch. The HD598/K701/2 do not have the mid-bass capability of the HE-300, so they sound thinner in general. The HE-300 sounds rich and full. The others in this list are less full sounding, a little more shy sounding, and more focus on only mids/treble, and less so much the entire balance from top to bottom. I'll get burned for saying that probably, but it is what it is, mid-bass is as crucial as mids and treble as far as I'm concerned, and if you think something lacking any frequencies in the response range sounds "flat" then our definitions are wrong. I'd suggest getting the headphone that sounds more like what a speaker sounds like, with a more rich and full bodied sound that is good for casual music enjoyment. That said, the HE-300 would be the one I would suggest. The HD598 as the follow up. Otherwise, I would suggest other headphones like the Beyer DT880 ultimately.

 

Very best,

I was going to get the HE-300 rev. 2 since i saw many people saying it was significantly better than the first one, but now i'm confused again.

After all, is HE-300 rev. 2 worth it or not?