[chengilang]

Hello everyone,
 
I need help deciding what headphones to buy. I currently have Westone 3, I use with my iphone 3gs no amp. I am looking to buy a closed can headphones now. I am looking to use this headphone with straight output from my iphone 3gs. I am looking at AKG K272 HD for 200 USD. Should I buy it? Any suggestions? I am willing to spend around 500 or less. But quality comes first.
 
Thanks

 

[K_19]

I honestly cannot recommend K271/2 without any amping.  They're one of the very few headphones that I cannot even tolerate without any amps (even my HD800 is more bearable unamped)... the sound IMO is overly tinny with absolutely no weight straight from an iphone.
 
Also, I'd like to say that if you want something that sounds like Westone 3's, then K271/2 won't sound remotely close in the first place, even when it's well amped.  Totally different sound signatures.  I'd look at either the Denon or Ultrasone range for something closer to W3.

 

[rarebear]

I have a AKG K-702 $255 @Amazone and like them a lot and are easy to drive just not a ton of bass but really great SQ

 

[chengilang]

I am not exactly looking for the same sound as W3. I am just looking for the same quality as W3. What would you suggest instead of AKG k272? I would like if it has a decent bass.

 

[zero7525]

Quote:

I have a AKG K-702 $255 @Amazone and like them a lot and are easy to drive just not a ton of bass but really great SQ

This doesn't make sense. AKG k-702? Easy to drive?

 

[chengilang]

Seems like all these need an amp, sigh. W3 didn't need an amp at all. Any other suggestions?
 
Thanks

 

[chengilang]

hmmm, I was thinking a semi open can is better? Anyone know if there is a good semi-open can? I was looking at ultrasone, which would you recommend? And which would you recommend for Denon, d2000? d5000?

 

[joelpearce]

As others have really said, semi-open is kind of like semi-pregnant.  There are some closed cans that don't isolate well, but as soon as you have decent sized vents, there will be some sound leakage.
 
In the Ultrasone range, you really only have the 2200/2400, 2500, and the new 2900 in the way of open headphones.

 

[chengilang]

Thanks,
 
Since I have never used cans before, what is the sound differences in isolation, between closed, semi, and open?
 
I am guessing open is you hearing everything around you without any lowering of dB by the headphones. What is semi? And for closed how much isolation is there?
 
Because if there is very little difference, I have been looking at the AKG k701 and after reading the reviews seem great.

 

[Anaxilus]

Audio Technica M50, Shure 840, Sennheiser HD25, Beyer T50p are some options.

 

[chengilang]

Anaxilus, do your suggestions need amps? Does the AKG k701 need an amp or can it sound great without one? K_19 do you have any specific suggetions?

 

[Anaxilus]

Quote:

Anaxilus, do your suggestions need amps? Does the AKG k701 need an amp or can it sound great without one? K_19 do you have any specific suggetions?

Speaking for my M50's they do not 'need' an amp.  Do they sound better w/ an amp?  Yes, but not enough to say it's a must.  I believe the same is true for the others I mentioned.  Haven't heard the AKG.....yet.  

 
For instance, the Etymotics ER4-S 'NEEDS' an amp.  M50's do not.

 

[chengilang]

So after doing a little more researching, I have found that I liked the three: ATH-ESW9A, PRO 900, HFI-780. Which would you guys recommend for unamped, iphone 3gs? I listen to a broad range of music.
 
Thanks

 

[Mr Joboto]

The ESW9s. Haven't heard the Pro 900s though, but the ESW9s are brilliant across the board.

 

[mrarroyo]

OP, I have owned the HFI-780 and the ESW9, different beasts all together. The HFI-780 sounds good to me but only after a re-cable and the velour pads from Beyer, by the time you do both you will have sunk the better part of $500 (unless you buy them used). If you plan on using them at home then I can see the HFI-780 having an appeal, if on the go then the ESW9 would be my choice. BTW neither offers the level of isolation as an iem. Good luck.