Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Headphones (full-size) › CAL at 70 or Downtowns at 40?
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

CAL at 70 or Downtowns at 40?

post #1 of 11
2/11/13 at 11:18am
Thread Starter 

Hey there! I am new to Head-fi. I already picked up the Phillips Citiscape Downtown for 40. and they seem okay. Isolation and comfort are top notch and sound is above average and balanced from my experiences. However, I am considering returning then for the CAL at 70. I am looking for a pair which don't have harsh highs and overpowering bass. I want them to be tight and punchy, but balanced at the same time. I don't really need isolation, although that would be nice. I need them to be comfortable enough to be worn for an hour at a time. Sound is more important than anything though. Recommendations ($75 tops) would be welcomed as well.

Reply

Head-Fi's Best Sellers

post #2 of 11
2/11/13 at 9:06pm
Thread Starter 

bump

Reply
post #3 of 11
2/11/13 at 9:17pm
First post here, In my experience the cals don't have remarkably tight bass but it improves a bit after burn in. performing the markl mods on them should fix them up and make them sound great. I find the highs on the cals to be just right, not too fatiguing but they sound crisp.

Isolation isn't their strong point but with music up it should be fine unless you're outside. Comfort is top notch.

Good luck with your decision!
Reply
post #4 of 11
2/12/13 at 1:40am

I have no experience with the Philips, but I do have the CAL and enjoy them a lot. They are pretty well regarded and are incredible bang for the buck. Tyll has them on his wall of fame for closed cans on innerfidelity if that means anything to you lol. 

Reply
post #5 of 11
2/12/13 at 7:35pm
Thread Starter 

Does anyone have any experiences with the Downtowns and would they hold more value at $30 less than the CAL?

Reply
post #6 of 11
3/5/13 at 3:53am

They can be markl modded so I guess they will always be a market for them.

Reply
post #7 of 11
3/5/13 at 5:52am

A slight stretch of your budget will get you the Citiscape UPtowns off eBay for about $80, which are superior to either of your original options, in my opinion.

Reply
post #8 of 11
3/5/13 at 6:11am

I'd take the CAL! over the Uptowns, personally. More clarity, more comfort, more soundstage. Less build quality, less bass. 

Reply
post #9 of 11
3/5/13 at 6:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marximus View Post

A slight stretch of your budget will get you the Citiscape UPtowns off eBay for about $80, which are superior to either of your original options, in my opinion.

 

Technically superior, and better build quality. Agreed. 

Reply
post #10 of 11
3/5/13 at 5:21pm
Thread Starter 

Pretty late guys, I already picked up the Downtowns. I saw a pair at Winners (canadian marshalls), so I impulse bought it. I couldn't resist. They have great bass response and are very, VERY comfy for supra-aural and isolate extremely well. Happy with the purchase.

Reply
post #11 of 11
3/5/13 at 5:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by oopsandohms View Post

Pretty late guys, I already picked up the Downtowns. I saw a pair at Winners (canadian marshalls), so I impulse bought it. I couldn't resist. They have great bass response and are very, VERY comfy for supra-aural and isolate extremely well. Happy with the purchase.

 

Oh boy. 

 

The good thing is that you are happy with the purchase. Enjoy! 

Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Headphones (full-size)

Head-Fi's Best Sellers

Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Headphones (full-size) › CAL at 70 or Downtowns at 40?