Comparisons: 36 of the Top Closed/Portable Headphones Around
Jul 29, 2014 at 9:19 AM Post #2,312 of 4,373
  Don't forget about the legendary Sennheiser HD-25. 
No, forget about it!
The HD25Alu takes the same sound to a new level and keeps the addicting sound signature.=) 
I would easily rank it among the Top 3 in your list heaving listened To B&W P7 and KEF M500.
 
 

 
As well as HD25 series what about Beyer DT250-80, DT150 (or maybe not !), DT770 Pro 32ohm, German Maestro GMP 8.35 D, Sennheiser HD380 and, no doubt, various Yamaha, Shure, Ultrasones etc
 
I think the less style orientated 'pro' headphones have a lot to offer. Great sound for a lot less money than the headphones in this comparison, indestructible, isolating and to some extent, portable...
 
Jul 29, 2014 at 9:27 PM Post #2,313 of 4,373
I bought the t51p off of recommendations here and I definately like the sound better than the xs I already had. For portability the the xs is hard to beat. I find most all on ears uncomfortable after 15 minutes or so but I have no problems with either of these.

Jim

Hi Jim, right now I'm really digging both headphones. The T51p's have more controlled bass (and more of it) with very liquid mids, while the XS's sound more "neutral" and open (with more "air") to my ears (though on the warmer side of neutral, with a bit more bass north of neutral). No doubt, these are the two most "portable" headphones on this listing...but the T51p's are a distant second with regards to portability behind the XS's.
 
Jul 29, 2014 at 9:28 PM Post #2,314 of 4,373
  Has anyone heard Sony's improved version of the MDR-1RNC, the one called MDR-1RNCMK2? How do they compare with the MDR-10RNC? Thanks!

Well, they are bigger and less portable (I've only briefly heard the MK2 version). In the end, I prefer the 10RNC's sound and NC seems a tad bit better.
 
Jul 30, 2014 at 5:22 AM Post #2,315 of 4,373
  Well, they are bigger and less portable (I've only briefly heard the MK2 version). In the end, I prefer the 10RNC's sound and NC seems a tad bit better.

Thanks! So the 10RNC actually sounds better? How do the two compare in terms of comparability? The 1R looks to be more comfortable for wearing on longer flights. Also the 1R has rechargeable battery which may be less of a hassle than having to replace the AAA battery... 
 
Jul 30, 2014 at 9:25 PM Post #2,316 of 4,373
  Thanks! So the 10RNC actually sounds better? How do the two compare in terms of comparability? The 1R looks to be more comfortable for wearing on longer flights. Also the 1R has rechargeable battery which may be less of a hassle than having to replace the AAA battery... 

Actually the 10RNC is very comfortable...basically a QC15 clone in terms of fit/comfort/form factor. Both are actually very comfortable. The advantage with a single AAA battery is you won't have to wait 2 hours for them to charge (or if you're not near a power source). Just keep a few spare batteries in the carrying case and you're good to go. 
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Jul 31, 2014 at 11:59 AM Post #2,317 of 4,373
  Actually the 10RNC is very comfortable...basically a QC15 clone in terms of fit/comfort/form factor. Both are actually very comfortable. The advantage with a single AAA battery is you won't have to wait 2 hours for them to charge (or if you're not near a power source). Just keep a few spare batteries in the carrying case and you're good to go. 
smile.gif

 
And to add to this, what happens in a couple of years when the non-replaceable battery starts holding less and less charge.  With my 10RNC I just replace the battery in less than a minute, with the 1RNC it's now a passive headphone.  
 
Jul 31, 2014 at 8:43 PM Post #2,321 of 4,373
Hi Peter
 
First up - kudos for the really great thread and comparisons.  I'm looking for a pair primarily for long distance travel (including long haul flights). Typically in the past I mostly use IEMs for travel - but there are times when fatigue (comfort) can make me wish I had some portable cans.
 
I've read though your comparisons, and pretty much narrowed it down to the T51p and the NAD HP50s.  To give you some terms of reference - my favourite fullsized cans are Beyer's T1 - in the past I've also owned and liked HD600, DT880, K701/2.
 
I'd be using an iPhone4 or X5 as a source for travel.
 
For SQ - I don't like anything too bassy (prefer accuracy/quality to quantity), and definitely tend toward neutral but detailed (mid forward is OK as long as they're not strident in this area).
 
Reasonable isolation, portability and build quality would also be preferred.
 
With above - which do you think would suit better?  At the moment I'm leaning more toward the T51p.  Am I on the right track?
 
I'd really appreciate any insight.
 
Thanks again
 
Paul
 
Jul 31, 2014 at 9:05 PM Post #2,322 of 4,373
   
And to add to this, what happens in a couple of years when the non-replaceable battery starts holding less and less charge.  With my 10RNC I just replace the battery in less than a minute, with the 1RNC it's now a passive headphone.  

 
Very good point!
 
Would anyone consider the new focal spirit one s as belonging in this group?

Jim

I would certainly agree. If anyone wants to send me a loaner pair, I'm game. 
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  Hi Peter
 
First up - kudos for the really great thread and comparisons.  I'm looking for a pair primarily for long distance travel (including long haul flights). Typically in the past I mostly use IEMs for travel - but there are times when fatigue (comfort) can make me wish I had some portable cans.
 
I've read though your comparisons, and pretty much narrowed it down to the T51p and the NAD HP50s.  To give you some terms of reference - my favourite fullsized cans are Beyer's T1 - in the past I've also owned and liked HD600, DT880, K701/2.
 
I'd be using an iPhone4 or X5 as a source for travel.
 
For SQ - I don't like anything too bassy (prefer accuracy/quality to quantity), and definitely tend toward neutral but detailed (mid forward is OK as long as they're not strident in this area).
 
Reasonable isolation, portability and build quality would also be preferred.
 
With above - which do you think would suit better?  At the moment I'm leaning more toward the T51p.  Am I on the right track?
 
I'd really appreciate any insight.
 
Thanks again
 
Paul

 
Thanks man. Based on your comments, I'd look into the T51p's and BeoPlay H6's...I'm thinking you might prefer the H6's more actually. The T51p's and HP50s have more bass than "neutral" to my ears, but both offer great "quality" bass.
 
Jul 31, 2014 at 9:08 PM Post #2,323 of 4,373
Cheers Peter - thanks for the quick answers.
 
Jul 31, 2014 at 9:25 PM Post #2,325 of 4,373
Hmm so the T51p actually have more bass than the H6? I think I'd need a portable can by the end of the year, and while the SRH1540 really caught my eyes, its size is what makes me reconsidering them as my 'portable' can.
 
The problem is, I may be able to get the T51p for about $400 while the H6 would cost me $600! (NZD).
 

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