Headphones with "n" shaped response curve with good soundstage

 

Heya,

 

To be sure we understand what you want, you basically want something with forward mids, and less forward bass/treble. That's "N" to me.

 

If that's the case, I would suggest you really just get a flat headphone and equalize the treble and bass down a touch and you'll have what you're looking for. If you want it to be as close to that as possible on a headphone, it's going to be hard to find that really. There's plenty of headphones that have shy bass, but they usually have slightly bright treble with those forward mids.

 

The first headphone that I think of that has a stock "N" sound is the Fostex T50RP unmodded. It sounds like nothing but mids.

 

Otherwise, maybe look into some of these:

 

AKG K702

Koss DJ PRO 100

Shure SRH940

Beyer T70

AudioTechnica A700X

AudioTechnica AD900

 

And again, maybe just slightly equalize bass/treble to achieve the sound you're looking for.

 

Very best,

The HD 598 has an amazing soundstage, recessed highs, and reasonable bass. It's not very punchy or anything, but I'm not sure if that will perfectly fit the "n" signature you are looking for.

K501 comes to mind, but they are long discontinued.  They do have "some" treble extension, but IIRC it was smooth and gently rolled off.  It definitely was not treble-spikey or aggressive at all.

 

2 sites every Fi-er should bookmark...

http://www.headphone.com/learning-center/build-a-graph.php

 

http://www.innerfidelity.com/headphone-data-sheet-downloads

Edited by kramer5150 - 1/25/13 at 1:24pm

 

Heya,

 

The K702 and K701 are the same; the K702 is simply a different color and features a detachable cable. But on this note, you could also look at the Sennheiser HD598 and Sony MA900. And again, simply equalize to suit your preference on the treble/bass. These have great wide sound stages.

 

Very best,

There's also the Q701 from AKG, I don't know what (if any) differences there are between the K701, K702 and the Q701, but it seems to go for cheaper here.

Q701 has more bass, and smoother treble.

 

I'd say try a Fostex T50RP. Everybody always says how much mids they have relative to the bass and highs.

The 600 is very good. More mids than treble or bass, but neutral overall.

 

Beyer DT250 250ohm, usually gets overlooked, often compared to the HD600. Some prefer one or the other.

Also Sony CD900ST, GMP 450 pro/CharterOak SP-1, Beyer DT-48, Sony MD900, etc.

I might pick up a CD900ST in a couple weeks, after I get my tax check. I need something I can use anywhere and is durable. I used to have a Beyer DT880 pro 250ohm so now I want something different. The Shure SRH1440 is Also tempting but doesn't look as durable. If I get the Sony I'll let you know. I don't expect much of a soundstage, not what it is designed for.