Comparisons: 36 of the Top Closed/Portable Headphones Around | Page 147 | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org

havok2022 · May 23, 2014 at 12:04 AM

Wanted to gather a few various opinions here. Looking for a new pair of headphones with in-line microphone and controls for my iPhone. I would like them to be easily driven off the phone without the need for a portable amp. I picked up some Sennheiser Momentums in the over the ear variety last week and have mixed feelings. As far as the sound quality is concerned, I'm pretty satisfied. They're slightly bass heavy to me, but no to the point of being bothersome. Overall I think they sound great. I've had good luck with Sennheiser in the past, which is why I went that route. Additionally, I was less than impressed upon hearing the B&W P5s. The problem that I have is that the Momentums don't for over my ears and actually end up acting more like an on-ear headphone. I also find their clamping force to be a bit too much. After extended wear I find that my ears hurt and they aren't comfortable to wear for long periods of time. I stretched/bend the band out, and that helped a bit but not enough to provide lasting comfort. So I'm thinking about returning them and moving to something else.

B&W P7s - Have tried these on in the store and can confirm that they seem to fit all the way over/around my ears. Remains to be seen if they'll be comfortable for extended wear, but I'm thinking they would be fine. I'm struggling to see if they are really worth $150 more than the Momentum's though (I got the Senns for $50 off their normal price). Especially with how unimpressed I was with the P5 (though my experience with those was limited). Do these ever go on sale? Are they worth the extra cost? How about extended wear/clamping force?

KEF M500s - These are very interesting to me mainly because I've been a proud owner of KEF speakers for over 10 years now. I used to sell KEF and have always liked the sound and quality of their tower and bookshelf speakers. The price is right in there with the Momentums, but again I have a few concerns. 1. I can't purchase these local without ordering them. When it comes to things like this, I prefer if I can at least try them on at a minimum and possibly take a listen in a store. Also, its nice to be able to bring something back without fooling with shipping if it doesn't work out. So since I don't have that luxury, I would be going into the purchase a bit blind. 2. These are an on-ear headphone, and i generally seem to find the over-ear cans more comfortable when it comes to extended wear. I would be a bit concerned with ordering something like that without being to try them out.

Also willing to hear other options or may end up keeping the Momentums, but I need to make a decision fairly quick before I can no longer return them. Has anyone experienced similar findings with the Moes, and if so what route did you go? Thoughts on my alternatives? Really just looking for some additional input.

Thanks in advance!

subguy812 · May 23, 2014 at 2:02 AM

havok2022 said:
Wanted to gather a few various opinions here. Looking for a new pair of headphones with in-line microphone and controls for my iPhone. I would like them to be easily driven off the phone without the need for a portable amp. I picked up some Sennheiser Momentums in the over the ear variety last week and have mixed feelings. As far as the sound quality is concerned, I'm pretty satisfied. They're slightly bass heavy to me, but no to the point of being bothersome. Overall I think they sound great. I've had good luck with Sennheiser in the past, which is why I went that route. Additionally, I was less than impressed upon hearing the B&W P5s. The problem that I have is that the Momentums don't for over my ears and actually end up acting more like an on-ear headphone. I also find their clamping force to be a bit too much. After extended wear I find that my ears hurt and they aren't comfortable to wear for long periods of time. I stretched/bend the band out, and that helped a bit but not enough to provide lasting comfort. So I'm thinking about returning them and moving to something else.

B&W P7s - Have tried these on in the store and can confirm that they seem to fit all the way over/around my ears. Remains to be seen if they'll be comfortable for extended wear, but I'm thinking they would be fine. I'm struggling to see if they are really worth $150 more than the Momentum's though (I got the Senns for $50 off their normal price). Especially with how unimpressed I was with the P5 (though my experience with those was limited). Do these ever go on sale? Are they worth the extra cost? How about extended wear/clamping force?

KEF M500s - These are very interesting to me mainly because I've been a proud owner of KEF speakers for over 10 years now. I used to sell KEF and have always liked the sound and quality of their tower and bookshelf speakers. The price is right in there with the Momentums, but again I have a few concerns. 1. I can't purchase these local without ordering them. When it comes to things like this, I prefer if I can at least try them on at a minimum and possibly take a listen in a store. Also, its nice to be able to bring something back without fooling with shipping if it doesn't work out. So since I don't have that luxury, I would be going into the purchase a bit blind. 2. These are an on-ear headphone, and i generally seem to find the over-ear cans more comfortable when it comes to extended wear. I would be a bit concerned with ordering something like that without being to try them out.

Also willing to hear other options or may end up keeping the Momentums, but I need to make a decision fairly quick before I can no longer return them. Has anyone experienced similar findings with the Moes, and if so what route did you go? Thoughts on my alternatives? Really just looking for some additional input.

Thanks in advance!

NAD HP50

drgajet · May 23, 2014 at 8:04 AM

+1, great overall headphone and very comfy for extended listening.

havok2022 · May 23, 2014 at 11:11 AM

Only issue there is I can't seem to find where I can get them locally to try on. It looks like Best Buy carries them, and I could order them that route but being the impulsive person I am I would prefer to just go somewhere, try them on and buy them if I like them.

randy98mtu · May 23, 2014 at 11:25 AM

havok2022 said:
Only issue there is I can't seem to find where I can get them locally to try on. It looks like Best Buy carries them, and I could order them that route but being the impulsive person I am I would prefer to just go somewhere, try them on and buy them if I like them.

I'm exactly the same, but I broke down an ordered a pair for delivery to my local store. The Magnolia stores are all farther away from me.

havok2022 · May 23, 2014 at 12:04 PM

randy98mtu said:
I'm exactly the same, but I broke down an ordered a pair for delivery to my local store. The Magnolia stores are all farther away from me.

I have a bunch of Mag stores close by, and they have the P7s, but their display isnt ever working correctly and they sound like crap via the display. Doesnt look like any local stores stock the NAD, Mag or otherwise.

randy98mtu · May 23, 2014 at 2:33 PM

Mine are ready for pickup. Woohoo!

Pandaclocker · May 24, 2014 at 5:02 AM

Nice thread!

I currently own the NAD VISO HP50, and while I love its sound, my head-shape doesn't quite fit with it. It puts too much pressure on the top of my head (due to the square-shape). So I have some slight comfort issues.

Therefore, I'm very tempted to buy the T51p, seeing the reviews it has recieved: supreme comfort, excellent sound.

Those of you, who own both the HP50 and the T51p, could you please try to comment on the differences in sound quality? I guess the HP50 overall is slightly better, but what are the actual differences, and is there any area (sound-wise) where the T51p maybe beats the HP50? (dynamics maybe?)

Just very curious!

sibilantz · May 24, 2014 at 5:08 AM

I've been using the MDR-1R BTMK2 and thought I'd try something else so I went to check out the P7s.

Weirdly, they sound ridiculously similar with the exception of low end bass! I only spent about 10mins with the P7s which was connected to their store's audio source so it is a bit harder to compare with consistency, but the mid/upper mid is pretty much the same as the MDR-1R and that kind of made me wanting to try something a bit different

Could anyone kindly suggest something with a more neutral mid compared to the P7/MDR?

Thanks!

subguy812 · May 24, 2014 at 8:40 AM

pandaclocker said:
Nice thread!

I currently own the NAD VISO HP50, and while I love its sound, my head-shape doesn't quite fit with it. It puts too much pressure on the top of my head (due to the square-shape). So I have some slight comfort issues.

Therefore, I'm very tempted to buy the T51p, seeing the reviews it has recieved: supreme comfort, excellent sound.

Those of you, who own both the HP50 and the T51p, could you please try to comment on the differences in sound quality? I guess the HP50 overall is slightly better, but what are the actual differences, and is there any area (sound-wise) where the T51p maybe beats the HP50? (dynamics maybe?)

Just very curious!

It may seem weird and somewhat contradictory ... but the HP50's have a cleaner and more detailed sound to me. It is more even and I don't feel it showcases any range more than another. That said, there are times where the detail is simply amazing with the T51p. I think the T51p is a little more "muddy" in the low end. That is not to say it is a "muddy" sound. I like both very much. I use both differently. I very rarely wear my HP50's out and about. I will grab my IEM's or T51p's when I leave the house. Comfort wise, both work well for me. I think I found the correct height of headband adjustment for the HP50's.

Edit: I was listening to the T51p's as I type and the Santana song Maria Maria, the bass is super clear and the sound is detailed and clean, so I have found many times that I contradict myself with the hp.

zazex · May 24, 2014 at 9:29 AM

I can talk only from memory about the HP50.
I currently have the T51p.

Without going into tight specifics, I can say I like the T51p more.

The HP50 never really hooked me - I always felt it was a bit boring...
very good but boring. At the time I had the Sony MDR Z1000 and
MDR 7520, both of which I liked more. So it was a pretty easy
decision to sell the HP50's, which I did.

(Also, though the looks of a headphone rarely concerns me, I
couldn't see myself wearing the HP50's outside what with that
odd headband and the glitzy finish on the earcups)

I think the T51p's are exciting, dynamic, revealing and detailed
with a great balance and outstanding soundstage. They're also
very comfortable (moreso even than the HP50's, which to me
were too cushioned) and really nicely made.

They're not just great little headphones, they're great headphones
that happen to have a small form factor.

s0ckpupp3t · May 24, 2014 at 9:40 AM

zazex said:
I can talk only from memory about the HP50.
I currently have the T51p.

Without going into tight specifics, I can say I like the T51p more.

The HP50 never really hooked me - I always felt it was a bit boring...
very good but boring. At the time I had the Sony MDR Z1000 and
MDR 7520, both of which I liked more. So it was a pretty easy
decision to sell the HP50's, which I did.

(Also, though the looks of a headphone rarely concerns me, I
couldn't see myself wearing the HP50's outside what with that
odd headband and the glitzy finish on the earcups)

I think the T51p's are exciting, dynamic, revealing and detailed
with a great balance and outstanding soundstage. They're also
very comfortable (moreso even than the HP50's, which to me
were too cushioned) and really nicely made.

They're not just great little headphones, they're great headphones
that happen to have a small form factor.

+1 I also used to have the HP50 and now have the T51p. Sound of HP50 was great but not exciting. T51p is much more fun and bass goes down deeper. Comfort was definitely an issue for me with the HP50 and the top of my head would get uncomfortable due to the headband geometry. The right earcup of the HP50 also clicked every time I moved my head so for all those reasons I ended up returning them.

BruntFCA · May 24, 2014 at 11:18 AM

havok2022 said:
Wanted to gather a few various opinions here. Looking for a new pair of headphones with in-line microphone and controls for my iPhone. I would like them to be easily driven off the phone without the need for a portable amp. I picked up some Sennheiser Momentums in the over the ear variety last week and have mixed feelings. As far as the sound quality is concerned, I'm pretty satisfied. They're slightly bass heavy to me, but no to the point of being bothersome. Overall I think they sound great. I've had good luck with Sennheiser in the past, which is why I went that route. Additionally, I was less than impressed upon hearing the B&W P5s. The problem that I have is that the Momentums don't for over my ears and actually end up acting more like an on-ear headphone. I also find their clamping force to be a bit too much. After extended wear I find that my ears hurt and they aren't comfortable to wear for long periods of time. I stretched/bend the band out, and that helped a bit but not enough to provide lasting comfort. So I'm thinking about returning them and moving to something else.

B&W P7s - Have tried these on in the store and can confirm that they seem to fit all the way over/around my ears. Remains to be seen if they'll be comfortable for extended wear, but I'm thinking they would be fine. I'm struggling to see if they are really worth $150 more than the Momentum's though (I got the Senns for $50 off their normal price). Especially with how unimpressed I was with the P5 (though my experience with those was limited). Do these ever go on sale? Are they worth the extra cost? How about extended wear/clamping force?

KEF M500s - These are very interesting to me mainly because I've been a proud owner of KEF speakers for over 10 years now. I used to sell KEF and have always liked the sound and quality of their tower and bookshelf speakers. The price is right in there with the Momentums, but again I have a few concerns. 1. I can't purchase these local without ordering them. When it comes to things like this, I prefer if I can at least try them on at a minimum and possibly take a listen in a store. Also, its nice to be able to bring something back without fooling with shipping if it doesn't work out. So since I don't have that luxury, I would be going into the purchase a bit blind. 2. These are an on-ear headphone, and i generally seem to find the over-ear cans more comfortable when it comes to extended wear. I would be a bit concerned with ordering something like that without being to try them out.

Also willing to hear other options or may end up keeping the Momentums, but I need to make a decision fairly quick before I can no longer return them. Has anyone experienced similar findings with the Moes, and if so what route did you go? Thoughts on my alternatives? Really just looking for some additional input.

Thanks in advance!

I've owned the P5s and the Momentums. The P5s were indeed incredibly disappointing sound-wise. I liked the Momentum quite a bit, but my ears became very sore after even short listening sessions because of the small ear cups. Returned those for a pair of P7s, which I still have.

Sound-wise, they're on par with each other. Momentums have better vocals because of their emphasis on mids, while the P7s have something of a proper soundstage and can actually replicate the kind of sub-bass which you feel but not really hear.

In terms of comfort, P7s have a bit more clamp than the Momentums initially but that wears off and they're really comfy otherwise. Like you said, they're proper over-ear designs, and that really was the clinching factor for me. Aside from that, they're definitely not worth $150 more than the Momentums, but for me, I really had no choice between the two because of the comfort issues.

Oh, and I haven't done any critical listening on them, but you might want to try out the B&O H6 at your local Apple store. Those things are insanely comfy.

Pandaclocker · May 24, 2014 at 5:53 PM

Thanks a lot for the answers regarding T51p vs HP50. Appreciated,

Bass goes down deeper than HP50? That sounds interesting, as I personally think HP50 has excellent bass extension.

How is the soundstage and imaging of the T51p compared to the HP50?

The HP50 has a very coherent frequnecy response from the uppermids to the mid-treble, giving excellent imaging and soundstage imo.

Can someone try to compare the midrange of the T51p and the HP50?

Personally I feel the HP50's midrange is very well-balanced with an overall slight warmth to it, sometimes making songs sound maybe a tad too "dark", but can be pleasent in others.

And how does the highs of the HP50 compare to the T51p?

Sorry for so many questions!

s0ckpupp3t · May 24, 2014 at 11:22 PM

pandaclocker said:
Thanks a lot for the answers regarding T51p vs HP50. Appreciated,

Bass goes down deeper than HP50? That sounds interesting, as I personally think HP50 has excellent bass extension.

How is the soundstage and imaging of the T51p compared to the HP50?

The HP50 has a very coherent frequnecy response from the uppermids to the mid-treble, giving excellent imaging and soundstage imo.

Can someone try to compare the midrange of the T51p and the HP50?

Personally I feel the HP50's midrange is very well-balanced with an overall slight warmth to it, sometimes making songs sound maybe a tad too "dark", but can be pleasent in others.

And how does the highs of the HP50 compare to the T51p?

Sorry for so many questions!

Going by memory but the HP50 struggled a bit with the sub bass in James Blake's Limit to Your Love (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOT2-OTebx0) where I don't have any issues with the T51p.

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