King of kings - Page 2

 

HD800 are going to give you your hyper-detail, separation, soundstage... However, you could easily find yourself bored by it since there are tons of people who find the sound to be artificial and unrealistic. Especially if I focus on genres you like. It will also reveal any imperfection within your music or gear (amp, DAC).

 

You should look into LCD-3 most probably... It's going to give you a good imaging and soundstage along with the best bass and full mids. But still, my recommendation goes with LCD-2 since it's more affordable and you will be given a natural listening experience. It's not a "hifi/technical" sound, it's very realistic. Unlike HD800 (from my experience).

Edited by RustA - 1/12/13 at 10:50pm

 

'Stats, as obob suggested. Just make sure you don't need isolation from other sounds in your house. They have none, effectively. For $1k you're looking at the Koss rig, basic Stax rig or vintage Stax pretty much.

X2 Yeah based on your music taste I'd look into these.

The GS-1000 might be a good candidate if you want low volume performance - that's something they get consistently revered for (it's due to how their voiced to an extent), but again, no isolation - so like currawong said; if you *need* isolation, all of these are a bad choice (and you should look at closed headphones - basically).

 

I would go with LCD-3 to be honest... Seriously.

 

(and if you don't like the sound, you could pass them to me, haha)

Edited by RustA - 1/13/13 at 5:22am

 

I would rather go for LCD-2 and Lyr (tube amps) / Objective2... or HE-500 and... maybe LugBug1 would recommend something suitable?

 

The thing you need to realise is that Innerfidelity had only LCD-2 rev1 to review at the time of that article. If you look there right now, you will find LCD-2 rev2 to be present on the Wall of fame, not HE-500 (Tyll said he prefers LCD-2 over HE-500). But HE-500 would suite your tastes a bit better. Maybe. And maybe not.

You cannot go wrong with both LCD-2 and HE-500... According to Lugbug1, LCD-2 are ultimate jazz headphones since their treble is not fatiguing even in the worst cases (my experience as well) and their bass is simply unmatched, regardless the price (except for LCD-3). However, HE-500 should have a bit more air among instruments and image a bit better (not sure though here). You cannot go wrong with either. Both should be among the best for the price.

 

Ask Lugbug1, he has both headphones (the newest version of LCD-2 as well). I own LCD-2 only (the newest) and would only consider LCD-3 from all the headphones that are available today. on the market But it does not need to mean anything for you.

You should definitely audition the Denon 7 series (AH-D 7000, 7100).

 

No way... Their bass is boomy as hell, mids recessed (nowhere near fullness) and treble with D7000 harsh and thin. IMHO not suitable for anything except electronic music.

I have seen used stax sr-007s go for 1K without the amp. 

 

Considering everything you have been describing in your desires for these headphones, it seems like you would want electrostatic headphones. Next on the list would be the planar magnet technology and third would be dynamic. 

for a new pair of stats with travel flexibility and warranty there are these as well

http://www.head-fi.org/t/631894/the-legendaris-stax-iem-strike-back-by-begining-november-2012-sr-002-srm-002-and-srm-003-mk2-srm-003

 

don't let the size fool you. The older version is amazing, and these newer versions are an improvement so they say.

 

Page 10 has some direct comparisons to SR-007MK2 and SR-009's ! So you know there will be quality bass.

 

The one there also has the advantage of being portable. And comes in cheaper than some of your other options. 

Worth a look anyhow.

 

Also as Currawong mentioned in post #17, I agree those are good options also.

Edited by nick n - 1/13/13 at 10:08am

http://www.head-fi.org/t/639785/he500-or-lcd2-or-both-please-share-your-impressions-mini-review-and-poll-please-vote

 

Yes, both sound teriffic and should be ideal for the op, the HE500 seem a bit more balanced from top to bottom and have a bit more air and are very smooth. The LCD2's have such an engaging deep sound, very cohesive and natural. But the clamp pressure can be annoying for some.