Need natural, vocal forward sounding headphone around $300
Feb 23, 2017 at 1:11 PM Post #2 of 7
Beyerdynamic T90's. Detailed, perhaps someone sparkly in the treble but very crisp, featuring great bass too. Vocals sound crisp and natural, too. Haven't heard the HD600's (will probably be getting a pair next month asap), but they are neutral-sounding and detailed too, but warmer and with less punch in the bass probably, and the smooth freq response in the curve indicates good mids.
 
Feb 23, 2017 at 2:32 PM Post #3 of 7
dakanao said:
  So I'm looking to buy a headphone (either closed or open) that has a natural timbre, decent bass punch and most importantly, forward vocals.
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For open, you might also check out the HiFiMAN HE400i. A bit over budget, but--. Solid bass, gorgeous mids, and good treble extension. Very detailed with a moderate-sized soundstage. HD600 would probably do your vocals quite properly, but its bass is a wee bit rolled off. It is within budget. It is exquisitely neutral, though. A really good headphone. HD650 has a bit better bass response but is fairly similar to the HD600 otherwise--treble is less extended than on the HD600. Also a bit over budget. 
 
For closed, you might check out the MEZE 99 Classics, NAD HP50, and the Oppo PM-3. All are solid. You might read about these and see what you think.
 
Feb 23, 2017 at 2:36 PM Post #4 of 7
serman005 said:
  For open, you might also check out the HiFiMAN HE400i. A bit over budget, but--. Solid bass, gorgeous mids, and good treble extension. Very detailed with a moderate-sized soundstage. HD600 would probably do your vocals quite properly, but its bass is a wee bit rolled off. It is within budget. It is exquisitely neutral, though. A really good headphone. HD650 has a bit better bass response but is fairly similar to the HD600 otherwise--treble is less extended than on the HD600. Also a bit over budget. 
 
For closed, you might check out the MEZE 99 Classics, NAD HP50, and the Oppo PM-3. All are solid. You might read about these and see what you think.
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I used to own the HE-400i, and I sold it because the vocals weren't forward enough, and the treble texture was kind of rough.
 
I have the HD-650 right now, and it's absolutely perfect, except that the vocals aren't forward enough for me to enjoy them (using them with Geek Out 450 amp/DAC)
 
Also used to own the HP50, didn't like that one at all (had some nasty resonance in the uppermids and overall a distant, unengaging sound)
 
How does the MEZE 99 compare to the HE-400i and HD-650?
 
Feb 23, 2017 at 6:32 PM Post #6 of 7
Why don't you just eq the mids up a bit?
 
Feb 23, 2017 at 7:19 PM Post #7 of 7
dakanao said:
  I used to own the HE-400i, and I sold it because the vocals weren't forward enough, and the treble texture was kind of rough.
 
I have the HD-650 right now, and it's absolutely perfect, except that the vocals aren't forward enough for me to enjoy them (using them with Geek Out 450 amp/DAC)
 
Also used to own the HP50, didn't like that one at all (had some nasty resonance in the uppermids and overall a distant, unengaging sound)
 
How does the MEZE 99 compare to the HE-400i and HD-650?
Click to expand...

Some people  have described the sound as integrated. That fits for me. There is a bit of a bass emphasis, but the overall signature is one of integration, top to bottom. Balance. I would say to your point of interest that vocals are somewhere in the middle, not totally forward or in back.  Imaging is excellent. Dynamics are great. Midrange is gorgeous. It's a fun headphone.  That's just my take. Others may feel differently. FWIW. YMMV, of course.
 
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